Anyone else disapointed with the Sp Show?

[mabr]

Maybe I am the exception but I wasnt impressed with the show this year.

What was with Frankies Ranger representation? 2 Bass boats. Never seen that before. They had more Skeeters than Rangers. Because of the economy? I really think we'll see alot of Nitros running around here in the near future with their pricing.

I also didnt find any steals on rods, reels etc. Maybe I wasnt looking hard enough.

Again I was just curious if it was just me or did others find the same thing.

[TonkaBass]

Bass boat sales are pretty tough to come by lately. The boat show was the same way... Other than that, I had a good time

[TODDY]

I was very disappointed last year. Because of that I didn't go this year.

TODDY

[olski]

I thought it was OK not great not totally horrible. The one thing I did notice was the lack of small bait companies, used to be alot of mom and pop type bait makers trying to get there stuff out there. This year just a couple.

[Pherris]

It was an ok way to spend some time but like others not real impressed compared to previous years.

Good Fishing!!

[Wayne Ek]

I thought it was OK not great not totally horrible. The one thing I did notice was the lack of small bait companies, used to be alot of mom and pop type bait makers trying to get there stuff out there. This year just a couple.

I think the cost per-foot for booth space has gotten to expensive for most of the smaller companys. With such a tight market they have to be very careful on what the advertising/promoting budget gets spent on.

[bucketmouth64]

What surprised me was the few deals found from resorts. They need to learn to be creative like having smaller vacation deals instead of locking people into 7 days. Even the boat deals didn't seem to be good. I think I saw one decent deal being about $5g off. Looked to be as small as last year. If you take away the cafe' that was in the center you have about the same amount as last year. It does seem to be getting smaller with less deals. Although, you could find some deals on fishing rods from the bigger places...reeds, marine general, and so on. Like their signs say ask for show specials. Wonder if there were any better deals today being the last day. I'll still go next year being almost a ritual for me. I did attend the freshwater HOF for Larry Bollig and Ted Takasaki. Good guys and people had wonderful things to say about them as they were introduced.

[leech~~]

Went Friday with my son, it was nice getting around with out the normal millon people, but is was down of some of the vendors. You could tell they were trying to fill in some of the empty space by putting more little food and food show things spread out in bigger areas. Picked up a lot of Lit, as usual. The only thing I bought was a hat that I had the guy sew on Leech~~ on it!

[mozy]

Thorne Bros had some pretty good deals on rods. I was drooling over the new Shimano Cumulus rods and had a guy offer one for $250 or $225 if I bought two, I was pretty tempted but I had already got the Revo SX and Vendetta combo deal from Joe's. Lots to look at and I had fun. I'll be back next year for sure.

[grab the net]

Was there on thursday, light crowd. Agree with the observation of less and less smaller companies on hand. More retail space each year, and did get some pretty good deals at Capra's and Reeds. Just asked for "The Show Special" on what ever I was looking at and was given anywhere from 15-25% off. Added up to some substantial savings. Did anyone buy a super vibrating crooked arm spinnerbait? Watched Dietz working the Sebile's, did not find a deal on those anywhere, but the soft style and the flat shad will be added before opener. Deitz, you must have tennis elbow after the weekend. Buddy got a Skeet Reese rod for $65.00 Still a good time, but seems to get smaller each year. Back in the day, we could spend 6-7 hours, now 3-4 and were out the door.

[brushhog80]

I picked up a $330 rod for 2 bills....I cant complain!

[saints17]

I did not get a chance to go this year, but after attending previous years shows I do not think I will head back. It seams as if I might as well just go to gander mountain or something.. What would be nice is if they could do like the hockey show during the boys state hockey tournament and attract the actual companies to set up booths instead of individual retail stores. after all... stores like thorn bros and joes all sell the same things. mostly.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Quote:

Watched Dietz working the Sebile's, did not find a deal on those anywhere, but the soft style and the flat shad will be added before opener.

Thones had them 20% off..

Quote:

I also didnt find any steals on rods, reels etc. Maybe I wasnt looking hard enough.

You did not look very hard to ask for "Show specials".. Capras started the show with 20% off.. which prompted Thornes to go to 25% off on Rods by thursday.. by Sunday Rods at Reeds were 30% off.. But you had to ask.

It was a very good time for me.. Had a blast.. Met a TON of HSO'ers... and loved putting a name to a face to all of you. Met a ton of lurkers too, come on in the mad house here and join us.. you will not regret it.

[dudewheresmyboat]

Show was cool, walked away with a very light wallet and a bunch of free stuff from Shimano. Met DD, he's a class act. It was a good time, i'll be there again next year.......

[Deitz Dittrich]

Quote:

Met DD, he's a class act.

hey now, let not go throwing out nasty rumors like that.. 8-)

[Cecil]

Must of been a sale on beer!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Sale??? Free Samples at Lakemaid!!! 8-)

[Cecil]

That'll make you seem nicer!!

[leech~~]

Quote:

Met DD, he's a class act.

hey now, let not go throwing out nasty rumors like that.. 8-)

I think he's looking for More Free Stuff!

[Craigums]

I actually didn't spend any money, just walked around looking at all the new toys and saying hi to a few people. Still had a good time though

[Cecil]

Diddo

[Deitz Dittrich]

***Hangs head in shame*** I couldnt resist the tackle monkey.

I got a couple rapala crankbaits.. the troll to.. I'm gonna cast them and see what kind of depths I can get. Reeds had a 3-$20 deal that I took advantage of. Also had the ladies across the isle from the shimano booth hand tie a 1oz spinnerbait in a "Special just for Deitz" color. and no I am not going to post a picture of it or tell you what color it is!!! NEENER NEENER!!

DARN BAIT MONKEY!!!

[Cecil]

Whats a spinner-bait? And like you throw one....

[Deitz Dittrich]

Truth be told I dont very often.. they bug me.. but this one was purdy!!!!!

[JP Z]

I had you throwing spinnerbaits last fall pretty good