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]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

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.