It’s the biggest fly-fishing show in all of North America, probably in the whole wide world. Ten thousand fly fishermen gathered right here in northern New Jersey.

That’s where the Minipi gang, most notably, Robin and the sanguine, senior Mr. Cooper, were hanging out this weekend (Jan. 24, 25, 26), sitting on their inflatable “River Couch” with fly fishers buzzing all around – the famous Lefty Kreh and Ed Jaworowski to name only two — plus lots of friends, some from as far away as Canada, and dozens of Minipi veterans and Minipi plan-to-be’s and wannabes.

Robin was yakking about the latest outdoor products at his Minipi Outfitters store in Goose Bay; Ed Quigley and Barney Leonard, Minipi multi-year veterans, were discussing the state of the union and telling potential guests tales of trophy trout.

“Why was Mr. Cooper “sanguine’”? Because nearly all the beds available at Anne Marie Lodge are already filled for the 2014 season. So, while it may be too late to join us on the river couch, it’s not too late to reserve your 2014-week on the Minipi. But hurry up. There are only a few prime-time spots left.