Best Ca Boat shows or Expos?

[resqd1]

What would you rate as the top Ca boat shows and Top Ca Fishing Expos? I missed ISE and so I am trying to find out what other shows are out there to go to. thanks

[gofish42189]

So far my favorite is the Bass-a-thon at Angler's Marine in November.

[Vince Borges]

Fred Hall Long Beach is about it. There is Fred Hall Del Mar too but it is tiny in comparison to Long Beach!

[Kevin]

Both Fred Hall shows are good as well as the Sacramento ISE. The Bass-a-Thon is definitely great as well. I haven't been to the Bass Jam but I've heard good thing as well.

[Stratos278]

For me the Sacramento ISE was a big disappointment. It didn't seem that much bigger than last year's San Mateo show (which is no more) plus I had to drive twice as far. Bass Jam was good, very well organized, several top pros in attendance putting on seminars (Skeet, Ehrler, Randy McAbee, Gary Dobyns to name a few). Lots of tackle and apparel suppliers, Ranger boat display courtesy of Marine Unlimited, all this packed into a space the size of your average Safeway (or less). The Fred Hall shows at the Cow Palace were pretty good, but poor attendance killed them I guess...

[sTony]

I thought long and hard before answering. For me the shows don't and haven't cut it for a long time. There's a lot of stuff there that has nothing to do with my interests. The costs to get in and actually go through these shows has gotten more and more expensive at the same time the shows have gotten smaller and smaller. All the shows out West tend to run in cold weather months which makes them less tolerable to me and I tend to end the show seasons physically not as well either.

It really all depends on how much of a general 'outdoorsman' you truly are. If you're focus is strictly bass fishing, then there's really only so much to see at any of these shows. Maybe a few price deals but not generally enough to offset the costs of getting in the door. If you fish multi-species, hunt as well and like to utilize resorts, outfitters and guides as well, then the shows are the bomb for you. My interests tend to be too narrow to make the shows beneficial to me to attend.

Also note, once you've done twenty or so years of these shows, it's all been there, done that.

As far as trade shows go, the Classic has a huge show. Bass-a-thon is by far the best, most focused show for strictly Bass fishing deal on the West Coast. Monster Bass Jam was big deal the first year and got a little less attention year two. The future of that show really depends largely on the amount of energy the organizers put into it. I hope they move forward with it this year with full force and passion. It'll grow to be a great event if they nuture it.

Hope this helps some. Ifg you're really looking for a show, the next one is Fred Hall the beginning of March in Long Beach. If you fish salt also, then Del Mar is good, but it is 90% a salt show.

Tony

[kb]

Jim I am hoping that since you made the drive up to Sacramento for the show you were able to find all 7 halls of the Sacramento show. There were over 700 booths, a large display of boats from multiple companies with new boats from Phoenix and a larger display of Rangers than ever. Full lines of rods and reels and tackle. Factory booths by Berkley, Shimano, Lowrance, The Lowrance learning center, St. Croix, Lamiglas, Phenix, Dobyns, Minn Kota, Gamkatsu, Owner, Okuma, Daiwa, Pure Fishing, P-Line just to name a few. Only a few of these companies were represented in San Mateo the past few years...............

The seminar line up in Sacramento was an all star team that included Skeet, Jay Yelas, Gary Dobyns, Andy Cuccia, Cody Meyer, John Murray, Bub Tosh, Randy Pringle, Jarrett Edwards, Zack Thompson, Greg Guiterrez, Ish Monroe......

As one of the guys that puts this show together it amazes me when a guy like Tony tells me it just doesn't do it for him and talk about the cost to get in being the factor that keeps him from going. The show costs $15 in Sacramento and there is a $2 dollar off coupon that you can print on-line. It cost me $15 just to launch my boat at Folsom, or Shasta or the Delta for that matter............. The Sacramento show is not shrinking....just the opposite and a "bass only" show will not draw enough folks to make money and you can put the whole thing in a store the size of the average Safeway.....Bass Jam and Bass a Thon are both awesome shows and on my calendar each year to attend, if you are a bass angler and in those areas you should make the effort to come to them.

Ok Tony you opened yourself up here so I am going to ask you just when and what you want to see at the shows that would make you after 20 years interested in going. Keep in mind that any later than January and you will likely not have the chance to have many of the pro's attend since the national tours and the local events are in full gear. We worked very hard to keep FLW off the ISE dates. Too late in the spring and guess what? Fishermen are fishing.....

I attend alot of sprint car races all year.....they cost $15 to $20 to get in and $8 to park....been to the movies with the wife lately? a professional sporting event? bowling? C'mon you guys have one bait in your box that cost as much as getting in the show. It serves as a great excuse but is in line with many activities we all do every week. The show promoter makes 0 on food, drinks and parking, these are all controlled by the facility.

Let's hear it, what do you guys want to see? You are not going to get free parking, free beer, strippers, 50% off whatever you want to buy, no sales tax and free samples of the latest in marine electronics so save those posts.

We have lost many shows over the past few years, San Mateo was in it's prime the biggest show in the north state, Cow Palace was off the hook, we had Pleasanton ISE and the boat show.

To answer the question the Long Beach show is one you would want to attend with all the factories, lots to see and do and plenty to learn. If you live in the North State the KRCR show in Anderson is always a good time.

Sorry guys but with the amount of work that so many of us put in these shows we get a bit defensive...When Tony was building westernbass.com he was at every show with a booth, was allowed to film the seminars to post on his site etc....now that he has sold it, the shows just don't do it for him and haven't for the past 20 years.....disappointing

kb

[resqd1]

Hey guys, for me a little help with the names here please, I havent heard of half of these shows so when putting a description of a show can you put more info about, full name, where and when it is put on thanks. This is some good info, What about straight boat shows? and full outdoors shows not just straight bass shows, I fish everything from sharks to bass to trout to rays. Thanks again for all the info

[Gary Dobyns]

The ISE Sac show is awesome. It's not getting smaller and in fact has a waiting list every year for additional vendors that do not get in. Long Beach is heavy salt water show. If your a salt water fisherman, it might be better. If you are a hunter, or a Nor Cal angler, Sac is impossible to beat. Great speakers, lots of friends, some good deals, seeing new products, art, duck or elk calling, GREAT display of fish, lots of guides, there is so much to see at Sac. They have had rock climbing and bad a$$ 4 wheel drives in the past. Hey, if you would like to see something different, throw them an email. Inpute is welcome. Icast is NOT a consumer show open to the public. I just wish I had time to walk the show at Sac. I have been to many sportshows across the country and Sac ISE is awesome. We are seeing smaller boat displays that's because times are tough with big ticket items right now. However, all boat companies sold more boats and had a better show than the last 2 years. That's a good sign!!

[Rick G]

Thanks for the Bass-a-thon kudos Tony and friends. The BAT is a true labor of love and is our biggest event we do each year. The cost is free along with all the info and fun you can handle. This years Bass-a-thon is November 19-20th and will be our anniversary 25th BAT. We will be pulling out all the stops for this special show. We already have lined up Bill Dance, Hank Parker and Skeet along with the very popular Workshop speakers that will range from Bass Master Classic winners to WON Bass Champions to local team stars. The vendors also are the true stars of this show and they showcase all their new products that are ready for release to the public. Hope to see you all there this year. The Fred Hall Long Beach show is also very good and the best show in So. Cal where you will see the largest selection of freshwater, saltwater, flyfishing and hunting outfitters and manufactures. That date is March 9-13th. Enjoy. Rick Grover

[StogieMan]

Hi Kent,
I recall you and I had a similar exchange a few years ago, back then we talked about the San Mateo show, we posted on another site but it was pretty much the same thing
My point back then was the show prices continued to escalate every year, I knew that because I attended the show every year. My father inlaw (who got me into this sport) and I would go every year when he was alive. My complaint then was I felt we had a slowing economy, that the ISE folks AND the event hosts should make an effort to attract/ increase the attendance rather than keep the people away with higher and higher prices.

Who knew I had a crystal ball about the economy.

Your rebuttal then was the same as it is now, put a price on the cost of a movie, to launch a boat or have dinner; all have a cost and nothing is free, so you said my complaint was misguided, but that was not my point nor was I able to make my point becasue it turned into a trash StogieMan session.

You also took issue we me back then as you do with Tony now because you have a vested interest in the show and took my comments and concerns personally, I can appreciate your point of view.

Personally (my opinion only) a smaller venue would be a plus. I don’t need to pay for a crafts show nor am I interested in juicers or beef jerky. I have to agree with Tony here.

I was and continue to be disappointed in the lack of boats. Where were Triton, Skeeter, Bass Cat, Stratos/ Champion?
For me it makes sense if I can compare products in one place, like I did with Shimano and Daiwa for example.

I guess the point I want to make is this; something must be wrong if people continue to lose interest, I suspect the closure of multiple locations speaks to that point.
So we can blame the economy, or perhaps we can try and take off our blinders and look for a solution. I use the word blinders because frankly the sport of bass fishing is a 2 class system, those on the inside and those of us on the outside who chase those littler green fish and support the industry.

I am like many who visit this site and have never fished as a pro, nor am I an insider.
I own a relatively new boat; it's less than 3 years old and I am considering another.
I do support my local retailers. I fish with and belong to a club with many friends in this sport. We are the force that determines the fate of this industry, not those who work the tank or who are industry insiders.
I mean NO DISRESPECT to those anglers on the tank and am in awe of their ability, but it’s not about them, it’s about guys like me who BUY new rods, BUY new electronics and the list goes on!

So I applaud your initiative asking people what they want to see but at the same time it seems to me that the shows have lost sight of who and what are the real demographic.

[Hipster]

Hi Kent,
I recall you and I had a similar exchange a few years ago, back then we talked about the San Mateo show, we posted on another site but it was pretty much the same thing
My point back then was the show prices continued to escalate every year, I knew that because I attended the show every year. My father inlaw (who got me into this sport) and I would go every year when he was alive. My complaint then was I felt we had a slowing economy, that the ISE folks AND the event hosts should make an effort to attract/ increase the attendance rather than keep the people away with higher and higher prices.

Who knew I had a crystal ball about the economy.

Your rebuttal then was the same as it is now, put a price on the cost of a movie, to launch a boat or have dinner; all have a cost and nothing is free, so you said my complaint was misguided, but that was not my point nor was I able to make my point becasue it turned into a trash StogieMan session.

You also took issue we me back then as you do with Tony now because you have a vested interest in the show and took my comments and concerns personally, I can appreciate your point of view.

Personally (my opinion only) a smaller venue would be a plus. I don’t need to pay for a crafts show nor am I interested in juicers or beef jerky. I have to agree with Tony here.

I was and continue to be disappointed in the lack of boats. Where were Triton, Skeeter, Bass Cat, Stratos/ Champion?
For me it makes sense if I can compare products in one place, like I did with Shimano and Daiwa for example.

I guess the point I want to make is this; something must be wrong if people continue to lose interest, I suspect the closure of multiple locations speaks to that point.
So we can blame the economy, or perhaps we can try and take off our blinders and look for a solution. I use the word blinders because frankly the sport of bass fishing is a 2 class system, those on the inside and those of us on the outside who chase those littler green fish and support the industry.

I am like many who visit this site and have never fished as a pro, nor am I an insider.
I own a relatively new boat; it's less than 3 years old and I am considering another.
I do support my local retailers. I fish with and belong to a club with many friends in this sport. We are the force that determines the fate of this industry, not those who work the tank or who are industry insiders.
I mean NO DISRESPECT to those anglers on the tank and am in awe of their ability, but it’s not about them, it’s about guys like me who BUY new rods, BUY new electronics and the list goes on!

So I applaud your initiative asking people what they want to see but at the same time it seems to me that the shows have lost sight of who and what are the real demographic.

Damn well said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mrobinett]

It really all depends on how much of a general 'outdoorsman' you truly are. If you're focus is strictly bass fishing, then there's really only so much to see at any of these shows. Maybe a few price deals but not generally enough to offset the costs of getting in the door. If you fish multi-species, hunt as well and like to utilize resorts, outfitters and guides as well, then the shows are the bomb for you. My interests tend to be too narrow to make the shows beneficial to me to attend.
[quote][/quote]

I agree with Tony 100%. We used to go to the Fred Hall Long Beach show every year. As my interest changed to bass only, there was less and less for us to see. I have some friends who do other outdoor activities and love the show. Unfortunetly, I work just around the corner from Anglers Marine. It's like having a show all year long. (which my wife hates).

[mark poulson]

So far my favorite is the Bass-a-thon at Angler's Marine in November.

+1 If you fish for bass, there is none better. Rick has managed to attract top fishermen and custom tackle makers consistently over the years. If it's worth a damn, it's there.
Plus he really enjoys doing it, and it shows.

[kb]

Well I wrote a long explanation on this whole thing and tried to answer as many of Stogie's questions and concerns and since posts had been put up since I began writing it I lost it so here is the brief recap:

I found a show program from 2005 and the cost of admission has gone up three dollars in that time frame. The cost of facility rental, insurance, advertising, etc has gone up at a much higher rate. To make the ISE shows more family friendly they continue to host the free Youth Outdoor Fair and kids under 15 get in free to the show.

As far as the boat companies you listed that were not there, with the change in ownership and production of Triton they boats that Gone Fishin had ordered to be at the show were delayed in production and transportation and did not make the show. Skeeter and Bass Cat do not have dealers in the area that participate in the show. Bob's has elected to not attend the show with Stratos. The boat business is tough guys!!!

We are lucky to have a couple of Bass only shows here in the state and the Bass a thon and Monster Bass Jam are awesome and something everyone should plan to attend if you can. New product, great seminars and a chance to see alot of the new products from ICAST for the first time.

As far as the "insiders" that are on the tank I schedule each and every one of the speakers and the guys that I ask to do tank demo's are not only great anglers but great ambassadors of our sport, care about it and want to get more of the "average anglers" involved and catching more fish. I think many times the bass anglers are afraid if their buddies see them sitting in on a seminar because they should know everyting already. Other than the guys on the tank there is so much expertise and knowledge in every booth, top guys on every lake and technique and yet time and time we hear "yea I didn't see anything good at the show"

Things like the Lowrance learning centers have been added to help you get the most out of your electronics, Stogie said he is guy that is buying new electronics and the show is trying to help you make those choices and get the most out of your purchase if you choose, the class was filled each time for 4 days so somebody must have liked the new feature.

Factories were there along with pro staffs to answer everyone's questions and I think that when we go to the show we need to attend with an open mind and know there has to be some things there to be gained that will help us catch more fish no matter what level you fish at.

The price of admission has gone up .42 each year since 2005. I have asked and the grew at ISE are watching they want to hear what you would like to see at the shows in the future. Who knows you may have missed it and it is already there!

Stogie I posted in the lost post that since we seem to always come back to this and you feel you have been dogpiled in the past that next year you will be my guest along with 3 of your friends at the ISE show in Sacramento all you have to do is remember to send me a message prior to the show and I will give you VIP passes.

There was some other stuff I lost guys but this is the nuts and bolts of it!!!

kb

[resqd1]

would it be too much to ask for us to get back on topic, just a simple, here are these shows they are good, I dont need long arguements between people about the little things about a show, thanks

So Fred hall Long beach is in March usually
Bass Athon at Anglers Marine in Novembers
Ise Sacramento in Februarys
When are boat shows?
Any other outdoorsman shows?

[Skeeterman]

There will a boat show in March 10 - 13 it will be at Cal Expo.

[kb]

2011 Western Sport and Boat Shows
January
6-9 International Sportsman’s Expo Salt Lake City, UT
14-16 Tri Cities Sportsman’s Show Pasco, WA
20-23 International Sportsman’s Expo Sacramento, CA
26-30 O’loughlin Sports Show Puyallup, WA
27-30 San Diego Boat Show San Diego, CA

February
9-13 O’loughlin Sports Show Portland, OR
24-27 Internaional Sportsman’s Expo Phoenix, AZ
25-27 Central Valley Sportsman’s Show Bakersfield, CA

March
4-6 Nor Cal Productions Anderson, CA
9-13 Fred Hall Long Beach Long Beach, CA
10-13 Sacramento Valley Boat Show Sacramento, CA
17-20 L.A. Boat Show Los Angeles, CA
17-20 International Sportsman’s Expo Salt Lake City, UT
24-27 Fred Hall Del Mar San Diego, CA

[resqd1]

THANK YOU

AWESOME

[Robb R]

Stogieman , very well articulated. I am a first time poster for Western Bass but have reading for years. I am in the same boat(not literally) as Stogie man. I have been bass fishing in Nor Cal for over 30 years , never fished any bass tournaments , own my bassboat since 2002 etc, etc... I have attended the San Mateo and Cow Palace shows since the late seventies. I go the the shows for basic reasons . I want more information on anything that helps me catch more and bigger bass , better deals from the suppliers that show up , more information on various fishing locations. The shows have become less consistent with which suppliers are showing up , more costly to attend and in some cases , less informative. Every year at ISE(San Mateo) , the cost to the suppliers has gone up and therefore the "deals" are not as good to the customer. Sometimes , trying to get useful information to the questions the "non-tournament" fisherman ask's seems next to impossible .
I was planning on going to ISE Sacremento this past month , but in scanning the list of supplier attendee's
I couldn't justify the 2 hr trip (each way) just to attend the Lowrance demonstration and determine if I wanted to upgrade my electronics. If there had been more boat suppliers to look and compare , I might have justifed the trip for both reasons(always dreaming of a new boat).
I belive show attendance lacks for several reasons . Cost is always a big factor , Time is another big factor.
Lastly , the shows are no longer demonstrating enough value to all the possible attendee's , = less attendance.
Robb R