Trade shows are billed as some kind of grand commercial nexus, but in truth, it’s more likely they exist to provide clients for masseurs and podiatrists.

Still, they are good for the odd fly fishing celebrity sighting (whatever the hell that means), and so far I’ve seen the usual mix of characters: Flip, Lefty, Tom (notice I’m on a first name basis with them, even if they’re not with me).

I even had the odd experience of seeing John Gierach 1.5 times, which suggests the second time I saw him he’d been cut in half by some kind of industrial accident.

The truth, of course was less believable; I was standing and talking to Don Bishop (formerly of Talk About Fly Fishing internet radio fame) when a flushed fan walked up, introduced himself, and said it was an “honor to meet you Mr. Gierach.”

Bishop isn’t John Gierach (though I’ve never seen them together, so I suppose that remains unproven), but he could pass for him, so I’m counting it as half a sighting.

Hey, it’s my blog.

That’s it for this Underground Celebrity Update. I’ve gotta run, and you’d think that was so I could uncover more interesting product news for my readers, but once again, the truth varies widley from the perception.

It’s not so much about getting information for you as it is about getting ready for yet another “reception” — which traditionally involves free beer, and large quantities of it.

Clearly, the gears of fly fishing commerce are lubricated by massive amounts of the stuff, which frankly explains a lot of what I see in fly shops.

See you in the (free) chow line, Tom Chandler.

[tags]fly fishing, ffr, fly fishing retailer, john gierach[/tags]

Posted in Underground Entertainment.