[Woodlander]

Firstly , I would like to thank everyone who helped to organize the Clave and to everyone who attended and stuck it out despite some bloody awful weather .
We have been juggling with the clave dates and have considered making it 2 to 3 weeks earlier which would give us more fish but would mean that Henning Park wouldnt be open for camping. We have also thought of having the clave on a Friday and Saturday. Then on Sunday we could go fishing without missing any of the demonstrations.
To bring this clave to the next level we would have to charge people, much like the Eastern Clave did. Would you be willing to pay and to what amount ?
We look forward to doing this next year. Your feedback is important to us.

 

[Smolt]

I would be willing to pay. $50 for two days would be ok with me.
The only problem I see with a fee is that it takes some of the, for lack of a better word, "spontaneity" out of the event.

I would prefer to have it held earlier so that there would be a better chance at fish. I hooked my first steelhead on the Friday before the Clave and wouldn't mind getting a chance to do that again.

I would preder to keep the same schedule, rather than holding it on Friday and Satuday. Saturday and Sunday enables someone to attend and not miss work. If someone wants to fish, they can fish on Friday -- like I did this year -- or Monday. Keeping it on Saturday and Sunday, I would think, encourages more "impulse" attendance.

However it is decided to arrange the Clave, I will be there again next year. Its too much fun to miss.

My $0.02

 

[juro]

It's completely understandable that you might have to charge to handle logistics and to reward people who travel great distances with a little assistance in costs for airfare, lodging, etc.

But once there is a price of admission, it's no longer a clave by Forum vernacular, for what that's worth. It becomes a class, clinic, seminar, whatever - but a clave is free.

I hope I am able to attend next year!

 

[Isgrigg]

My Two Cents

I have to agree with Mark ... keep the Clave free.

I feel the Clave is helping to spread the word on Spey fishing to those who may not know anything about the sport ... sure I would pay $50 to come, but I am already into the sport. As a matter of fact I paid $50 last year to go to Brantford ... no problem. But free will get more people to come out.

I also think keeping it free helps keep the mood relaxed, friendly and everyone helps out ... just in case the weather turn bad.

I hope the sponsors continue to support the event with bringing in Casters, equipment, helping with food and supplying door prizes. That all adds to the fun and enjoyment. But I come to learn, try new equipment, swap fishing lies and laugh with friends with a common interest.

My two cents.

Stephen

 

[fredaevans]

Sponcership?

Don't know the size of your group but I'd suggest you contact (assuming you haven't... which is a heck of an ass-u -and me thing). A major fly shop (thinking of Kaufman's Spey Days here) can make a huge difference in manufacture rep's, equipment to 'play with,' etc., and etc.

Considering the potential number your group could/should attract (and all in a 'focus group') several interesting options. But back to the point: If you charge, "they" won't come ... at least in numbers necessary to make this an ongoing event.

As someone noted above, What's the 'point' of why you're doing what your doing? The Sandy 'Clave started with an expected 35-50 folks (it was well over 100); this year Mark had in excess of 700 over the two days ... and he provided lunch.. and if you were there reasonably early: breakfast. (Here, if I'm close to the reality: he 'charged' the reps a small fee for attendance and the $ paid for the 'free meals.'

Why would 'they' pay a small fee? If you're in marketing, a 'no brainer.':devil:

 

[speyflyman]

My sincere thanks to all for the GL Clave

I do want to sincerely thank all who had any part in putting this Great Lakes Spey Clave at Henning Park for their time and effort. For me this was a GREAT experience. I, being new to the Spey Discipline had a chance to actually see what could be accomplished and it has indeed motivated me to continue my pursuit and practice casting to find out how far I can go with this. I was very impressed with the absolute ease and flowing forms that both Andy and Neil accomplished their presentations. I was also very impressed with how easy it was to understand them and what they were trying to get us to see. I am also very thankful for Doug and Rick who both spent considerable time on the water with me in the days before the Clave and gave me some foundation in Spey Casting. I had the opportunity to meet some fine, new people and see some others I have not seen for a while. I almost had a "worst case senario" type of experience that Sat. AM. I was awakened in my motel room by the thunder and lightning. I turned the Weather Channel on to see. Bad news...predicted severe storms to last all day in the whole area across central MI. I almost left after breakfast to return home to IN. Decided to at least swing by Henning Park and "play touch" with the situation before leaving. Am so glad I did, as shortly the pounding rain stopped and then shortly after the sun did actually come out. Turned out to be a good day. Again, THANK YOU TO ALL who gave of their time and efforts to make this Clave happen. Wishing all the very best, Stiver