We got there Sat morning, before the crowd showed up. Tier's Row hadn't filled up yet.
Wasn't long before all the seats were filled along 2 walls of the main building.
My daughter and I tried to methodically go down each isle and check everything out. That lasted for one pass down one isle, then we went into wander mode. As the day wore on, the isles would fill up, and the boothes selling mechandise were getting tougher and tougher to negotiate.
We took a break from wandering the main building and attended a seminar for Pyramid Lake. I'm planning on fishing there this year, and it was very informative to a newbie like me. Looks like a blast, and my daughter enjoyed it too....she wants to go too.
I think they had 6....maybe 8, simultaneous seminars going each hour for most of the day. Unlike past years, there was enough space between each seminar, that they did not interfere with each other.After a lunch break, we headed back into the main building. Lots of the big players like Sage, Rio and Hardy were there. Noticeably absent was Winston, and I don't believe I saw Scott either.
Some drool worthy stuff.
And something different.
Enough shops/companies selling stuff to keep the gearwh@res happy.
Oh, and more than a few places to buy your bamboo tomato stakes.
I was lucky to have my daughter with me. She kept me in check, and we left relatively early. Had I been on my own, I would've spent two full days at the show, and my wallet would been much thinner.
My overall impression of the show was positive. I didn't think it was packed with people, but I do feel it was very well attended. I think having so many seminars running in separate buildings during the day, kept the main building manageable. I'd like to see the vendor to lodge ratio adjust more to the gear hoarders, but it was nice to see no vacant spots on the floor. From what I could tell, some shops were doing a brisk business. Another cool thing to see were kids at the casting ponds.
On the way out, I tried to take a picture of the parking lot, but it does not show how many cars were there. 20 rows plus(?) at the county fairgrounds is a decent amount.
A few parting shots
So much more than I took pictures of.
briansII
Bought a Simms jacket, 3 spey lines, a head wallet, and a gigantic lady amherst feather. My daughter bought some flies. I looked for wading boots, but it always seemed too crowded. Jonesing for a reel, but never pulled the trigger. I'll add, there were some good deals at the show, but I didn't see any super deals. I appreciated talking with people, and buying in person. Much more satisfying than clicking buttons and ordering online. Kudos to the VERY nice lady at Snake River Outfitters. Absolute joy to deal with, and brought a huge smile to my daughter's face when she gave her a fish necklace. I'll be ordering from them in the future.