International Sportsmen’s Expo

Urban Arizona Bass
Urban Arizona Bass

It’s that time of year again here in Arizona. Cactus League baseball is starting to ramp up and the ISE show is back in Phoenix. Before heading over to the show, I threw my fly rod in the truck and I headed over to the carp ponds to see what was moving. The carp were around but it seemed that the bass were more apt to play. After getting my fly fishing fix, I wandered over to the Expo and met up with some good people and friends.

International Sportmen's Expo
International Sportmen's Expo

I was able to stop by and talk to Terry Gunn from Lees Ferry Anglers about the river. I have a trip coming up in the near future and all signs are pointing to great conditions. The guys at AZ Fly Casters were there tying bugs and on the end, Dave Brown from Dave Brown Outfitters was hanging out talking to people about bird hunting and fly fishing up in B.C. It didn’t take much, but I think I am going to have to go up and pay him a visit in the near future.

Lees Ferry Anglers, AZ Fly Casters, and Dave Brown Outfitters
Lees Ferry Anglers, AZ Fly Casters, and Dave Brown Outfitters

As I wandered through the displays, I recognized a familiar face in the archery tournament. Darr Colburn from Colburn and Scott Outfitters was there with his son, Parker. Darr was flinging arrows downrange and racking up some good numbers. I’m thinking for next year about trying to round up some stickbow guys to go down and make a traditional showing.

Darr Colburn from Colburn and Scott Outfitters
Darr Colburn from Colburn and Scott Outfitters

Next to the archery range was a Dock Dog Contest. It was pretty fun to sit and watch the pups showing their jumping abilities. Some of these dogs jumping over 25 feet. I think my dog, Budder, could hang with the best of them though.

Dock Dogs
Dock Dogs Championship
Dock Dogs Championship
This dog totally cannonballed me. I was standing too close and got soaked.
Desert Fly Casters
Desert Fly Casters

Mike Stewart was manning the Desert Fly Casters booth while Cinda Howard was on the casting pond giving a casting demonstration. I had a really cool opportunity to meet fellow blogger, Marc Neilson, from Tonto Ramblings at the show. Mark was a really nice guy and I’m looking forward to doing a bit of fishing with him in the future.

Cinda Howard from Orvis showing the finer points of a roll cast
Cinda Howard from Orvis showing the finer points of a roll cast

Overall the ISE show was a good Saturday diversion, but I did feel that there were not as many vendors or people as past shows. What did you all think?

6 Responses to “International Sportsmen’s Expo”

  1. cofisher

    I’ve heard many from across the country say that there were less vendors and visitors this year. Denver seemed to be as usual, even considering two shows going at the same time.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Great meeting you too Marc. I am also looking forward to getting out on some Arizona streams. We’ll talk soon.

      Ben

      Reply
  2. Mike Yavello

    Thanks for the photo of Mike and the DFC booth. It’s much appreciated. I know there’s a few members who have t-shirts of yours as well (I’m one of ’em). I know it’s a drive on a weeknight, but feel free to drop by a meeting any time.

    Mike Yavello
    Programs Chairman
    Desert Fly Casters

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Not a problem Mike. Thank you for the support. Mike Stewart is a good guy and I have enjoyed getting to know him. I would love to make it to a meeting. I will shoot you an email if I am ever on that side of town.

      Ben

      Reply

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