Classic Expo

[BoatSquirrel]

For those who have attended a Bassmaster Classic Expo, what can I expect?  Are there super deals on tackle and equipment to be had?  Is it worth a 3 hour drive and not fishing that weekend?

[TnRiver46]

32 minutes ago, BoatSquirrel said:

For those who have attended a Bassmaster Classic Expo, what can I expect?  Are there super deals on tackle and equipment to be had?  Is it worth a 3 hour drive and not fishing that weekend?

Well buying stuff is never better than fishing but maybe the tournament and weigh in will be worth the drive! 

[volzfan59]

1 hour ago, BoatSquirrel said:

For those who have attended a Bassmaster Classic Expo, what can I expect?  Are there super deals on tackle and equipment to be had?  Is it worth a 3 hour drive and not fishing that weekend?

This is coming from someone that has never been to a Classic, but my friend has been to several. He said that there are always great deals to be had at the Expo.

 

[Sam]

One word: FANTASTIC!

 

Don't be concerned with the prices, etc. Just go from vendor to vendor and see what they have to offer.

 

Look for the pros walking around or at a table autographing caps. Bring your own Sharpie.

 

Dick's has a large area and things are on sale.

 

You will see the newest products; meet the movers and shakers; speak with corporate executives about their products and you can give them your pros and cons. (I told Tracker people that having a black gunnel could burn people in hot weather).

 

I met the Rage Tail inventor and he gave me a few of his newest baits. Great guy.

 

You can find Glenn and meet him. He is a very nice person.

 

Get a large, green Dick's bag for your goodies and samples.

 

I have been to two Classic Expos so far and looking forward to a day in the future when I can go again.

 

WORD OF ADVICE: Go by yourself. Wives, girlfriends, relatives, office buddies, neighbors, and others who do not fish will not have a fun time.

[BoatSquirrel]

Oh man this could become a difficult decision.  I am praying for crappy weather for that weekend.  My beloved jerkbait bite is ON and should only get better as we get closer to the Classic.  I am not interested in skipping a day on the water!

[Sam]

1 hour ago, BoatSquirrel said:

Oh man this could become a difficult decision.  I am praying for crappy weather for that weekend.  My beloved jerkbait bite is ON and should only get better as we get closer to the Classic.  I am not interested in skipping a day on the water!

The Classic Expo is worth one day off the water for this year.

 

You will have a good time and you can ask the pros you meet anything you want about fishing, boating, electronics, batteries, etc.

[TnRiver46]

19 hours ago, Sam said:

The Classic Expo is worth one day off the water for this year.

 

You will have a good time and you can ask the pros you meet anything you want about fishing, boating, electronics, batteries, etc.

Won't the pros be fishing??

[TOXIC]

21 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Won't the pros be fishing??

Yes unless they miss the cut, then they go work in the expo for their sponsors.  

[TnRiver46]

22 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

Yes unless they miss the cut, then they go work in the expo for their sponsors.  

Gotcha thanks

[Sam]

2 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Won't the pros be fishing??

Not all of them will be fishing. The ones that don't make the cut will be at the Expo.

 

Add the manufacturers reps and research guys and gals and you have a lot to see and do.

 

If you drink Bourbon, Evan Williams gives out samples.

 

 

[HeyCoach]

4 hours ago, Sam said:

Not all of them will be fishing. The ones that don't make the cut will be at the Expo.

 

Add the manufacturers reps and research guys and gals and you have a lot to see and do.

 

If you drink Bourbon, Evan Williams gives out samples.

 

 

For free bourbon, I can fake liking Evan Williams. 

[Gundog]

Two years ago I went to a BASS Elite tournament in upstate NY and it was fantastic. Got to ride in a Skeeter, free swag and got a peek at some of the pro's boats and some of the lures they were using. I would love to attend the Classic. Maybe some day.

[Basseditor]

Only thing I can add — take lots of money or a zero balance credit card.

 

last one I went to, I spent $1000

[Sam]

9 hours ago, HeyCoach said:

For free bourbon, I can fake liking Evan Williams. 

And you may be able to go through the line a few times, too.

5 hours ago, basseditor said:

Only thing I can add — take lots of money or a zero balance credit card.

 

last one I went to, I spent $1000

Is that all???

 

You made the Bait Monkey proud.

 

So let us know how much savings you enjoyed.

 

And did you have a good time????

[HeyCoach]

14 minutes ago, Sam said:

And you may be able to go through the line a few times, too.

 

I’ll be driving back after weigh-ins. I hope I can stand in that line early. The expo opens at 7? ?

[Bluebasser86]

Lots of deals, lots of pros and experts to talk to,  maybe some free samples (never saw any free Bourbon samples either time I went but maybe I missed them), and lots of not yet released items for sale before anyone else has a chance to buy them. I'd go, neve know when you might get another chance to.

[sll]

It's worth going to it once at least. May be a while before another one is that close to you.

[j bab]

Acres of fishing stuff, samples, discounts, demos, interact with pros (especially after they make a cut, as others have mentioned). Definitely worth the trip imo. I'll be there working the Big Bite booth

I worked it for Cabela's a few years ago, excited to go back. 

[Sam]

4 hours ago, HeyCoach said:

I’ll be driving back after weigh-ins. I hope I can stand in that line early. The expo opens at 7? ?

No idea. Not shown on any web page I could find.

 

You may have to call BASS and ask them: 1.877.BASS.USA

 

Here is what I found on the Internet about the Classic Expo.

 

At every Elite Series event don’t miss the Elite Expo every Saturday and Sunday featuring:

• Take a demo ride of a Nitro, Skeeter or Triton boat
• See the latest from Toyota and win prizes
• Snap a selfie at the Academy Sports + Outdoors big chair 
• Explore the Berkley/Abu Garcia Experience trailer and test your knot tying skills
• Join B.A.S.S. and buy official Bassmaster merchandise
• Win prizes and more from Cahartt
• Learn more about Yamaha, T-H Marine, Power-Pole and more
• Food and beverage vendors
• Kids' activities

13 minutes ago, j bab said:

Acres of fishing stuff, samples, discounts, demos, interact with pros (especially after they make a cut, as others have mentioned). Definitely worth the trip imo. I'll be there working the Big Bite booth

I worked it for Cabela's a few years ago, excited to go back. 

J Bab, what are they giving you for helping them at the Classic?

 

I helped Berkley at the last Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia was given two new spinning rods, two new spinning reels, and six boxes of Trileen.

 

Also got to meet and talk with Hank Parker plus the vice presidents of Berkley.

 

Great experience.

[j bab]

4 hours ago, Sam said:

J Bab, what are they giving you for helping them at the Classic?

A paycheck  

I worked part time for Cabela's at the time, now I work full time for BBB