Chicago Muskie Show

[bisonthunder]

Thinking of heading to the Chicago show in January. Has anyone made it out that way before? How is it compared to Georges?

[Shawn Kellett]

It's the show to go to. The swap is WAAAAAYYYYYY bigger then ours. There's usually a group of guys from the Twin Cities MI chapter that go down. Come on down to the meeting the 2nd week of the month and you can probably hitch a ride down. Unfortunately I haven't been able to make it in years since it's the same weekend as the DNR Roundtable.

One thing, the prices are usually higher then around here. I've even seen some prices higher then retail. That being said there usually a few things that you won't see around here that make it worth while.

[brad coin]

Yes been there every year 12 years straight,,,, WE are the guys who head down to the Chi show from the twin cities MI chapter,,,,wouldnt miss it rather be there that weekend then hawaii,,,in fact the guy who runs and is one of the owners of Georges musky show Paul Hartman goes with us,,

Booth wise its a little smaller then the Minnesota/Georges show but there are some different luremakers and products that you will find there and the seminar sced is the best in biz,,,the pool side lure demo is huge,,,

and like Shawn said the lure swap on saturday nite is a blast 'HUGE" turnout think about how many anglers there are in Chicago and nearby Milwaukee bring tackle to sell and swap and you may pay for your trip and find some hard to find baits,rods tackle and cheap ones.

VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!! IF YOU GO MAKE SURE TO BOOK A HOTEL ROOM AT THE 'DESIGNATED' show hotel,,,we have a blast thurs,fri,sat nites musky guys take over the WHOLE hotel,,In the mourning your eating breakfast with ALL the big names in Muskie fishing and drinking beer at nite in the lobby and theres a musky party sat nite at hotel which can sometimes get,,,,,'wild" you dont have to stay all 3 days of show but book a room NOW it sells out

being this is the first musky show of the year it has the biggest 'buzz' because its the first chance to see the new stuff.

and even has fun has all that is,,,50% of the reason I still go is for nothing like it "Chicago Deep Dish' pizza after the show.

"

yes its worth it but leave the credit card home and "DONOT" speed in wisc on 94 you will get nailed hard, change for the Ill toll boths and alot of time we have had our usual 5 1/2 -6 hr trip turn into 8-10 hrs because of snow storms so leave with time to spare both ways.

[delmuts]

I was bummed yesturday! I just saw in my new Muskie inc. mag. that the expo in Mnpls is'nt til April!

[Esox_Magnum]

More time to save up some pennies Del

[Grunt L]

I think the MN Musky Expo has been in April the last few years. I think its kind of nice since you already have Jan and Feb filled up with Musky shows. Good show if you can make it!

James

PS-Just got word my TI rods will be n the Top Predator booth at the Chicago, WI and MN shows if anyone wanted to actually hold one to feel it. Top will honor the $110 special I have going right now too. Hope to gt home about 20-40 rods a show.

[delmuts]

"I think the MN Musky Expo has been in April the last few years."

James!I was just hoping it was sooner! Bored with winter already!!

After i get a new locator and have it paid for, i'll be ordering one more!

[Grunt L]

delmuts-I kind of like the MN show a little later. Gives you something to look forward to after all of the other shows are done. I like the show but wish they had it at a location with better parking. Good show though! If you have kids take them. I usually donate about 200-300 lures for kids as give aways. This year I may have the Top Predator booth give lures away to kids.

[brad coin]

One thng about the show now in April,,your pretty much out of Danger of a HUGE snow storm

for those who have gone to the show for years,It was about once every 3 years that we would get buried in a blizzard that would cause alot of people outside of town to have to cancel