GreatAmerican Outdoor Show

[FishingCreekEmerger]

Hi all, I just saw a commercial for the ourdoor in Harrisburg. Has any of you ever attended? I was wondering if there was any fly fishing presence there. I’m on the fence about going. I will definitely go if there is fly stuff!

 

[ColdBore]

https://www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org/

You can explore the complete list of vendors and events on their website.

In general though, fly fishing is definitely underrepresented.

Still a very worthy show, but don't expect much in the fly fishing field.

 

[FishingCreekEmerger]

Thanks! Maybe I’ll look into it. I just won’t make it a must.

 

[csoult]

I've been there a few times. There is not a whole lot of flyfishing stuff, but it's still something worth seeing if you don't mind the crowds. It's hard to explain how crowded it can be sometimes.

 

[Dave_W]

I haven't been to this show for, probably, at least a dozen years - maybe it's time to go back.

I used to help man the Cumberland Valley TU booth and would often paint at the Lord Nelson's art gallery booth. Both of these organizations no longer have a presence there.

It always seemed to me that there was much more hunting/shooting stuff than fishing and the fishing exhibits were mostly guides booking trips in far away places. I enjoyed the the hunting stuff and big game mounts but if you're really only interested in FFing you will probably be disappointed.

Csoult is right about the crowds (at least this used to be true).

 

[larkmark]

Used to be a good show. Seems like the American flag (in all it's recent variations) and NRA tactical gun crowd has taken it over to a good extent. If that is your thing you will like it. Still some outfitters etc. but no great deals that I saw on any sporting goods.Years ago i bought a turkey call from a guy there and it has called a lot of birds for me and others. I went back two yrs later looking for him and they told me he died.

 

[Swattie87]

Agree with the analysis so far. There is little FFing at the GAOS. There is a good amount of general fishing booths, but I agree the majority of them are guides showcasing their lodge's/trips. There's some good deals to be had there on that sort of thing, if you're into it.

In short, I wouldn't go to the GAOS just for the FFing. If you're into hunting and other outdoor sports too and want to check out the whole show, then it's worth admission IMO. Or, if you're looking to book a guided trip and want to meet with some outfits, it's a good place to do that. It's VERY busy on the weekend days. I don't go every year, but every few years I enjoy spending a day there. (Convenient timing at the coldest part of the year when there's nothing better to do most days.)

If you're looking for just FFing, you'll probably enjoy The Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster (March 7th/8th) more. Much smaller in scale, but all FFing.

 

[bigjohn58]

I quit going years ago. From a fishing stand point its not worth my time. If there is ice on the lakes or nice enough weather to get out fly fishing that's where I'll be.

 

[HopBack]

The NRA took over the show and now you have about 85% guns, 5% Beef Jerky, 5% Hot sauce, and 5% other which may or may not include a vendor selling an eagle claw fly and some green weenies.

I don't go anymore but it is surely a sight to behold.

 

[afishinado]

Agreed above. Since the NRA took over sponsorship of the show a few years back the show is geared towards the shooting sports and hunting.




If you are looking to attend a fly fishing show, there is one in Lancaster > https://flyfishingshow.com/lancaster-pa/

And an even bigger one in Edison, NJ > https://flyfishingshow.com/edison-nj/

 

[Bamboozle]

HopBack wrote:
The NRA took over the show and now you have about 85% guns, 5% Beef Jerky, 5% Hot sauce, and 5% other which may or may not include a vendor selling an eagle claw fly and some green weenies.

I don't go anymore but it is surely a sight to behold.

First off, the REASON the NRA took over the show is because the anti-gun groups went ballistic after Sandy Hook because there were guns there so the previous sponsors decided to bail.

That being said, even before Sandy Hook the number of "fishing" exhibitors was trending downwards. This year is no differnet with about 99-9/10 % chance there ain't any fly fishing vendors to be found.

Bass Pro used to offer a free shuttle to the show and a 20% off coupon so I used to combine my attendance with a stop at Clouser's. However, Bob closed the shop and BPS ended the shuttle so I stopped going years ago for that reason however, I am included to go to ANY show where they sell beer...

...which they do at this show. ;-)

 

[Letort]

Have attended many times.

Hille's fly supply out of Williamsport used to attend, but they are gone. Bought a lot of flies from Cumberland Valley TU, but have not seen them lately.

Do not go planning to see any worthwhile fishing, especially fly fishing, stuff. Archery, hunting, camping, etc., is worthwhile.

Go to Somerset or Lancaster if you want fly fishing stuff. As I think about it, probably why the fly shops don't go to Great Eastern

 

[salvelinus]

There's a nice little show in Towson, MD on March 14. Maryland Fly Fishing & Collectible Show

And one in Bellwood, PA March 21. Central PA Fly Fishing Show

 

[FishingCreekEmerger]

Thanks guys. I tie at a few of the Fly Shows. I was just wondering about that particular show. I’ll be in Edison, Lancaster, Tie one on, tie fest and the central show.

 

[HopBack]

First off, the REASON the NRA took over the show is because the anti-gun groups went ballistic after Sandy Hook because there were guns there so the previous sponsors decided to bail.

I know exactly why they took it over. I’m not anti gun if that’s what your getting at. I just appreciated it more when it was an actual outdoor show and not what it has become. If the alternative was to have no show or this, I would chose no show every time.

Like I said, I’ve been there and done that many times and it can be a fun show if you temper your expectations.

 

[ColdBore]

HopBack wrote:

I just appreciated it more when it was an actual outdoor show and not what it has become.

... and it can be a fun show if you temper your expectations.

That about sums it up for me as well.

It's much less well-rounded than in the past. If you know that going in, and are there primarily for the hunting and shooting side, it's still a good show, just a different show than it used to be.

 

[mattwolf]

FishingCreekEmerger wrote:
Hi all, I just saw a commercial for the ourdoor in Harrisburg. Has any of you ever attended? I was wondering if there was any fly fishing presence there. I’m on the fence about going. I will definitely go if there is fly stuff!

If you attend the Edison and Lancaster Fly Fishing Shows and only want to see fly fishing "stuff" at the Outdoors Show in Harrisburg, I wouldn't waste your time. You will be dissapointed. However, if you want to visit booths about booking a fly fishing trip out west or somewhere, you will find some of those. I go every couple years to the Outdoors show and see a few fly fishing things, but it's mostly guns and hunting outfitters, archery, and other hunting things.