You want to show fish...BUT...

[cocoyboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori You want to show fish...BUT...What is stopping you?

Shoot you guys forced me! I felted the same way everybody else did about even thinking about showing. Fish wasn't good enough, transporting and the anxiety of paticipating in the show in general. I had a friend come over and suggest which ones to bring and some of which were over 20". Shoot I didn't even have a sock net! Antonio knew it was too much for me to handle for the first time and suggested, "start with the small guys first to limit the stress". Basically, keep it simple by taking small steps to get you there? Once you get to the show the benchers take your fish and handle it the rest of the way to your show tank. Win or lose it's still a great feeling being there surrounded by the areas best koi, dealers and friends! I have to say it was a fun start for me and never know what could happen belive me. Then part two of the koi bug is contracted but it's all good and you'll be glad you did it.

[dick benbow]

anything new in life causes stress. It's the uncertainty. So like most deer in the headlights we freeze.

you didn't start buying better fish till you got a handle on water quality and felt comfortable that you would not have any illness to contend with.

Showing is similar. You get to a point where you have aquired the knowledge and skill to face the challenge. The reward is that your now a much better koi keeper because of the knowledge and confidence. Anytime you move a fish or handle a fish there is the % that something could happen. BUt funny thing, the more of something you do the luckier you get with it.

Demonstrations are a great help and so are good folks who volunteer to come over and help a time or two to allow the owners to reach a confidence level.

[Bob Winkler]

Quote: Originally Posted by PapaBear Speaking of looking forward, I'm looking forward to finally meeting you, Burt, and Henry C at the OKC show in May. It will be our first, but I'm not sure if we'll be showing or not. Most of our Koi are just pond grade (combined with our lack of show prep experience) but we hope to learn much from working at this years show to help us along the way...

Looking forward to that too Larry. Hope you show, but if so Shhh, don't tell me ... come say hey for sure.

[PapaBear]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bob Winkler Looking forward to that too Larry. Hope you show, but if so Shhh, don't tell me ... come say hey for sure.

Not to worry... IF we decide to show nobody outside the club will know 'til after the judging Mostly we're looking forward to spending time learning from the whole process while working quietly behind the scenes, and of course getting to put some faces together with a few familiar names.
Last year was our first time to attend as happy spectators. This time we'll get our hands wet

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by cocoyboy Shoot you guys forced me! I felted the same way everybody else did about even thinking about showing. Fish wasn't good enough, transporting and the anxiety of paticipating in the show in general. I had a friend come over and suggest which ones to bring and some of which were over 20". Shoot I didn't even have a sock net! Antonio knew it was too much for me to handle for the first time and suggested, "start with the small guys first to limit the stress". Basically, keep it simple by taking small steps to get you there? Once you get to the show the benchers take your fish and handle it the rest of the way to your show tank. Win or lose it's still a great feeling being there surrounded by the areas best koi, dealers and friends! I have to say it was a fun start for me and never know what could happen belive me. Then part two of the koi bug is contracted but it's all good and you'll be glad you did it.

Very proud of you as you continue to improve with each show you enter. Now it is time for you to graduate to Young Champion.....

[moikoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori You want to show fish...BUT...What is stopping you?

mine aren't show quality.don't want be the laughing stock of the show.

[UnkleTim]

I don't show as the judging is "subjective." Don't get me wrong...I have NO problem with koi shows and I do enjoy going to them. But...through all events I enjoy those most that do not have subjective judging. Such as speed skating as opposed to figure skating. Car racing as opposed to car shows, etc. Somehow though...I don't think that koi racing would go over. Hmmmm, Rich L.....do you think that it would???
Unk

[cocoyboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori Very proud of you as you continue to improve with each show you enter. Now it is time for you to graduate to Young Champion.....

Yes, I'm saving up! See you this weekend!

[JosephandGabby]

Very few of my Koi, if any, are actually show quality. I've never been to a Koi show, but hope to make the Gardena show in March. I think I'd be too worried about my Koi getting sick or dying at the show to risk taking it along; especially if I spent a small fortune on it. I'd rather see everyone else's Koi...

[aquitori]

It's coming around to the end of the show season again....What are your fears or concerns about showing?