I’ve been attending various trade shows related to the outdoors for going on a decade now. While I’ve heard from some people that they stopped going once big box stores like Bass Pro, Sail and Cabelas came along (and with them the discounts you used to find only at the shows), I’ve gone the other direction and attend even more, and I wanted to share why.
Leo Stakos (front) and Ron James from Fish TV begin an educational seminar.
Different Shows for Different Audiences:
There are four main shows I go to: the Toronto Sportsman Show, the Toronto Boat Show, the Spring Fishing and Boating Show, and the Hamilton Boat Show. They each have different appeal. I like the Toronto Boat Show because in one location I can pretty much see every major brands’ selection, and compare, literally on the spot, the features / benefits and prices. It was at this very show that I purchased by first new boat, a Princecraft Resorter DLX BT. Going to the show, I was convinced I was going to get a different boat, but the information I gleaned from being on site made all the difference. I like the Hamilton Boat show because it’s a bit smaller, and I get to see things like the OPP booth where I can take the kids (who love the Police Boats / Motorcycles etc.). It also is less of a crowd and still allows me to see outfitters, boats, and education sessions. The Toronto Sportsman show is the flagship for me, where my primary goal is to meet with potential outfitters, speak to manufacturers about new products, as well as watch a couple of seminars. There is literally something for everyone at these shows!
Jacob and I check out the new Maska from Princecraft.
Meet the Outfitters:
The Toronto Sportsman show, of the ones I attend, has the largest number of outfitters on site. What’s important though, is that not all outfitters are at each show, so I review the exhibiter list for each show to know who is going to be where, so I’m able to ensure I get to speak to the right people. Prior to the show, I do a review of the lodges based on location, price point, species, drive-to versus fly-to, etc., and then shortlist the outfitters I’d like to spend time speaking with. I also have an idea of what type of outfitter would be best for which of my trips, so my questions are ready ahead of time. I used to just wander around looking for contests (lured by the possibility of winning a trip), but now it’s knowledge that I’m looking for. In the past I’ve ended up booking with Esnagami Lodge, Brace Lake Outfitters, Hearst Air, and White River Air – all outfitters who attend shows. One that is on my list for next year is Air Dale, another outfitter I was able to have a good conversation with this year. When you are meeting in person you can get a feel for how the operator thinks, what they value, and you’re able to ask those question that come organically through chatting. You can sometimes disqualify or get more excited about a lodge, based on the what you learn, and you can’t do that on the web.
Jacob gets his photo taken with Ashely from She Loves To Fish.
Priceless Knowledge:
This year my various tickets cost me about $55 (I buy on line and use coupon codes). That money saved me hundreds though, and I’d like to explain. I was in the market for a new fish finder, and had a make and model lined up that I knew was on sale at many stores. I stopped by the booth of this brand (Humminbird) and had a chat with the on site rep, and through his questions and my answers, learned that the unit I was going to purchase at some point, would not have the key feature I was looking for. Hundreds saved. I was talking to the Mercury representative about my prop, and the potential to change it out for better top end speed. Again, after some Q&A we determined that a switch in prop might gain me about 2 MPH, not nearly enough to justify an investment. In both these examples, the booth I was at was not retail, meaning they were not selling on site, they were there to assist with product knowledge, and boy did it help.
Hannah and Jacob temp some trout.
Bridge The Seasons:
Currently, I’m not a winter guy. As much as I love fishing, I’ve never been ice fishing in my life! Shocking I know, but I’ve never taken it up. That might change moving forward, but for now, once I put the boat away in October or November (it gets later each year), I play the long waiting game until late April when I get the boat out in time for some early ice-out Perch Fishing. I use these trade shows as milestones to get me through the winter. Each show gets me one week closer to open water fishing, and also helps in my planning process getting ready for my annual Fly-In Fishing Trip on opening weekend. Maybe next year I’ll take up ice fishing, and if I do I can assure you I’ll get much of my information about related products and services from one of these shows!
Why not try rock climbing at the Fishing and Boating Show!
Fun with Family and Friends:
The last on my list (but not the least important by any means), is fun with family and friends. It could be taking the kids along so they can check out boats, rock climb, or make wooden paddles. Maybe it’s going with my brother where we dream about our next trips, pick up some new gear, or attend a seminar from the hosts of our favourite fishing shows. Or it could be just heading out for the day with some good buddies to look at new boats and equipment, and talk about what is going on in our lives while checking out the site. For the very low cost of attendance, the array of options that are available at these shows is both vast and valuable. So do yourself a favour, find the next related show in your area, and get out for a day of fun and information. You won’t regret it.
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