Future of France’s National Fishing Festival assured says GIFAP

Describing its show as a ‘huge success’ the organiser of France’s first-ever National Fishing Festival says a second event will definitely go ahead.

The dilemma facing GIFAP – the French tackle trade association behind the event – is whether the second event will take place next year or in 2027. “The momentum of the show is in place and another one will definitely happen,” Stéphane Sence, Executive Director of GIFAP, told Angling International.

GIFAP has been praised for its unanimous support of the show, but there was disappointment that it failed to attract an expected attendance of 20,000, with half that number visiting the three-day event at the Nantes Exhibition Centre.

 “It is too early to plan a second edition and members of the association are scheduled to meet in the coming weeks to vote on the next steps of this adventure. Attendance is the only area for improvement and will be a priority for discussion.

“There are many reasons to consider – the slightly late date in the season, insufficient communications, a clash with Mother’s Day and the fact that the show was previously organised exclusively for sea fishing.

“Other key questions that need to be addressed are the timing and frequency. This will take into account the dates of other shows, availability of the Nantes venue and, of course, the budgets available to brands and exhibitors.

“A decision will be made before the start of the school year in September so that we can get back to work as quickly as possible.”

Sence added that he was heartened by the satisfaction ratings from exhibitors and visitors, which were unanimously positive with 81% saying that they were very satisfied and in no way called into question the event.

Sence was full of praise for the support shown from members of the trade organisation. “GIFAP is our strength and unanimously agreed that it would fully participate during our initial discussions a year ago, In reality everyone took part which created a leveraging effect on many other brands who are not members.”

Companies from the nautical, marine electronics and tourism sectors were all represented among the 110 exhibitors. The icing on the cake, said Sence, was the partnership with the federations of freshwater and saltwater anglers, competitive sports fishermen and even a European presence through the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) and the European Anglers Alliance (EAA).

Sence also paid tribute to the involvement of the National Federation of Freshwater Fishermen (FNPF) which took the largest booth at the show and brought a new dimension by offering activities for young people and their families.

“There was something for all ages and skill levels,” said Sence. “I would like to thank the elected officials and the 60 instructors present who truly contributed to the overall success of the event.

“Our overall objective was to organise a national trade show for all types of fishing and bring together all stakeholders within the industry – manufacturers, retailers, tourism and boating representatives and fresh and saltwater angling associations.

“Each brand was able to exhibit and sell their products through retailers without being subjected to a price war. Everything went smoothly and there was no disruption – our objectives were achieved.”

Main picture: Stéphane Sence (left) is pictured with Benoit Mayolle, President of GIFAP.