Hey Guys.
Believe every one at the show enjoyed it a lot. Does any one have pics or news? Congrats to all the guys that goes home today with prizes. May you all arrive home safe.

Dont have pics, did go there to have a squiz tho!

Very competitive in the smaller sizes however not in the bigger sizes........seems like all the big fish placed.

Agi tho does stand alone when it come to competing in that size range, he took SGC and RGC

Anver took JGC, and his fish as well as what I saw in Thinus' pond were really good quality.

Also Dave M has some awesome fish, nothing much else that stood out to me in the big fish

What I enjoyed the most was to meet everybody and the friendships made and I got some excellent ideas on what to do on the Free State Koi Show next year and thank you to all for all the help that has been offered.

Congrats to all the winners it is a pity that there were not that many big fish showed as Cliff commented.I am one of the culprits that didn`t show,but you cant show fish that had ulcers and didn`t heal properly yet.
O Yeah thank you for the FREE FOOD AND DRINKS...

Must mention the winning Kohaku and OCHIBA ...

hANNES

Hey Hannes, comment not directed at anyone so dont feel like you were expected to show, understand you are from afar, so not easy!

Just wonder, there must be guys with bigger fish in Gautend that could make the show more of a spectacle with big fish.

Cossie, you should start showing some of those beauts in your big pond, make the shows more competitive man!

Yes Cliff you're right, we do need a lot more bigger fish at the shows, there are Quite a few guys up here with big fish who wont show for one or other reason, and I feel something has to be done other wise the next show will be even smaller. You mention that I must bring some of my fish to the show , we have fish in my pond and also in Angelo's pond that we can show [and some really big stuff], but I feel It's not a good idea to show fish against your customers. JMO.

Hannes it was great to see you at the show, I have an idea on what we can do with your big fish for the next show. Will chat to you at a later stage.

Cossie, only you are thinking it's not a good idea to show against your customers....the rest of us think it's a good idea!

You cannot tell me that each fish, whether from a dealer or a hobbyist does not have a price tag on it? If it's a winner and there is a price someone is willing to pay that person will sell it, then in turn they have a fish that is in a position to possibly take some prizes at the next show....so then what are you actually doing....you are promoting the hobby which everyone wants at the end of the day as well as promoting your business which enables you and the hobby....so win win...I dont have a problem with it so you shouldnt either as I'm sure the others dont either!

Heard a statistic where there were 1000 members 4 or so years ago and now there are roughly around 450 or so....that there were also 70 odd vats at a show and now there are 42......think the hobby needs as much put into it as possible, whether it be from dealers participating then so be it but we need to up the numbers!

I could not participate this year, so I am not one to talk.......hopefully will be there for the baby show in September!

I see your point Cliff, But it would be interesting to hear what a lot of the other guys think.!!!!

Costa, I don't know of a dealer that does not show his fish.

Spot on Colin!!

Nice seeing you again on Saturday Colin......must say, before posting this I saw your profile age is 57 and you dont look a day over 40....maybe 42
You and Bobby are 2 very pleasant gent's to be around!

Hey Cliff, when is the last time you had your eyes tested !!?? and you call me "TOPPIE" .

I see what you guys are saying, I have had customers who say they come to you to get your best fish for the show, and they get beaten at the show by the dealer they bought the fish from. To me thats not on . One such customer Rocky Michals thinks dealers should have their own show.

If I show fish, the best to do is show fish in classes your clients dont show . Again just my oponion.

Cliff wrote:

Spot on Colin!!

Nice seeing you again on Saturday Colin......must say, before posting this I saw your profile age is 57 and you dont look a day over 40....maybe 42
You and Bobby are 2 very pleasant gent's to be around!

Wow Cliff!

Thanks man you have made my day. It was great seeing you all there as well.

Costa, don't be jealous, when last have you looked in the mirror?

Yes Col, revenge is sweet my friend, wait till you get pushed into a pond one day. Then we see who has the last laugh.

Should dealers show or not? hmmm... that is a tricky one.

Im having mixed feelings about this because me as a hobbyist with limited pond space and limited budget will be competing against a dealer with a much bigger selection.

I dont have an answer, i think its one of those things some of us might not agree with but its going to happen in anycase.

I would say we should have a trofee for the best dealer at a show and he gets awarded according to how many of the fish that he supplied took top awards at the show. That way you know who the top supplier is and the hobbiest does not feel cheated.

costa j wrote:

Yes Col, revenge is sweet my friend, wait till you get pushed into a pond one day. Then we see who has the last laugh.

Just make sure it is in your big pond, those two Kohaku's will fit nicely in my pockets.