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| A good day in Laguna and one for the road! |
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| Written by Gene Jimenez | |
| Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:00 | |
 At the risk of sounding moronic and getting the nishikigoi beat down from the pros, I am just going to write on here until Michael Cox yells at me. So, I'd like to share a few recent koi experiences with you. The first of which was Laguna Koi Ponds 20th Anniversary open house. Ben Plonski (who you can see featured in the KOI NATIONS Magazine show first episodes), has been a major contributor to the hobby for more than 20 years now in his icon of a store located in the famous Laguna Canyon. I have been to Laguna Koi plenty since first entering the hobby a few years ago. I always thought it a great place to buy healthy fish, plants and get whatever equipment I could imagine. I also had been introduced and got to work with Ben during KOI NATIONS Magazine filming, so I was excited to just go and really say thanks to Ben and the crew. As a special guest, Mr. Norihiro Nagata was on hand to support and educate customers on the art and hobby of koi. Nagata San was most generous and rather excited the entire day. I later found out that Nagata San is actually a long time friend and Japan traveling guide to Ben on trips to Niigata, Japan for koi purchasing. Nagata San and the entire crew work seamlessly together to serve their customers, which was quite nice service. During the day, Ben and Nagata San did a couple of presentations on selecting koi, health issues and the art of various breeds, like showa and sanke. I was going to film for some footage for KOI NATIONS, but upon arriving, I just decided to shoot some stills and enjoy the activities. In hearing Ben and Nagata San talking about showas, I started looking around at some of the koi from Marudo and Miyatora. I saw some very nice ones in the 'big' pen. But there was one in the first pen that had caught my eye early on. Ben was gracious enough to pull her up for me and one look up close, I knew I would be taking her home. I am committed to getting girls into my ponds, so Nagata San confirmed the sex and I told Ben I would take her (although, I still do have my eyes on those two beauties in the 'big' pen Ben!). It wasn't even noon and I was on my way home with a gorgeous 2yo showa from Miyatora (at least I think she is gorgeous). She fit right in to my 1750 gallon rectangle. A year ago, I would have gotten one of the big beauties that I mentioned. My experience with KOI NATIONS and overstocking has led me to make wiser decisions about the number and size of koi go in my pond. I have several now, with room for them to grow this Spring/Summer. And, it sets me up to start thinking about expanding while I get to enjoy them growing. Thanks Laguna Koi for a fun day and a great showa! 
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