St Paul Ice Show this weekend

[hanson]

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No harm in asking for a deal, what's the worst they can do or say "NO".

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Thats right! And unless you have a TON of Cabelas points built up right now, you will usually find better pricing at the show than any other big box retailer. Try negotiating with Cabelas, Gander, or Fleet Farm for 15% off a Marcum when they aren't running a sale. Hah! Good Luck with that one!

I've just heard from a number of people now how rude people can be at the show when they are expecting deals on items. I just wanted to remind everyone that rude usually doesn't work.

[hawkeye43]

the lady at lure lighting ask as we were leaving why I looked so depressed. I told her with all the money I spend, how do I tell my wife about it. Its all stuff I needed. I hope we have enought ice soon so I can live in the fishhouse for the next 3 months till she cools off.

[cjac]

It's not just the deal you get "at the time". I muskie fish and thru going to the muskie shows and meeting the people behind the counter and being nice and "open" you can build a great relationship and a future source of information. I actually got to fish with a few of them this season and can email and get a wealth of info in return. Quite a treat for the recreational angler like myself.

I walk into Thorne Bros and almost feel like Norm walking into Cheers Bar. If I'd been an abrasive customer likely it would be different. My buddy and I dropped a $1200+ two years ago there and we're still remembered as being "good guys". Yeah, we got a good deal (within reason), as that's how Thorne works.

Nice breeds nice things in return, and at the end of the day we're all essentially after the same thing, good fishing and a good time on the ice/water.......food for thought.

Subtle tip: Ask for business cards/brochures to pass along to friends......

Chris

[Shack]

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I've just heard from a number of people now how rude people can be at the show when they are expecting deals on items. I just wanted to remind everyone that rude usually doesn't work.

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Its sad this happens, but I can see how this could occur.

When I started going to these shows, the "Free Items" and the "huge discount/next to nothing" deal was in my mind when entering. That is not always the case. But deals are to be had and they do give them out. I think a lot of what come from these shows is word of mouth type advertising. That’s why vendors giving deals at the show, gives the customers something to talk about when they are in the ice shack or duck blind. This goes a very long way. Next thing you know, their cronies are heading to that store to buy what they are looking for.

The only “Free Thing” I can say I have gotten is the free paring knife and food from the pan and pot guy.

I felt bad after his little display and show and having to say “No”. He gets you in the mood to buy, but then the price sheet is passed around and you find out how much that pan and pot set cost’s. Good info, food and the occasional Gansu knife give away (plus your free paring knife). Good times.

[Shack]

cjac,

Great post. Too true, too true!

[hanson]

Best deal I ever got was 2 years ago when Reed's Sports was closing out their Abu Garcia Ambassadeur baitcasting reels. This was when Garcia was upgrading the reels with Carbon Matrix drags and a few other tweaks.

So I bought open water stuff during the ice show... oh well! Walked away with (2) Garcia 6500 C3s for a tad under $80 (for the pair!). I'm still kicking myself that I didn't buy more! Didn't even have to bargain for that deal.

[Shack]

Hanson,

The Abu guru! None of them where for cat fishing where they?

[zamboni]

I picked up one of those Strikemaster jackets today, originally $139, for only $50!! At that price, even a Jiffy guy would wear it! I admit, I tried getting her to throw in a free cap, but she wasn't having it

[zamboni]

Oh and Ron Anlauf walked right past me, and I seen "Tackle" Terry there too

[thorson]

I was planning on making the drive up tomorrow but I am not going to be able to make it with the forecast we are getting down here for ice storm. I was really looking forward to it. maybe next year.

[blueroof]

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Anyone know if Thorne Bros will have any Marcum vs820's available this weekend at the ice show?? LB

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If anyone wanted to buy a VS 820 or 825 at the ice show, nobody will have them for probably 10 more days. That is the info I got from the Marcum booth. No T.B. power noodles either. Lots of other options though.

LB

[wolfman-k]

I was just told by my supervisor at work that he saw my wife and I on the channel 5 promo for the ice-fishing show!

It must have been from two years ago, I don't think I went last year, too busy. I hope to find some deals on Sunday for braving the "snowstorm of the century"!! I hope to wheel and deal with WalleyeDan on some IDI gear.

[hondavxr]

Ill be there sunday, C-yalls at the show.

[hanson]

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The Abu guru! None of them where for cat fishing where they?

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Yep. And used quite regularly.

[Shack]

Are you sure? I saw that same promo and they had a power retracting top for the Will Craft. Maybe they have had this all the time, I have never moved the top down on one. I all ways thought you would fold down by hand!

[hanson]

OK... Let's get a Day 1 Report!

For those who made it... What was worth checking out? What was new? What was cool? Where were the deals? What's a 'have to see'? And generally... What did you think?

[Glockwinger]

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OK... Let's get a Day 1 Report!

For those who made it... What was worth checking out? What was new? What was cool? Where were the deals? What's a 'have to see'? And generally... What did you think?

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Awesome show! I was there for about 4 hours...not enough time. Talked to some FM'ers, saw some celebrities (Dave Genz ) The reps for the various products were VERY helpful and knowledgeable. My buddy and I spoke at length with the Frabill guys and my buddy eventually bought the large flip over. All the vendors were nice, got a great deal from Thorne Bros after talking to Matt. Bought my Fishpalooza ticket. Like I said, 4 hours was not nearly enough time. I found everything I was looking for and was happy with the prices. Got some hyfax, rope light, and coat hooks for the portable. Now we just need ice!

[slipperybob]

I was the guy who lost his wallet...but it was found at Joe's. Thanks to all those who helped.

Got my reel weeds, artic armour camo, thorne bros rod, perch & panfish outside rods.