Showing koi

[TylerJ]

I am still new to this hobby but I want to go to a show this year. not one in mississippi so I will need help finding one. I am continuing to study on tosai. so much information out there on selecting them that it is confusing me. I would like to show one or all three of the tosai that I buy this year if I can find a show close enough. anybody ever show their tosai?

[dick benbow]

Once you find your show, you'll need to be comfortable in catching Boxing/airing your koi for travel. Most beginners don't have air in which to pack so you'll have to make arraingements with someone who has a bottle. Usually the koi are placed in confinment without food for 4 days to that the pollution in the travel and show facilitity box/tank. As a show bencher I am always surprised at the number of koi that show up in nasty water with less than an hr's time in the box because they were fed or left in a pond with algea to consume ( which they do like cracy if not fed ).

Purchase wise as you begin your learning curve you need to purchase probably males which have brighter colors as they finish earlier than the girls. If you feel you want to feed color food prior you need to plan to stop your color feeding about 6 weeks prior to the show to allow time for the faces which often yellow to clean back up.

It's a smart idea to have a Q tank to return the koi in from a show to insure no contamination from dripping nets etc as a safe guard for your main pond.

[aquitori]

Have to agree with Dick, but I would also advise to just go and checkout a show first before showing. The good thing about tosai is that they are by far easier to bring to a show than bigger more fragile fish. You should make your first show as easy for you. Cocoyboy showed his first show last year with tosai and did very well at the show taking best in size 1 and 2 with 4 tosai. He later commented that it was very easy to bring fish of that size to a show and now he has a pretty good idea how it will be with larger fish. Anyways, make your first show fun and enjoyable...good luck!!!

[RayJordan]

Good reccomendations on showing the first time. From Mississippi the closest shows are likely Dallas the first weekend in June and the Atlanta show and and koiphen show in Nashville are in September. Another option would be to buy a small koi or two at the event and then enter them in the show. That way you only have to transport one direction.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by RayJordan Good reccomendations on showing the first time. From Mississippi the closest shows are likely Dallas the first weekend in June and the Atlanta show and and koiphen show in Nashville are in September. Another option would be to buy a small koi or two at the event and then enter them in the show. That way you only have to transport one direction.

I think there is the Louisville Show in May...I dont know the dates, but I might be there to checkout a midwest show.

[dick benbow]

Ray, it always amazes me the number of people who will support show dealers
by purchasing and entering koi....and winning with them. Dr Art lempke Judged our koi show last year in Spokane and purchased some Goldfish locally and entered in the show. It was very appreciated that he would support the club by coming out to judge and supporting the goldfish show. he did have a box to carry back on his lap on his return flight however! LOL great suggestion....

[RayJordan]

Hi Dick,
You are so right. We often have visitors from out of town purchase a small koi at our show to support the event. Some even donate the koi afterwards to the club to sell in the show auction. Koi vendors often give a extra discount for koi purchased and placed in the show. It is a wonderful win win for all.

BTW - The Louisville koi show is the last weekend in May.

[schildkoi]

As Ray pointed out;
Dallas Koi Kichi Show in May (I think) http://www.dallaskoikichi.org/
Oklahoma Koi Society Show in May http://www.oklakoi.org/
Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish show in Sept (San Antonio) http://www.texaskoi.com/
Koiphen Koi Nationals & Pond Expo in Sept (Nashville) http://www.koiphenshow.com/
Atlanta Koi Club show September http://www.atlantakoiclub.com

Viability of driving to any of these I guess woud depend on your location in Mississippi. I am in Memphis and have attended each of these, except the Koiphen show...it is the first time and I am show chair for that show if you desire any additional information (schildkoi@aol.com)

Steve

[mrbradleybradley]

Hi

Taking your own koi to a show can be rewarding. Prepare and plan, otherwise it can be stressfull. I think the best way to plan is to find a buddy who you can help prepare and transport their koi to and from the show. Watch learn and help out. They will be glad for the help. Then when it comes to your own koi, with all that you have learned, you will be able to enjoy the show much more.

BB

[MikeM]

Tyler, I'd guess most of the awards in the smaller sizes at most U.S. shows go to fish purchased at the show. To get the best selection, you have to arrive early, make your purchases and get them entered in time for judging. Not a problem with a 3 day show where judging is on the second day, but it can be a time challenge at a one or two day show! At many shows the major dealers will get a show tank for their customers' fish to go in, so you just pay the entry fee and don't have the tank rental fee. But, the best on that day may not be the one to give you long term enjoyment!