Fishing Shows

[TOXIC]

No, not TV shows but the traveling road shows that come to your area.  I used to set up a booth for the guide service and spend 3 or 4 days doing seminars and talking fishing with a lot of like minded fishermen and women and kids.  There were a lot of tackle vendors and some big name talent who used to travel in for personal appearances.  All of the local boat dealers would have the latest and greatest models on display and you could ask a lot of questions, get show specials and crawl around in the boats.  I pulled a lot of boats to a lot of shows for dealers.  I did this for a number of years.  Then I noticed the boat dealers started dropping off complaining about floor rental space and the tackle vendors switched from fishing to Sham-Wow and jewelry makers including more out of state outfitters and overall a lot of non-endemic vendors.  Second on the list of wintertime activities are the Bass Fishing flea markets and swap and sell events at firehouses and local venues.  They used to be a good place to stock up on used baits and equipment.

 

So my question is...do you still go to these events and why or why not?   

[Log Catcher]

We will  have a boat show here in about three weeks. It depends on what they have as to whether I will go or not. I skipped some years when the big attraction was a lumber jack contest. What does that have to do with fishing?  They promote having zip lines set up. If they bring in the hawg trough and do some fishing demos I might go. I did get see Rick Clunn do a demo several years ago at the show.

[12poundbass]

I no longer go. The reason being is it's one big flea market nowadays. There's a sonar seminar I'd like to attend, that's about it. The Novi, MI boat show was last week and guys like KVD, Zona, and Mark Martin go there because it's just outside of Detroit. No one comes to the Grand Rapids show. Most of the fishing stuff they sell is off brand crap or over priced. Novi is almost three hours away for me and if I wanted to drive that far for a couple seminars I'll drive two hours to KVD's brother's store Easter weekend when he gets his brother, Zona, Skeet, and a couple other big names for the weekend. 

 

I do miss the roasted almonds at the shows though. ?

[Munkin]

Timonium, MD use to have one of these shows every year in January. It was shut down a few years ago because the dealers were being charged too much for floor space (so I am told). Spent about 20 minutes talking with Brent Chapman which is my highlight of the years I went.

 

There is a local one at the Boonsboro, MD Ag Center this weekend that I recommend. This one started out as just a used tackle sale but has grown. I rent two tables to sell stuff but usually end up buying more than I sell.

 

Allen

[fishwizzard]

I go to a few each year but I live so close to the Chesapeake Bay that all the really local ones are mostly all saltwater tackle.  I go mosty for the food vendors and to get out of the house.  

[Gundog]

In my area we have one this weekend (snow storm is coming) at a mall, then next weekend at the Bloomsburg Fair Ground and then is the big one. The NRA Great American Outdoor Show is huge. I've been going to it since it first started and have only missed 2 years, once because of bad weather and once because it was cancelled. Only problem is every year there is less and less fishing vendors. But I'll still be there if only for the free swag. 

5 hours ago, Munkin said:

Timonium, MD use to have one of these shows every year in January. It was shut down a few years ago because the dealers were being charged too much for floor space (so I am told). Spent about 20 minutes talking with Brent Chapman which is my highlight of the years I went.

 

Allen

I miss the Timonium show at the fair grounds. They always had some of the best and most informative seminars on freshwater and saltwater fishing. Plus it was warmer down there. 

[Bluebasser86]

Use to so look forward to the Sportshow in KC when I was younger. It was a midway point of winter, and back before we had a Cabela's and BPS in the area, it was the only fishing gear I got to see in person besides WalMart. Plus all the glitter sleds I could look at. I remember running my hands along the sides and feeling how smooth they were and imagined them flying across the glassy surface of a lake, meanwhile it was 10* outside and snowing, it was a great escape. I always looked forward to talking to Harold Ensly, he attended every year right up to his death, still have a hat that he signed for me. 

Cut to today, there's boats, rvs, atvs, soaps, trips, jewelry making, knives, not much else. I haven't been a few years and other than wanting to take my boys so maybe they'd have the fond memories I have of it, I don't have any desire to go. 

[TnRiver46]

I just skip it and go fishing . I used to sell beef jerkey at them 

[Oregon Native]

Used to work the Portland Oregon Sportsman show and it was big.  Lasts a week and was exhausting  Downside was it was almost all salmon steelhead related and skiers of coarse....ugh

nothing against slime rockets but...been there done that and have caught hundreds and hundreds. Now the sportsman show here in Knoxville in a little bit in my opinion is very good and I really enjoy it. Almost 90 percent warm water fishing stuff. 

[J Francho]

We have the annual boat show coming next month, but there's not much in the way of tackle or fishing.  Mostly dock construction, boat repair, and other off the wall products.  It's really mostly for the boat dealers in the area to make sales.

 

I used to do quite a few seminars and operated a booth at an outdoors sportsman event, but that has slid downhill.  Mostly a chance for the rural crowd to come out and look at newest hunting supplies.  They all get dressed up in their Sunday best camouflage.  I'd mostly spend the day answering questions, but enjoyed all the stories people had.

 

The local message boards (NYBASS) and Lunkerville (MikeD) used to put on a full day seminar, with speakers, food, and drinks after.  That was down state, outside of NYC, and was a ton of fun.  I did kayak seminars, and one year was the keynote speaker.  I had to go up after Pete Gluzik.  That was a tough act to follow.  He keyed in on many of the points I was going to make, so I had to stray from my usual shtick.  We got to hang out, and he was really interested in the rigs I brought.

 

I haven't been to anything in years, and the seminar isn't a thing anymore.  It got too expensive, and participation dwindled.

[Scott F]

Outdoor shows have taken a huge hit from the internet in the last several years. Near Chicago, a new player has a pretty good show in Schaumburg IL, that is gaining momentum. My fishing club, the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance will have a booth there that I will be working all 4 days. 

They aren’t for everyone anymore. I like working the booth because I get to talk fishing with old friends, current and future club members in the middle of winter. I get to see new boats, electronics, gear, and last year, I met Larry Dahlberg. 

The club also works a smaller local show held in a high school (Tinley Park) that is more like a flea market.  It’s cheap to get in and pretty popular. I’d be going even if I wasn’t working the show.

[redmeansdistortion]

On 1/15/2019 at 11:50 AM, 12poundbass said:

Most of the fishing stuff they sell is off brand crap or over priced.

Ain't that the truth.  I went for the first time this year since they stopped doing it at The Palace.  I did stop by the Dardevle booth and grabbed 4 spoons for $12, they had their stuff priced a decent amount below retail.  I ended up with 3/4oz and 1oz Five of Diamonds and 3/4oz and 1oz Dardevle Classics.  Those were good deals, but everything else was pretty pricey.  It doesn't seem like the show is what it was in the 90s last I went.  Back then it had actual manufacturers showcasing their latest and greatest gear.  This one felt more like a flea market charging over retail as far as tackle goes.

[slonezp]

8 hours ago, Scott F said:

Outdoor shows have taken a huge hit from the internet in the last several years. Near Chicago, a new player has a pretty good show in Schaumburg IL, that is gaining momentum. My fishing club, the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance will have a booth there that I will be working all 4 days. 

They aren’t for everyone anymore. I like working the booth because I get to talk fishing with old friends, current and future club members in the middle of winter. I get to see new boats, electronics, gear, and last year, I met Larry Dahlberg. 

The club also works a smaller local show held in a high school (Tinley Park) that is more like a flea market.  It’s cheap to get in and pretty popular. I’d be going even if I wasn’t working the show.

I'm probably going Thursday after work. See you there

[Way north bass guy]

20 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Use to so look forward to the Sportshow in KC when I was younger. It was a midway point of winter, and back before we had a Cabela's and BPS in the area, it was the only fishing gear I got to see in person besides WalMart. Plus all the glitter sleds I could look at. I remember running my hands along the sides and feeling how smooth they were and imagined them flying across the glassy surface of a lake, meanwhile it was 10* outside and snowing, it was a great escape. I always looked forward to talking to Harold Ensly, he attended every year right up to his death, still have a hat that he signed for me. 

Cut to today, there's boats, rvs, atvs, soaps, trips, jewelry making, knives, not much else. I haven't been a few years and other than wanting to take my boys so maybe they'd have the fond memories I have of it, I don't have any desire to go. 

This is almost word for word what I would say about my younger years. Used to go to the Toronto sportsman’s show every March and stock up on gear, but now it’s just a super expensive flea market. 

[volzfan59]

I go to the Knoxville, TN Fishing Show every year. Don't always buy stuff, but it's good for my cabin fever. To me, it had gotten stagnant, but since they moved it to our Expo Center it seems to have grown and become better. Can't wait for it to start next weekend!

 

That being said, I'm really, really looking forward the the B.A.S.S. Classic Expo this March. Never been to one, but I've heard that there are always good deals.

 

 

[Sam]

4 hours ago, volzfan59 said:

I go to the Knoxville, TN Fishing Show every year. Don't always buy stuff, but it's good for my cabin fever. To me, it had gotten stagnant, but since they moved it to our Expo Center it seems to have grown and become better. Can't wait for it to start next weekend!

 

That being said, I'm really, really looking forward the the B.A.S.S. Classic Expo this March. Never been to one, but I've heard that there are always good deals.

 

 

You will have a great time at the Classic.

 

There are some good deals to be enjoyed.

 

When you get there, go to the Dick's Sporting Goods area and get one of their large green bags. You will need it for the freebies.

 

And bring a baseball cap and a black fine point sharpie for autographs.

 

The Classic Expo is something all of us have to attend. You will have a great time.

 

Let us know all about the Expo; who you saw; and what you got.  

[RB 77]

Yes, every single year because I work a show as a vendor. I have done so for both the corporation I work for and I did a year with my own booth for my side business. Would I still go otherwise? Probably not, for the reasons you mentioned such as it turning in to a clothing and jewelry bizarre. With the advent of online sales, social media and such, much of what would of previously been a valuable resource can be had with the click of a button on a mouse. Still a good time can be had if you go to just cruise around for the day and chit chat with some industry folks and such. Some people still actually want to talk to human beings in person!

[volzfan59]

11 hours ago, Sam said:

You will have a great time at the Classic.

 

There are some good deals to be enjoyed.

 

When you get there, go to the Dick's Sporting Goods area and get one of their large green bags. You will need it for the freebies.

 

And bring a baseball cap and a black fine point sharpie for autographs.

 

The Classic Expo is something all of us have to attend. You will have a great time.

 

Let us know all about the Expo; who you saw; and what you got.  

Will do Sam! I'm looking forward to this.

[dave]

On 1/15/2019 at 12:09 PM, fishwizzard said:

I go to a few each year but I live so close to the Chesapeake Bay that all the really local ones are mostly all saltwater tackle.  I go mosty for the food vendors and to get out of the house.  

Will you be stopping in at the show at Kent Island this weekend?

[volzfan59]

Glad I went to the Knoxville Fishing Show! I just got back home. Got to see and rub on the new Vexus Boats and Falcon Boats. Man, those are two sweet rigs! Not cheap, but in line with other brands.

 

I picked up three out of production Lucky Craft "pop r's" for $20.00, clear in color. I may go back tomorrow to dig through some more of the bins.

[Oregon Native]

I went too….was a great show...it's getting bigger and it's still all fishing.  Really wanted some of those Honey Pecan's but it's a no..no for me.  Some great looking cranks there....

[volzfan59]

I wish that I knew you were there. I would enjoy meeting you face to face. I think I'm going back this evening. There's some Rick Clunn "RC2" crankbaits that are calling to me.

[Gundog]

One week till the opener of the big one in my area. Hope the weather doesn't get too bad. I'm planning to go twice. Once on SB Sunday, I've found it isn't that crowded on that day and hopefully on Thursday. Even though they don't have much in the way of fishing stuff they have something almost as good. THE HALL OF GUNS! Almost every gun company in the US and some outside the US. Think "Shot Show" on the eastern part of the country. Every type of gun you could think of is there. From .22 derringers to .50 caliber rifles. Can't wait. The only cure (outside of fishing) for cabin fever.

[volzfan59]

My name is volzfan59 and I have a problem.

 

Went back to the fishing show this evening while my wife, daughter in law and granddaughter went to a play. I bought eight Luck E Strike Rick Clunn RC2 square bills, eight RC2, series 1 "Freak" crankbaits and a bunch of local made soft plastics.

 

To be honest, she left me unsupervised.

[A-Jay]

45 minutes ago, volzfan59 said:

My name is volzfan59 and I have a problem.

 

Went back to the fishing show this evening while my wife, daughter in law and granddaughter went to a play. I bought eight Luck E Strike Rick Clunn RC2 square bills, eight RC2, series 1 "Freak" crankbaits and a bunch of local made soft plastics.

 

To be honest, she left me unsupervised.

It's not your fault ~ they were calling to you.

What are you supposed to do ?

A-Jay