The Big One Show - Farnborough hits new heights
A record-breaking crowd enjoyed one of the greatest fishing events ever staged last weekend as The Big One welcomed visitors to its first show of 2019.
More than 20,000 mad-keen anglers headed to the famous Farnborough location over the two days, with Saturday proving to be the busiest in its 25-year history.
Visitors were treated to more big tackle launches than ever before, retailer deals, and three entertainment theatres packed with fishing’s most famous names.
In the John Wilson Legends Theatre the crowds were treated to demos from Steve Ringer, Tommy Pickering and Des Shipp, plus behind-the-scenes talks from Ali Hamidi, Dean Macey, Will Millard and Terry Hearn.
TV superstar Jeremy Wade revealed the stories behind his River Monsters and Mighty Rivers series, and unveiled his new How to Think Like a Fish book and upcoming, top-secret filming project ‘Dark Waters’.
Event director Vince Davies said: “I was worried that we wouldn’t fit everyone in – the crowds were massive on the Saturday and it was great to hear so many positive stories from everybody.”
Retailers reported their busiest Saturday’s trading ever at the country’s biggest fishing show, with some selling out of key items by mid-afternoon on the first day!
This year’s The Big One show was attended by a host of exhibitors too, including Pure Fishing, Preston Innovations, Korda, Browning, Nash, Shimano, Maver, Trakker and RidgeMonkey.
Anglers looking for new baits to try saw innovative creations from Dynamite Baits, Crafter Catcher, Sticky, Sonubaits, Spotted Fin, Ringer Baits and more.
Vince added: “We’re now preparing for our new show at Stoneleigh Park in the Midlands on April 13 and 14 – I look forward to seeing you there.”
What the visitors, exhibitors and stars thought of The Big One Show at Farnborough
Stars and Exhibitors
Darren Cox, Garbolino: “It’s been a really good weekend and we’re really pleased with how the show has gone – I’ve not been stood still once and am losing my voice from talking to so many people!
“Yesterday (Saturday) was the best day we’ve had at the show for three years. There are more match and pleasure anglers here than in previous years, and this has been a big boost for us.”
Erics Angling: “It’s been brilliant! We’ve constantly been busy, and we’re really happy with how it’s all gone. Saturday was particularly hectic, and Chubb gear was very popular. This has been the best year we’ve had. We’ll be back!”
Steve Ringer, Guru: “This has been the best show we (Guru) have been to! Saturday was the best day, and unsurprisingly our Hybrid Feeders have sold really well.”
Stu Redman, Sensas: “We arrived with seven tonnes of groundbait, and on Sunday morning we have just a few boxes left. Our four bags for £10 deal was incredibly popular.”
Darrell Peck, Korda: “It’s been very busy and we’ve had a really good show. We’ve been coming here for years, and its great learning first-hand what people think.
“We’ve had lots of positive feedback, and our most popular product has been the Spinner Packs, which is unsurprising as these are the in-vogue rig.”
Visitors
Melissa Ackroyd, London: “The queue to see Jeremy Wade took me and my husband about 40 minutes to get through but it was well worth it – he’s such a lovely man and very passionate about fishing.”
Ronald Kyte, Kent: “The Lure Live Arena was excellent and it was great to see the lures work underwater. I loved Gary Palmer’s talk on fishing for zander on canals.”
David Kemp, Reading: “I’ve been coming to The Big One for six years now and this one has been by far the best yet – from the much improved parking to the variety of exhibitors and the talks. It couldn’t have been done any better.”