Joey and I hit the show after his basketball game was over. We went to the kids fair to check on the schedules and went over to the fly-fishing show. We meet up with Bluegrass Bill and his wife Dana at Papa Bears Adventures booth. We had a good time talking with Robin and Steve about past/future trips. Bill was leaving and we had to rush back to the kids fair for the first raffle. Western Outdoor News puts on a great kid raffle with awesome prizes for all kids 12 and under for free. They had bunch of special stuff for kids who have passed their hunters safety for planned to soon. They had a Duck bind, 12 tangle free decoys plus accessories, 20lb re-curve bow and $50 Wilderness Archery coupon. The kids had the choice to pick the current prize or the Hunting stuff. They also gave away a MinnKota trolling motor. Joey really wanted the re-curve but we did not win anything at this raffle but they had a grab bag so every kid did get something.
We decided to get some lunch and forked out $23.76 for 2 tri-tip sandwiches, one order of garlic fries and no drinks
. They had raffles at 3 and 5pm so we ate and hung out at the kid fare. He shot the bb guns and tied a fly checked out all the displays. We did not fish in the swimming this year. Now it was time for the kids raffle again and we sat there and all the cool hunting stuff he wanted was won right off the bat. Then he pulled out an envelope for a guided Sturgeon and Striper guided trip on a 31' boat. Joey’s eyes got real big and they announced the numbers real slow. They read off the first 2 numbers and said Ok who's still in on this one and he jumped up and raised his hand. They announced the last number and sure enough we had #299 and won the $350 guided Sturgeon and Striper guided trip. I think he was in shock with excitement. Joey has not caught either of these fish so he was pretty happy. I was pretty happy to because I get to go along.
After our good fortune we went back to the Fly Fishing show and took a look around. We saw Papa Bear's who was on Dirty Jobs and we met a Lady who has a Lodge on Point Lake in Canada who was on the show Monster Quest. We walked around and did not cast any rods. There was a casting demo that was supposed to happen but it turned out to be fly casting gambling. They set up a cup about 30ft out and it cost a $1 for 5 casts to get a popper in the cup. Joey was all over that so here he is in line with all the rod reps trying to win a few $. He did pretty darn good and got as close as you could without actually getting it into the cup. Dad lost $4 but it was fun to watch.
The show is starting to wind down and stopped by Fly Fishing Specialties. My son decides that he's shopping for reels because he wants to go to Alaska. They get to talking business and I'm feeling pretty good about winning the trip. I think you know what's coming. Any how Galvin had a deal at the show to throw in a free spool and FFS would throw in a line and next thing you know I'm out some Serious money. We did call the war dept to get permission first since it been pretty cold outside at night lately. We also met JR from the board at FFS and enjoyed talking with him. So if you average in the trip we won I broke even but if you count lunch and snacks I was in the hole.
Joey and I are considering a trip with Papa Bears on the Kwethluk River. They have a few dates open in early to mid August. If we could find 1-3 good people to come along with us I would be willing to commit. I think I need to do it soon because watching the Market drop like it has been is depressing me. If you are interested let us know and we'll try to put something together.
All in all we had pretty good time. We also ran it Rainbow Larry from the board.
The parking lots were pretty darn full and it looked like a good turn out. Maybe next near we could try for a NCFFB tail gater at the Sac show.
Tight Lines and Skinny Wallets
Jet
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! It was fun to see Steve and Robin at Papa Bear and remember out treat trip we had with them last August. 
. Seems to me that Joey is very lucky at things related to fishing and a good luck charm for you as well. Sure wish I could make another trip to Alaska with you this year but unfortunately I have to show some restraint and hopefully may get a chance to go next year. Look forward to a fishing trip some where locally with you guys this year though. 
