Dont everyone get me wrong I appreciate, all the vendors, and all the stuff they do for fly fishing. All I am saying is I would be more willing to support a show where the door proceeds went to the rental, and some charitable cause. As far as american made equipment, I agree most sporting goods are made overseas. However when given the choice I prefer to sport american companies. Meaning they make, and assemble here in the U.S. Now realistically we all know this isnt the case with most products. As far as the fly fishing expo held at Macomb Community college it is a commercialized show, so was the MUCC show this year. Worst outdoor rama I've been to. Being a life time member of MUCC, and Michigan Steelheaders, as well a Trout unlimited. I feel that there has been more reliance of vendors to support these shows than its members. Remeber most these shows were originally sponsored by these groups, and then they invited vendors. Now it seems to be going in the other direction. Also like most sports I feel that they should revolve around the youth. Meaning how can a teenage kid, on his own save enough money to fly fish. As with most sports Adults drive the market up because they are willing to pay top dollar to have the best. If you look at entry level Scott's, Sage, T&T, or any other manufacture the minium cost for these is not going to be lower than 125 or so. Why? because we as adults are willing to pay that cost. So in closing Take a kid fishing not to teach him what you learned at some show, but that fishing is the oldest form of hunting and gathering, and that if we dont respect our Natural resources we will loose them, and that sometimes its best to go out and not catch anything than it is to leave with 3 in the hand.
