An eagerly awaited first edition
This new show was eagerly awaited. Basically, it was a show for all types of fishing, even if it lacked a few practical features, which I'll mention in the points to be explored. The date was carefully chosen to coincide with the launch of the season. The basic ingredients were there. The town of Royan was behind the event, with prominent signage and a colorful opening speech by the Mayor, Patrick Marengo. The region was also involved, as was RMC découverte for media coverage.
Numerous exhibitors for enthusiastic visitors
For this first edition, just over fifty exhibitors got in on the act. I'm not going to list all the brands present, but you can find them on the show website. Manufacturers and distributors of boat and jet ski brands, kayak fishing was also represented by 4 brands. Stores selling lures, rods and fishing accessories, including Kerfil. Quite a few local associations, federations and fishing guides, with a stand by Copere, the new collective for the defence of recreational fishing, which was set up at the beginning of the year. Vendors selling dedicated textiles, technical glasses and on-board electronics. The SNSM was also present, as were well-known You Tubers in the world of 2.0 fishing, to name but a few - I apologize in advance for forgetting any...
The various exhibitors were presented in the form of discussions hosted on the TV set by Frédéric Brilloux, who is to fishing what Christophe Mangeas is to cycling. The event drew an audience of nearly 6,000. On the beach, kayak trials were a great success, despite shortened sessions due to tidal coefficients and the topography of the launch. They say mud baths are good for the skin. Next year, a launch in the harbour would be very welcome.
The angling stand in a small inflatable pool was also a great success. Jet-ski tests and boat trips were also available. A surfcasting fishing competition was also organized on Saturday on the beach right next to the stands. In short, there was plenty to keep you entertained over the weekend.
A few ideas for future editions
- Strengthening the freshwater section
- No representation of underwater hunting, which is a component of recreational fishing
- Provide a space for small exhibitors, crafteurs, micro-contractors, rod fitters, who are just starting out and are absent from this type of event for lack of financial resources
My favorite
He goes to L'atelier du marin, which offers a new generation of boats. A breakthrough in the boating world. They use high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the same material used to make kayaks. While kayaks use beads, they use sheets that they cut and weld together, 100% recyclable and resistant to sea conditions. The boats are custom-built to customer specifications.
All in all, a very good impression of Royan's first fishing show. With a few suggested improvements and a large number of exhibitors and representatives of major brands, this show could quickly become a must-attend event at the start of the season. Well done and long live the Royan fishing show.
