Fred Hall Show (Long Beach)

When I got to the convention center 10 minutes before the opening On opening day (Wednesday), I surprised not to see long lines snaking around the building. I was thinking "ALL RIGHT" no crowds and I'll be able to move from exhibit to exhibit with ease. But it wasn't to be. Apparently, many people wanted to avoid the opening day jam; so they showed up steadily throughout the day. By 4 pm, the place was packed (felt like a Saturday crowd), especially on the two aisiles where most of the retailers were set up.

It did help that Turners had moved from their customary spot on the first row opposite the fishing lodges exhibits, to the very end of the hall beyond the boats on display. Looks like they actually took up more space this year.

I only go to the show at least every other year now. There were many exhibits that never changed, and there were some interesting new vendors. I don't know how many kayak vendors  were there last year, but this year, I saw 3 to 4 vendors with quite a few yaks on display.

Found some interesting Stick Jacket fishing rod covers (www.stickjacket.com). I had previously bought soft cloth covers, but those shredded in no time. These new covers look very durable.

Snagged some Gulp bait attractant spray, Blackwater fluorocarbon leaders, 7" swimbaits, bulk fishing line, some fishing T-shirts (didn't go crazy buying them this time around), etc. Paid up my bill for my August long range trip on the Royal Polaris. Thought about picking up a Revo Inshore reel but the best price I've seen is on EBay Express for $164 (approx $177 incl shipping). And of course, entered the drawing for a an OK Trident and for a $59K PB (Hey! Nothin' wrong with dreaming).

I considered getting another Baidarka rod to replace the cheap spinning outfit I donated to King Neptune at Del Valle, but there was no price break, only the chance that I MIGHT get some nice goodies at the Okuma booth.

Anyway, I'll post some pictures after I get home this weekend. My brother's card reader can't handle high-capacity memory cards.

Erik Kunz, the place will be absolutely packed on Saturday. So bring your good walking shoes and plenty of patience. If you have time, carry in your own food an drink. The vendors are raking in the dough. Scwafish, I believe all the guys manning the ProMar booth know you. Grammar Police, I did not find anything about a Rhino bar or anyone who knew what I was talking about.

Howard

BTW, forgot to mention that there was a Megabaits booth. The person there said that the lures are still being marketed under the Megabaits name.

Thanks Hojo...thrilled to see megabait is back!!! 

Thanks Hojo... looking forward to spending a day in the big toy store on Sat.

EK

I was able to make it to the show yesterday and boy was it CROWDED!!! Yep, it felt like a Saturday crowd. Dropped in on a couple of the kayak seminars that I found interesting and drooled over all the nice yaks on display.

I didn't spend any money only got a few small freebies. Saw Hank Parker teasin' some bass with some new Berkeley products. The fish actually showed interest in the bait and several even sampled some.

I even saw the poster for the Shimano Bluewater girls and the archer contortionist! She's back....