Sportsman Show Highlights

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Willie Parsons on January 30, 2012 at 6:32pm

I really think the major manufacturers are missing out by not having a full line of their stuff at the show and selling it through their respective retail outlets, obviously I'm not that knowledgable about big business but why not bring it and let everyone see what they offer in person. I know I like to see and touch before buying and my preference is probably different than a buyer who has to sell to the masses and provides stuff most people won't use.
There won't be advances in participation if there is no promotion of products and everyone likes to see big name celebrities once in a while.

Permalink Reply by P.J. Koshi on January 30, 2012 at 6:48pm

Well I enjoyed talking with everyone I saw, Ron and Marc Maderos in particular. I agree the show wasn't as impressive as it has been in the past.  The highlight for me was finding a booth called North Fork Custom rods.  These were beautiful all custom rods that are made with custom blanks from Gary Loomis' small blank building company. They had a rod there that had a unique leopard wrap and my girlfriend Melinda was totally into it. I looked at the price tag and it said $195... and after Joel and I talked to the guy for a while I asked what kind of deal he would give me on it.  He said for you $150 but for her $100.  So we got Melinda her own 7'2" Medium Heavy Leopard spinning rod for $100.

Permalink Reply by Russell Baker on January 30, 2012 at 6:52pm

Just wanted to say Thanks for all who stopped by the Limit Out Marine Booth during the show. Got to meet a few more guys from WAFISH I hadn't had the chance to meet in person.

Thought the show was low in attendance especially on Friday from 4-8.

Russ

Permalink Reply by William McMurry on January 30, 2012 at 7:01pm

My kids had a blast. watchin the bass in the tank. I was glad to see some bass boats... would of liked to have seen more. compared to the others I looked at, Im gonna look ata pheonix a little closer unless i come accross the other i wanna look at.

  I was a little dissapointed in the wall of the kings.... shoot, theres bigger mounts and racks on my dads wall and out in the shop lol all in all we had a good time. looking forward to the demo ride coming up in febuary now! i geuss thatll be the turning point for me....

Permalink Reply by Mark Byrne on January 30, 2012 at 8:59pm

Mike Iaconelli, Byron Velvick and Mark Kile (2003 BASS Rookie of the Year) were all at the same show, they were being paid by Toyota Trucks, I asked them to come by a visit the BASS Federation Booth for a few minutes.....................they were there for hours! The problem is that these guys are REALLY EXPENSIVE! I got the impression that the manager over at the Toyota booth was really pissed that they left for so long, but only companies like Toyota can afford to send these guys to these events, and they want them selling, signing autographs and getting their pictures taken with the customers and the trucks. When the economy is down even these companies will not spend the money to send these stars to smaller shows.   

Permalink Reply by Jerry on January 30, 2012 at 10:03pm

Didn't make it to this years show. Most seem to be the same tho. It would be nice to see more bass interest as in tackle, baits, etc. Another bonus would be big time names...not to take anything from our own big name locals...but it would be nice to see big time tour names...tho expensive..I get that. Not sure I'd buy a Toyota or a Ranger because that's what they use, but whatever

Permalink Reply by Andy Smith on January 31, 2012 at 6:19am

That little girl was my kid Shay. Some kid droped the trout on the floor. So shay wanted to save it and put it in the tank. Im glad she did so that fat largemouth could eat it!

Permalink Reply by David Parnicky on January 31, 2012 at 1:30pm

Outside of the seminars and booths that had people I know working at them, I didn't really find anything too exciting.  That was the whole reason I went though was to see the seminars and hang out and get to see some of the folks that I don't get to see that often.  Joel, PJ and I carpooled down which made for a fun day full of fishing talk and wishing it was spring!  I watched Ron, Marc Marcantonio, and Mark Maderos do their seminars and they all did a great job!  I picked up pointers from all three of them that I will apply this year.  I also enjoyed talking to Tito at the Berkley/Pure Fishing Booth, Jeff and Ron at the Nixon's booth, Chris, Mark and Russ at the Limit Out Marine Booth, talking to Kenn Brainerd and purchasing King Craw Jr's at the KGM booth, and talking to Dez at the Washington Lakes booth about our strategy for the Whatcom Spring Open this year.  I also ran into Willie while at the warmwater tank and it was good seeing him again.  

I will continue to go annually just for the seminars and to see people I know through WAFISH and tournaments.  It makes for a fun day and helps with cabin fever and I always leave excited for the upcoming fishing season.  If you live a ways from Puyallup, I would recommend carpooling with friends.  I do agree though that more booths in the exhibit hall related to bass fishing would make the sportsman's show a lot better!     

Permalink Reply by Rodney Heupel on January 31, 2012 at 5:25pm

I worked in the Western Bass Club all 5 days. Did like the Bait Buttons, will no longer be punching a coffee lid. No real changes over all. Was some good interest in the club! The food venders kind of dropped the ball. Could count on a good cup of coffee at the Big Foot Java! Enjoyed talking to all who stopped at the WBC booth.

Permalink Reply by Mark Maderos on January 31, 2012 at 5:47pm

SAAWWEEEETTTTTT, nice job, and it was great seeing you and meeting Melinda.

Mark

P.J. Koshi said:

Well I enjoyed talking with everyone I saw, Ron and Marc Maderos in particular. I agree the show wasn't as impressive as it has been in the past.  The highlight for me was finding a booth called North Fork Custom rods.  These were beautiful all custom rods that are made with custom blanks from Gary Loomis' small blank building company. They had a rod there that had a unique leopard wrap and my girlfriend Melinda was totally into it. I looked at the price tag and it said $195... and after Joel and I talked to the guy for a while I asked what kind of deal he would give me on it.  He said for you $150 but for her $100.  So we got Melinda her own 7'2" Medium Heavy Leopard spinning rod for $100.

Permalink Reply by Jordan Doucet on January 31, 2012 at 5:58pm

I should have known someone from wafish would stir the pot with that!!! Awesome!


Andy Smith said:

That little girl was my kid Shay. Some kid droped the trout on the floor. So shay wanted to save it and put it in the tank. Im glad she did so that fat largemouth could eat it!