Fred Hall show - 01.08.06

Hi, I'm Dennis Spike from Kayakfishing.com.  This is my first visit to the Norcalkayakanglers forum and it's a great one!  Who says kayak fishing is seasonal in Nor Cal? I'm drooling over the catches you guys make.
It was a real pleasure meeting so many anglers and seeing longtime acquaintances at the Fred Hall Show.  I was especially flattered at the warm reception I got from so many Bay Area anglers.  Thanks! 
Regarding the shows, most people don't know the Hall family is one of the great benefactors to the sport of kayak fishing donating time, money and sacrifice long before they saw a return.  With almost 60 years at the core of West Coast fishing, their insight and impact has proven to be big for kayak fishing...well beyond the small region the represent.  Today, they give the sport more than it's fair share of inclusion and kayak fishing would not be as big as it is without their contributions.  I'd call Fred Hall a pretty pure saltwater tackle show with seminars to match complimented by a fine selection of boats, gadgets and travel fishing.  ISE is a good show too deserving credit for props to the sport.   San Mateo is smaller than it used to be with a bigger emphasis beyond saltwater fishing (freshwater, delta, rivers) and lots of hunting.  I'll be at their Denver show at the end of the month.  If I lived near the Bay, I'd probably go to both. And Sacramento and a few of the paddling events too.  With limited funds to attend all the shows, I'd pick the one that best suited me.  Arguing over the better show is like arguing over the better ice cream flavors.

Mooch, nice seeing you, you did a great job of photo journalism covering the show.  Bill, congrats on the new baby! 
 
When a good one gets landed, or a hot bite goes off or I'll be in the neighborhood, I'll post it.  Unfortunately, I don't have time to surf the sites I like with any regularity so if I can ever be of help to anyone for anything, answer a question or point out a bite somewhere, feel free to give me a heads up by contacting me directly at Spike@kayakfishing.com or 1-818-970-2392.
I'll be fishing the Bay Saturday at next years Cow Palace show.  See you there if not sooner.
Spike

Thanks for visiting Spike! Hopefully next year I can stop by the show to meet you in person.