ISE Show Recap

Decide to make a quick run to the ISE today, since my weekend was pretty book'd!

Left work early at 9am and made a B-line for the expo; traffic was amazingly light going there and made it a little over an hour..... Quick stop by an O'Rielly's Auto Parts to pick up the discount coupon; and took a bunch extra just in case anyone else in line needed one. Was the most popular guy in line, as everyone bum-rushed me for a coupon...

Once inside the first exhibit hall (hunting section), I started going up and down each aisle looking for things to purchase. I was more interested in the one-off things that you couldn't get online or at your neighborhood store; I carried a decent amount of cash to wheel&deal, plus a c-card just in case I needed back funds....

Wasn't really interested in talking with guides and just breezed by most of them; wasn't at that level of hunting yet to drop any type of big money... So I just pop'd in and out of all the gadget booths....

Came across an Archery Booth in the corner on the bottom level, talked at great lengths about the "BadLands" packs. I recently picked up a Badland Recon pack and was interested in another pack slightly smaller (my first Badland pack is just alittle to big for local hunting conditions); but didn't end up buy anything, so off I went to continue my quest.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a sign that said "Clearance" and underneath it was camo clothing; so it peaked my interest... ended up buying 2 RealTree "Realtree Xtra" jackets for $24.99ea and poly-filled for $19.99; never hurts to have too many camo jackets....

Walked around both side of the Hunting halls and didn't make another purchase  ; did run into JD Armory, and kill'd alot of time talking to him about AR mods...then we remember, we met each other at last year's Cow Palace show... hahaha.. he made me a scream'n deal on a 1/9 twist upper, but i told him I was getting over that phase and on to a new hobby... and on with my quest...

Walk through the Fly Fishing Exhibits, and the boats... and threw the fishing hall and never even reached for my wallet... there was really nothing new & exciting that I needed to have...

I did spend some quality time at the RayMarine booth; still interested in getting hold of the DragonFly, but needed some key questions answered before I pull the trigger...but the guy who I got stuck with, was the father of one of the Pro Staff and didn't know jack! he tried to get me interested in something I wasn't even interested in and got me irritated, so I left... and never got my concerns answered... WASTE!!!

Now on to pay my respects to my fellow NCKAers! First dropped by Headwaters camp, Danny-boy was engaged with a customer, so I scootered over to the HOW tent... Chill'd with Don, shot the breeze and had some good laughs on an old topic ! Thanks Don, you da'man!!! Dan was still into it with now another customer (they're getting there moneys worth out of him today), so politely scooted in, gave him props and continued on my quest...

Went over to the Adventure booth, tinker'd with the new Hobie Revo and Outback...then I saw Racin-Rob in under the Wilderness canopy, so I had to go take my jabs at him... We kick'd it around one of the reps kayak, which had a Dragonfly on it; BUT NO BATTERY, dooh! So couldn't really play with it; plus the unit was to new with the rep, so he really couldn't answer any of my Q's either....

Started getting light-headed so I went over to the food court and paid $20 for a Pastrami Sandwich Lunch Combo... which didn't taste any better that the ones at Togo's; if anything, it was worst...

Walked around again in the Hunting and Fishing Halls; trying to see if there was ANYTHING that I needed, so I can make this long journey worthwhile... nothing......

On my way out, saw to fellow L-Screws jabbering with Rob.... kill'd a little more time with them, being accused of breaking the Revo

Wanting to beat the afternoon commute, I made my way out; but first had to make a quick stop by the Kettle Corn booth; mmmh! the one between the hunting halls on the concourse had a better variety.....

Left at 3pm, home by 4:30... my jeep has wings!!!!

Overall, it was just a larger version of the San Mateo versions... would go to one again in the future, not likely; but that's just me and no bearing on the event. I basically didnt see anything that "really" peek'd my interest... (my wife says, its because I have too many toys already)

For those of you going, have fun!!!

No love for the Lowrance booth?  I see how you are!

Just pulled into Sac.  Heading for the show tomorrow & Sunday.  For those attending, stop by & say hi.  They brought me in for Simrad but I'll talk Lowrance too.  Looking forward to hooking up with the other NCKA folks working the show.

Bill

Hahaha! Went by, but didnt see tou there so i left...

Dont need to speak to anyone there if i got you and Yakhopper!!!

Hahaha! Went by, but didnt see tou there so i left...

Dont need to speak to anyone there if i got you and Yakhopper!!!

OK, I forgive you!  Lol. I could only work sat & Sunday.  We will talk offline 

For the record.  I may bleed blue but I have no problem with you shopping the competition

Thanks for the props. My goose is cooked. Feet up beer in hand. One more day to go. The interest in kayak fishing is off the charts!

Same here Dan!  At the sushi bar now hammering down Saki to numb the back pain.

Yes, kayak growth is HUGE!  I talked to customers non-stop from 10-7 today at the Lowrance booth.  By my tally ... About 30% of them were looking for kayak use and none of those were current NCKA folks ... Well, there was ON . ; . This tells me the growth of our sport is off the charts.  All the while the show is in the heart of the nations most bass boats.  Something to think about!

Got to hang with Skeet Reese and Jimmy Reese today too so that was cool.

Thanks for the report

Any great deals on compound bows?

Didn't get to hit that area today.  Didn't see anyone walking around with one like they had just bought it so I doubt it.

Thought about driving up on Friday but didn't want to drive solo. Will probably go to the Fred Hall show in Long Beach in March.

We sold 30 kayaks at the Adventure Sports booth today. A record. I had about 15-17 people show up to listen to dumb ole me. hahahaha

Vic was doing a great job holding down the fort at HOW this afternoon.
Hey Dan thanks again for the space!!!
tom

I knew there were a lot sold but I did not know it was that many. Cool. I moved some I know.

Good to see you Rob. Sonny, Luis, Tiny,Tracey, Bret, Raydon,Vic,Victor,Adam,Dan,Chuck,Jeff,Erik and a bunch of others. Beautiful weather. Lots if people. I think low gas prices has freed up some spending.

anyone there tomorrow ?

I'm back on deck…  needed a day for school… ug…  Go Seahawks!!!!