Why do I feel like going to the Spring Fishing Show is like paying to go to Bass Pro?

[adam lancia]

What I get out of it most is having a few manufacturers there to pick their brain before going into a store to talk with someone whose job it is to sell you something. I was able to try my personal reels on a few prospective rods while speaking with a company rep. Normally, I would have had to make a few stops in order to get that done.

 

Impact Baits had some great deals.

[John Bacon]

I went today for the first time in a few years and felt disappointed when I left. $39.00 for the 3 of us to get in with the coupons they had on line. I just found it a lot smaller than I remember, did it not use to be sections 5 & 6 and this year it was only in section 5.

 

I think that you are right; it did used to be more than one section.

 

It also used to be run by a different group. I think OFAH had a show there for many years. They merged with the Toronto Sportsman Show and then someone else organized a new show in the same location and time slot as the cancelled show. I cannot remember which year that was. But I don't think the new show was ever as big as the old one.

[James77]

I think it needs to be put into perspective. Just like you're paying to get in the retailers are paying for a booth. A small booth this year was $1200+tax, not to mention hotel and transportation that is a really heavy overhead for them. I went expecting a day of entertainment just thinking about the coming fishing season, looking at some trips, maybe buying a few lures. I understand if you were driving quite a distance to get there it might be a bit more frustrating but for me it was worth the $13. Seeing a movie is an hour or two of entertainment and can be upwards of $20.

 

It's nice to support the little guys once in a while too!

[12 Volt Man]

don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the show. like I said, I got a new curado 200i PG which I can't wait to use.

 

one thing I loved was being able to play with all kinds of rods and reels that just aren't at any one retail location.

 

I especially loved the feel of the new G. Loomis E6X walleye rods. they are sweet.

 

but it was much smaller than the last time I was out (a few years ago) when Fishing World was there (I know Steve there) and other retailers.

 

JB's had the largest display (as they are very close to the hall) and I ended up buying the curado from them. no one else seemed to have the PG (5.5:1) power version I was looking for. everyone had the faster gear ratio models.

Edited February 16, 2016 by 12 Volt Man

[chris.brock]

By the time the work week is done and the weekend rolls around, crowds are the last thing I want.

 

So I went fishing.

[bobowski]

I was there yesterday and I agree that there wasn't too many deals to be had but there was a lot of fishing knowledge to be had if you were willing to chat with many of the great fishing minds that were there.

[Garnet]

I worked Redwing Tackle booth. Good crowd lot's of people to talk to. Not one moron.

 

Biggest eye opener check the price of Yamamoto. I'm having a sale.

[north560]

Missed this show, hoping to go to the Spring fishing and Boat show in March. Maybe nicer weather will bring out more people.

[Garnet]

You Yammamotto freaks better hot foot it out to East Hills only $10 a bag.

Edited February 16, 2016 by Garnet

[FloatnFly]

Missed this show, hoping to go to the Spring fishing and Boat show in March. Maybe nicer weather will bring out more people.

 

 

Thats the Toronto Sportsman Show

[SuperDave]

It may be the same thing every year, but my soft water fishing fever is at its peak so going to the show is mental therapy for me. The Muskie Sunday is well run and I bid on a new Tranx that will grace my boat this season. I enjoy talking to some of the muskie nuts I know.

[Sinker]

By the time the work week is done and the weekend rolls around, crowds are the last thing I want.

 

So I went fishing.

 

Ding ding....we have a winner!

 

I fished all weekend in freezing temps happily with not a soul in sight.

 

S.

[Pigeontroller]

Sitting on the ice dangling a line through a hole isn't my idea of fishing...

[BucktownAngler]

doesnt help that the price on pretty much everything has increased.

 

so not only were there no deals, but everything was like 25% more expensive

 

 

the musky show/auction was good though

[jedimaster]

Well just between you and me the prices here in canada after the conversion on alot of stuff s actually cheaper than buying south of the border. Alot of americans are buying from canada right now.

[Pigeontroller]

doesnt help that the price on pretty much everything has increased.

 

so not only were there no deals, but everything was like 25% more expensive

 

 

the musky show/auction was good though

 

That's yer low Canadian dollar...Some stuff is old stock and all the new stuff from the US is way more expensive.

[Shloim]

Ok so maybe you guys are right on the entertainment aspect, and the supporting of small business guys is also a draw for me... I have a connection on gear so maybe I'm biased that way. Or maybe its just that Im cheap! Ill consider going next year... Good thread though

[Sinker]

Sitting on the ice dangling a line through a hole isn't my idea of fishing...

Me neither.

 

Ice fishing to me is spending time outdoors with family and friends, enjoying the scenery, and catching a few fish.

 

My weekends off certainly arent going to be spent cooped up in the city, inside, with a few thousand other people. Thats more like torture to me. Id rather freeze my balls off and get skunked where i was anytime.

 

S.

[Garnet]

Have fun with those $13 senkos.