[Steve E]

I thought I would start this thread to discuss showing koi in bags. I was at the Koi Unit/Champion show and had a chance to participate in and observe the process. It was a great time and that is receiving excellent coverage in other threads. My comments are based on my fairly new exposure to koi showing (6 shows over about 3 years).

The set-up for the fish needs to be under shade. If a large canopy is used as was done for this show, I would highly recommend that shade cloth be placed along the top edge of the wall/roof juncture to keep direct sun from entering below the canopy roof. Otherwise someone will have to move the bags as the sun moves.

Use blue tarps to lay the bags on to provide a good background color.

Consideration should be given to some type of a table with sides. Regular portable tables, saw horses or mortar stands with wood tops, etc. The sides could be 2 X 4s laid beneath the blue tarp/cover on the table. This will bring the fish about 24" to 30" off the ground. This will make judging easier, viewing by the public easier, and it will be safer for the fish.

Bags need to be clear plastic. But becareful of what type of bag is used. Some clear bags are inexpensive and more brittle and may spontaineously break. There is a bag that fits the needs of this type of show but it runs $5.00 US per bag. I understand it has a valve in it for adding more oxygen, but I have not seen one and may have the description slightly incorrect. The cost of the bag will certainly be a factor and may dictate higher entry fees.

Limiting the show size to size 1, 2, and up to 15" for size 3 was certainly a plus for this show. It allowed the bags to be moved with realative ease. Size 4 or 5 would be feasible, but more work and I am not sure how the fish would present. Remember a bag would limit the movement of the larger fish. And there is also how much of the koi would be under water, possibly affecting how the koi is viewed by the judge.

I would also be concerned about stress. If a person lives two hours from the show site this would be a possible time frame. Catching the fish, bagging, and travel to the show - 2 to 2.5 hours. Arrival time 1 hour before benching ends. Registration, remove from bag, benching, and re-bagging 20 minutes to ???. This depends on how many entrants are there when you arrive. Judging time 2 to 3 hours for 40 - 60 fish. Traditional viewing time until awards are given out 3 hours. Travel time home 2 to 2.5 hours. For a greatly estimated time of 10 to 12 hours in one bag or another. Once again this an estimate of times.

My conclusion: I believe that a bag show can be a good way for a small club with limited help to hold a Koi Show. I believe that seeing all of the koi of a similar size and class together makes an exciting show. If we discuss the benefits and limitations we can continue to improve this method of showing koi.

Steve