Sportsman's Expo in Sac Town

Took the day off work and went to opening day the Sportsman's Expo. Just not enough time to take it all in.
I was a little disappointed at the kayak booths. None had the new Hobie Adventure on display.
I did see a Prowler 16 like mine standing on it's nose on display with a reduced price tag of $1800! That's right, one thousand eight hundred dollars.
Little high on the mark-up don't ya think?
Then the salesman pointed towards the very top of the kayak.
What's wrong with this picture???



The one in the middle is the same as my Prowler..well..except for the MOTOR!!!!!
Big battery in the front hatch. The smaller looking hatch in the tank well is the quick connect for the power supply to the motor. There is an on off switch and speed control knob where a center hatch would go. The salesman sounded a bit excited when he pointed out it had a motor. It made me a bit ill.
A guide I know said that today crowd was already better than  San Mateos best day. I spent 5 1/2 hours there and didn't come close to taking it all in. The presentation on sturgeon fishing was a bit hard to hear, but the one on fishing the Trinity River was excellent! I even took notes.
I would love to go back for a FULL day but I can't even imagine how big the crowds will be this Saturday.
I did see something that I had no idea what it was. It looked like a poor attampt at a fish club and new fangled gaff. Turned out to be a squid jig. Check it out.



I was like a kid in a candy store and I want MORE!!!!

I did see a Prowler 16 like mine

So where exactly did you get a Prowler 16. I have been trying to get them to make one for a few years. 

I also just can't get into the idea of a motor on a kayak, just not for me.

I did have a chance to use those huge squid jigs down in the East Cape last year, they are deadly.

Maybe I called it a Prowler 16 but it sure sounds better than saying a Prowler 15' 4.5 ". I got mine at Adventuer Sports in Sac, but I think you can get them anywhere that sells OK.

I also just can't get into the idea of a motor on a kayak, just not for me.

I agree with you 100% .....IMO: let kayaks be kayaks and let boats be boats  I just can't imagine when a motor on a kayak fails on you when your miles and miles away from shore...imagine having to paddle back with the extra weight of the motor and the battery 

I think they should call it a boat show. If you are looking to buy a boat or go on vacation it is great anything else save your money.
Kind of a joke if you ask me.
Jack

My dad and I went to the Expo this morning. We didn't go in with high expectations, but actually ended up having a nice day wandering the rows of booths and looking at all the stuff. I bought a cheap collapsible rod rod for $5. We passed on most of the hunting area.

I looked at the Prowler with the trolling motor. They did a nice job setting it up.  I wouldn't take something like that on the coast, but it would work nice for lake or slow river trolling. The salesman said the trolling rig would cost $800 for my Prowler, a little too much for me.

All in all....we had a nice time.

AL~

Did you attend any of the free seminars??

AL~Did you attend any of the free seminars??

No.... the striper seminar was in process as we walked past. We only stopped for a minute.

I saw that big squid in the ice chest. I've never seen one that big before.

I also just can't get into the idea of a motor on a kayak, just not for me.

I agree with you 100% .....IMO: let kayaks be kayaks and let boats be boats  I just can't imagine when a motor on a kayak fails on you when your miles and miles away from shore...imagine having to paddle back with the extra weight of the motor and the battery 

I think I like the motor.  The kayak, for me, is more a means to an end and not and end in itself so I'm far from being a purist.........just adds another dimesion to my fishing arsenal.  That motor would be cool for positioning and control around structure while bass fishing on the delta.  Not to mention uses for those physically unable to paddle.  Doubt I'd take it into the salt though.

"Quietman" has an article about kayak motoring.

http://www.martialartsacademy.org/quietmanelectrickayak.htm

"Quietman" has an article about kayak motoring.

Thanks for the link. That's a simple set-up and cheaper than $800.  No mods to the kayak is nice also.

Like mentioned before, I wouldn't take that in the surf, but it would be nice on the lake or flat river.

"Quietman" has an article about kayak motoring.

Thanks for the link. That's a simple set-up and cheaper than $800.  No mods to the kayak is nice also.

Like mentioned before, I wouldn't take that in the surf, but it would be nice on the lake or flat river.

Oh, I forgot to tell you.  I went fishing with him once and used the motorized boat for a while.  It was pretty cool.

I've become a minimalist though...