From the 10th-11th March 2017, the Business Design Centre, Islington, will host the first annual London Fly Fishing Fair, inviting the GWCT to support in this initiative.
Co-founded by John Kelley and his son, Fergus Kelley, this is the first annual exhibition which will exclusively feature fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle brands and experiences in central London.
A few of the exciting attractions will be a Bentley Bentayga on display, kindly provided by Jack Barclay, the indoor casting pool, with impressive displays from some of the world’s best fly fishers and personalities, including Charles Jardine, Hywel Morgan and Matt Hayes, as well as Marina Gibson and James Stokoe.
The fly tying area will feature professional fly tiers from all over the world, offering guests the chance to learn from the best. Visitors can also enjoy talks, presentations and films on all disciplines of fly fishing including screenings of the Fly Fishing Film Tour F3T, which documents first class fly fishing destinations from all over the world.
The Shotgun Chef will be providing delicious game offerings throughout the duration of the fair, celebrating a field to fork lifestyle! With international exhibitors from as far afield as Mongolia, South America and Alaska, there is something for all abilities.
Don’t miss The Bentley Bentayga on display, the ultimate luxury fishing vehicle. The Game Fair, Orvis, BASC, Fly Dreamers, Go Fishing Worldwide, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Fishing 4 Schools (Countryside Alliance), Alaska Trophy Adventures, Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge and Frontiers, alongside 70 other specialist exhibitors, fishing destinations and lifestyle brands.
Fly fishing has been an important part of John and Fergus’s lives for many years, nurturing their passion for the sport and ultimately encouraging them to get involved professionally. John started course fishing on local lakes and rivers whilst at school, but was introduced to fly fishing by an Italian uncle who took him trout and salmon fishing in the UK.
Fergus went with John occasionally, but he chose to embrace this sport after an inspirational moment at a friend’s ranch in Idaho. He realised fly fishing could become a vocation and went to university at Sparsholt College, studying sport fishing and aquaculture, obtaining an Honors BASC degree. Work experience took Fergus to Argentina, guiding at the famous Pira Lodge in Northern Argentina fishing for the powerful Golden Dorado.
“Fly fishing is a passion for us both,” explains John. “The romantic idea of hunting fish in remote destinations has been a powerful element of our involvement in the sport. We are happiest with a fly rod in hand!”
John Kelley explains his inspiration to launch this fair, “Fergus and I are desperately keen on all forms of fly fishing. Having travelled the world following our passion, we felt there was no real focus in London for this amazing sport. For people who support wildlife conservation like the GWCT it is a natural place to go and engage in what we all love. As an exhibition organizer, it was an easy step to start the London Fly Fishing Fair.”
Fergus Kelley remarks, "Fly fishing has been a very big part of my life for many years now, travelling extensively around the world to fish. However, London is my home and bringing the sport to the many Londoners who have not seen or been able to get involved in fly fishing really inspired me to bring it here.
For me, what is most important is to share this incredible sport to more people in the UK and show how readily available it is for everyone to enjoy. The London Fly Fishing Fair is a great place for people of all ages from beginner to expert to learn and get involved. This is also a great opportunity to meet the people behind the brands and learn about new products and technology in fly fishing.”
“Additionally, The Business Design Centre is a fantastic exhibition venue with wonderful natural daylight from the Edwardian glass roof. The wonderful space allows us to create a casting pool and ample space for the exhibitors. The real benefits are the fact that the location is in central London and we are open 9am till 9pm allowing people who work the opportunity to visit on the Friday.”
So what does John Kelley see for the future of the London Fly Fishing Fair? “We strongly believe that The London Fly Fishing Fair is a springboard to bring more interest into the sport. We would love for it to grow and perhaps take in more country sport activities and cannot wait for the GWCT to help us achieve this.”
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