Saltwater Expo observations

[foggy notion]

Here are some thoughts regarding the Saltwater Expo in Edison. There seems to be less pots and pans dealers at the Expo. Further, the number of food vendors is reduced. Parking is still a problem for those who arrive late. I saw cars in fields a half-mile from the Expo. One guy in a 4x4 made his own parking lot in the marsh until he got stuck in the mud. One good thing about the Expo moving from Somerset to Edison, is that it is now closer to Harolds Deli. There's lots of tackle vendors at the Expo so you can browse the isles for several hours....enjoy.

[Jigman13]

Jigging World was MOBBED yesterday. Easily the most packed booth I saw while there from 3 to 6 pm.

[bassnblues]

Went yesterday. It was great! Glad I took the day off and went on Friday. I can only imagine how mobbed it will be today.

Yes, they need to improve the parking situation.

[Papasown]

I worked the JCSA (Jersey Coast Shark Anglers) booth yesterday, and did have the opportunity to roam. I think the show is much better than in Sommerset.
There are many tackle providers, and good deals on things we all need, like shads, etc. Shop around, as I saw different prices for many things. Two or three of the "Wicked Tuna "boats were represented, and signing T-Shirts a mile a minute. About T-Shirts, The JCSA has a great half price sale on Mako Fever shirts. The wick-it long sleeves are $20.00 which is way less that that type of shirt in any market. Of course the Crabcake/Seafoodcake guys are there with samples again, and the pickle guys.
Many more boats on display, and my friends keep reminding me I should have a new Parker. Thank you very much, but my current Parker is just fine............Papa
ps: stop by and say "Hi " at the JCSA booth and get info about our 40th Annual 9 day Mako Fever Tournament this year.

[MrAC1980]

The morning was a mad house! The line when the doors opened started in the big room, into the lobby, and zig zagged outside into the parking lot! Had a blast talking reels in the JW booth and at my demo session I did in the afternoon rebuilding a few St. Pats Silver/Green Avets.

I'll be back in the booth tomorrow if anyone wants to stop by and say hello!

[captnvinny]

Any word on the beer? Or is it BYOB?

[Skolmann]

Jigging World was MOBBED yesterday. Easily the most packed booth I saw while there from 3 to 6 pm.

I was there when the Expo opened yesterday and within the first hour I heard someone walked away with a reel from the Jigging World booth.

[Billfish715]

There was a lot to see. The vendors were well-stocked and the major rod and reel manufacturer's reps were all present. There were sales if you looked around and knew what you wanted. You could see the rods and reels at the manufacturers' booths and talk to the very knowledgeable reps who could then direct you to a dealer who had them in stock. Many of the manufacturers had show specials offered through the dealers.

There were boats......more boats than at Somerset. There were kayaks........lots of kayaks. There was a booth dedicated to small engine repairs. There were engine mechanics who did in-water engine repairs. There was offshore and inshore tackle and lures and terminal tackle. There were various NJ fishing clubs and organizations. Some of the booths were the same ones as from Somerset. Others were new.

If you wanted to go on a fishing vacation, there were many choices from Alaska to Costa Rica. There was a trout pond and a gold mining hands on booth for the kids. Kids were actually catching trout in the pond. There was a fly casting pool for anyone who was interested in that part of the sport. In the back of the exhibit there was a fishing tackle discount booth. There were sinkers for 15 cents an ounce. Some of the dealers had discounted, first quality rods and reels.

The Angry Fish had some great photographs for sale. Most of them were taken in NJ. and included pictures of waves filled with bunkers, porpoise close ups, stripers, landscapes and wildlife. There was a booth with gorgeous fish taxidermy. Sunglasses? Costa and the other majors were there. Braided ropes of all sizes were for sale too.

There were at least two areas to buy food. One area near the beer garden had tables so you could sit and enjoy. The pickle guy was there fully loaded. There was a jerky vendor with lots of varieties to choose from and there were a couple of barbecue sauce vendors and one vendor with lots of hot mustard.

I spent a lot of time there today and yesterday. There was a large crowd but the aisles were wide and long and they absorbed the masses. Even the handicapped fishermen in their wheelchairs were able to move around fairly easily. Parking was at a premium but it was at Somerset too. The center thinned out around 2:00 but there were still lots of fishermen walking around. It was easier to access some of the booths later in the day.

By all means, go. Be patient. You'll find a place to park. There's more spots on the back side. There is a shuttle but I don't have info on that. You'll see lots of friendly and familiar faces when you go. Oh, yeah, the seminars are worthwhile as well. Be sure to take notes. Enjoy yourselves. Make a day of it and bring the family.

[njfish4life]

Took my son, Tyler, to the expo today and got to meet both Dave and Gerry at the fishing simulator. He had a blast and I was thrilled to shake both guy's hands. I picked up some various tackle and a rod from Jigging World. And of course my son loved the worm bar. Great place to spend an afternoon.

[Ice Cream Bill]

Had a great time at the Saltwater Fishing Expo today. Saw familiar faces like John DeBona and Jim Hutchinson from The Fisherman Magazine, Don Parr from Canyon Reels, fellow club members from HRFA and SWABC. Nice to visit with Dave and the Zagorski Brothers at the RFA Booth!

Excellent knot tying lessons given by Capt. Erwin Heinrich at the Shimano booth, Owner Hooks rep, Madd Mantis PBJ jigs, and Florida Guides Association guys were very informative with charter info in FL. Met Capt. Bob Avila (MA.),Capt. Keith Williams (Montauk), and booked charters with Capt. Frank Tenore in Leonardo and Capt. Brendan in New Rochelle.

And of course those pickles from Peter Peppers. Almost got out easy but stopped by the Jigging World booth. Somehow a Ghost Hunter slow pitch jigging rod and Shimano Stradic ST4000 got charged to my credit card.

[bassnblues]

On a side note. There was a bit of a buzzkill for me when I lost my phone.

Someone turned it in and I got it back. So a big thanks to the person who turned it into to the office.

[Reelron]

Yea, I was one of those guys that picked the wrong time to get there on Friday. Searched the lot and couldn't find a spot, even with the handicapped plaque. Oh well back to lot B. If it had been raining I would have gone home.

Glad I didn't as it is always great to see guys I haven't seen in a while. Walked around once or twice. Didn't really buy anything but I did pick up a special rod that Mark Berry had repaired & cleaned up for me. And, I sold a couple hoodies! Nice to go to a show and come home with more $ then you left with! :D

[Billy223]

Arrived at 10am yesterday, long line of cars just to turn onto Sunfield Ave.
I pulled into the lot next to that road and hoofed it.
The pre purchased tickets proved to be the best choice made.
Glad it wasn't raining with having to walk to the building and then walk 3/4 of the way around it to get to the entrance doors.

I loved the atmosphere. My wife and I really enjoyed talking with Dave and Paul from Wicked Tuna. Paul is funny as hell and Dave is a genuinely good guy, not like the character they made him on the show.

Prices were eh, you really had to look around and it isn't too easy when it's pretty mobbed and walking around is also a challenge when a few people would stop in the middle of the aisles to talk and keep people from moving forward. Requires patience.

I almost picked up a new trolling rod, I liked it but couldn't justify spending that kind of money at the time. I really did not find any good prices to make me say wow. I did grab some power pro on the cheaper end, hopefully it isn't a defected lot or something. Also, on my BoatUS tow insurance, the renewal is 149 but after talking with them online they advised me at the shows you get renewal discounts. Well, I got it renewed for the same price as I joined with at $99 so that was worth the trip right there.

It was a nice day out, It was a little scary because I kept grabbing my credit card but then put it back in it's place and kept walking. I could have spent a fortune. Almost made me want to buy a new boat too.

My take, know your prices, have restraint on spending foolishly, enjoy the day. It really makes you feel eager to get back to it.

[Jigman13]

And of course those pickles from Peter Peppers. Almost got out easy but stopped by the Jigging World booth. Somehow a Ghost Hunter slow pitch jigging rod and Shimano Stradic ST4000 got charged to my credit card.

Funny how that happens! The 150g with that reel is a sweet, sweet set up.

[Billfish715]

One thing to remember (or maybe a couple) about the show, is that it's a show. It's not a flea market. Company representatives are there to show, promote, demonstrate and explain their products. They don't sell their wares. That's why the independent distributors are there. They do the selling. Some of them have special deals on certain products while their other products have been priced to reflect market prices. Some dealers, deal on certain products but not on others. It's retailing.

You, as a consumer, do get to see what's out there by perusing the manufacturer's inventory. You then decide if there's something in which you are interested. After that, it's up to you to look around for a price that you are comfortable to spend. You can see things online but you can't hold them or touch them or try them. At the show, you can. Where or how you purchase the products is strictly up to you. Online purchases are convenient but also come with the dreaded "on back order" notices.

Catalogues from the two major national outdoor shows, have pictures and descriptions of some of the products in their inventory; but they don't show all of the colors and models of what the manufacturers distribute. I saw things on some of the display boards and racks at the manufacturers' booths that I never saw in a catalogue or on online.

It's up to the consumers to request their local tackle dealers to carry what you saw and liked at the shows. Believe it or not, you and I do have a lot to say about pricing, and styles and colors and personal preferences that affect the buying habits of the retailers but also the product development by the manufacturers. The dealers and representatives, do listen and they do share your concerns with their bosses.

Markups are not very much on rods and reels and so the market is very competitive. Many consumers will only shop by price and not by quality. Others shop by their own methods and for their particular needs. Manufacturers want your business so they can keep theirs. Shop around and ask for what you see and want. That's the beauty of the "shows". It's good for business and it's good for the consumers.

Again, if you are looking for garage sale and flea market prices, go to a flea market or garage sale. If you have no interest in buying a new outfit, but want to see what's out there, go to the show. It's an event. You're out of the house and you're that much closer to wetting a line. Or, you can sit at home and listen to your wife or girlfriend talk about all of the things she would like you to do. Enjoy the Expo. You can still make it if you leave now.

[hammer4reel]

Show had great traffic all three days .
was very few lulls . was nice seeing lots of old faces as well as many new ones.
One thing everyone agrees on its time for winter to end, and spring to get here already.

.

[emcjim]

Walking the aisles was not the main attraction for me. On Friday, I attended 4 seminars. That's the real value of the show, IMHO. 1st: Probably the farewell seminar for Al Ristori. He said he plans to sell his house in NJ and move to the house he owns in Florida. Followed up up by Tady lure presentation. Get the free lure and work it slow to medium -- otherwise it might spin. 2nd: Roy Leya, a Shimano rep, talked about surf fishing. Mostly a Cape Cod Canal guy, but fishes many places. Picked up a few good tips. 3rd: Capt Frank Tenore, fishing Raritan Bay. Mostly the same info as last year's seminar. But I did add to my notes taken last year. 4th: Douglas Zemeckis, a young PhD at Rutgers, talked about fish tagging. very interesting -- small audience, so a lot of back-and-forth dialog. I tagged fish for the ALS for some time, but now have stopped. Doug's seminar was very informative, well worth staying to late in the day to hear it.

[CadiShackFishing]

Jeff, me and my wife went on Saturday around 9:30 and got a good parking spot, walked right in and into the maze until 10 when it opened. Ended up going to the Jigging World booth and spending an hour there checking out the rods (of course buying a few). Walked the rows and picked up some jigs, shirts and other miscellaneous items. Got Dave from Tuna.com to autograph a shirt and picture. Stopped by the RFA booth said hello to Dave and Gerry where they were running the fishing simulator. In general though the venue was good. Now just need the weather to break and get out on the water. :)

[TerriMc223]

I had the pleasure of attending Saturday and Sunday. Got there early both days so no parking problems but it looks like parking is more limited than in Somerset. Buying my ticket ahead of time proved to be the way to go.
I too enjoyed the seminars more than the shopping. Nice to see such a variety of vendors from all over. Nice to see some of my fishing friends there.
Can't wait to start fishing again!

[Bigdaddyhockey]

This was my first year going to the show. We bought advance tickets and got there about 9:45 on Sunday. Parking was tough, but we managed to find a spot.

Once we were in, my son (14) and I had a great day. We are thinking about doing some upgrades to our gear but were not ready to buy just yet (though we did pick up a few smaller items). The goal was to get educated and to actually see the difference in person so that if we decide to order on-line, we would know what were are getting. The reps and salesmen could not have been more helpful. As others said, the show was crowded so you needed to have some patience, but if you were, the people were very willing to help and make great recommendations.

Two side bonuses were 1) meeting Dave and Paul, we came across their booth at a slow moment and they could not have been nicer. Answered all our questions and took pictures with my son we also attended the Q&A with them and 2) we met a lot of great charter boat captains especially the crew from Rhode Island. My oldest son (not at the show) has URI on his short list for school next year, and the Captains gave us great restaurant recommendations and information about the area - bigger bonus is that their are docked 10 minutes from campus so I definitely foresee some extended weekend visit with some fishing mixed in if he ends up at URI.

Overall it was just a great day for me and my son just soaking up the atmosphere together.

[MrAC1980]

I was there when the Expo opened yesterday and within the first hour I heard someone walked away with a reel from the Jigging World booth.

Do you mean they purchased a reel or literally walked away with one?? I didn't hear of anything being stolen that we were aware of?

[foggy notion]

I'm told by the shows promoter that next year, there will be shuttle buses on all three days for those who arrive late and have to park in the Sayreville marsh. This should help with the parking problem.

[Billfish715]

I saw the shuttle parked outside the show but I didn't ask about their service. It's a good idea. They used them for the Sufferen show to shuttle people from the satellite lots. Fortunately for me, I found a close spot to park at the Raritan show.

Speaking of Sayerville.......What's up with the Bass Pro Shop that was supposed to go into the new shopping mall? Is there still going to be a mall?

[youngdumbandfulloffish]

Speaking of Sayerville.......What's up with the Bass Pro Shop that was supposed to go into the new shopping mall? Is there still going to be a mall?

Apparently ground breaking should be happening soon. https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/development/2018/03/02/sayreville-open-house-discuss-2-5-b-waterfront-project/388269002/

[Billfish715]

Bass Pro Shops, which is part of Phase I of the proposed plan, is on track to break ground at the site this year, with an opening expected next year, Ambrosio said.

"That area is cleaned up and ready to go," he said.


Once it's up and running, I'm sure a few people will take the new exit off the Driscoll Bridge to visit. I don't think it will affect the tackle businesses along Rt. 35/36 because BPS won't be open when most fishermen are heading to the salt. Somehow, I can't expect to find fresh bunker or live killies or clams or local and current fishing information at anytime at BPS..........especially in the wee hours of the morning.

[hammer4reel]

I believe there are more delays to that project because they are trying to totally change its design. They are now trying to get a high scale marina built there along with housing .
besides bass pro and other retail.
They claim it is the most valueable piece of open land on the coast

here a video by the new owners of the property.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1n6qfs8AdU




.

[Tuna Tales]

I grew up not far from there...after seeing the God awful materials/stench in my parents' home after Hurricane Sandy...I hope this is not another Love Canal in the making. My parents had to throw out 75% of their personal items - they could not even be cleaned by the muck that was left behind. If anyone wants a tour of my parents former house - let me know. Just make sure you wear a Hazmat outfit.

Also...in a few years Amazon will wipe out any of the large retail box stores. Take a look at some of the strip malls and all you see are For Lease signs.

The local Bait Shops will be just fine.


Joe T.

[Bucktailboys.com]

On a side note. There was a bit of a buzzkill for me when I lost my phone.

Someone turned it in and I got it back. So a big thanks to the person who turned it into to the office.


Was it an iphone? If so you dropped it near our booth and I turned it in. If so you owe me a beer :p

[bassnblues]

Yes it is! I thought I dropped around there because I realized it was gone after buying some jig heads at your booth. Thanks so much. I'll be sure to put in a big order on your site!