The last time I attended a Sportsman show was 1983 in Harrisburg, Pa. Since then I really did not have the urge to do so again. Perhaps it was the crowds or the two hour commute that turned me off.
Ah, but now, right in our backyard, we have the
Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow which is held in Oaks, Pa. I happen to live only two miles away but have never visited during the annual four day spectacle. This year it was held February 23-26. I was looking for some relief from my current bout with "Cabin Fever" and figured, hey why not!
A quick text message to a good friend, that I knew never missed the show, easily set the plan in motion. Fishing, of course, would be our primary interest. We would meet at the main entrance on the first day of the big event. Dennis also told me that
Hank Parker would be one of the attractions not to miss. Since Den is a veteran of these shows he also told me that he would only bring $10 so as not to overspend on lures and other fishing junk. Probably good advice to follow but I folded up a few twenties and stuffed them in my wallet just in case.
An event of this magnitude attracts large crowds. We planned to avoid the weekend onslaught by going on the first day which was a normal work day for most folks. Tickets were available on-line so we took advantage of that option. This saved two bucks off the regular price plus some time waiting in line.
I arrived about an hour early and found plenty of parking close to the main entrance. A few other folks were already there and just hanging around outside in the warm weather. Dennis arrived shortly thereafter and at the stroke of noon the doors were opened. Turns out that we picked the right day as the crowd was very light which made it easy to browse around without getting trampled.
The fishing venues were staged right inside the door and continued up and down the next four isles. Rods, reels, lures, freshwater and saltwater. Each vendor was more than happy to engage anyone in conversation and present what they offered. Most were easy going and very polite. Only one or two were just a bit to aggressive for my style.
Trips to Canada were featured by a few outfitters offering fly-in or drive to lodges. Canada offers some fantastic fishing for Bass, Pike, Walleye and Muskie. From our area it is just a seven or eight hour drive to some of the best waters without spending a fortune. Many of these areas can be found on-line with a simple search or two.
Alaska, Mexico and other destinations were displayed as well. There were also a few local exhibits to appreciate.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was well represented and welcomed any and all questions and comments.
Dennis does a lot of web surfing and recently ran across a new local bait company on Facebook.
ZEE BAIT CO. was on the list of vendors and their booth was one of our priorities during this visit. Zee Bait is based close by in Chester County so I will wave their flag here for a moment.
These two entrepreneurs, Dominique and Hunter, have a few new twists on the rubber bait scene along with a unique jig head to compliment it. They had a small but very well organized display. Turns out that their "Muddpuppy" might be just what we were looking for to catch a few hawgs this year. Anyway, after a extended chat about their offerings we bid them good luck and promised to send pictures of our assumed future catches.
Another attraction that is always fun if you bring children is the Trout Fishing Pond. For a small fee the kids can enter the pond and catch trout. There were no kids around when I stopped by but no doubt there will be plenty of excitement on the weekend days.
Then of course there was the HAWG TROUGH. A 5000 gallon fish tank on wheels full of Largemouth Bass (Hawgs).
This was also the backdrop for the many seminars that were given, free of charge, during the shows schedule.
Ah, the boats! Just the sight of all the new bass boats made me weak in the knees. They were all there to drool over. Whatever you ever dreamed of was displayed in full living color!
Ranger, Triton, Skeeter,Tracker and others were all set up with every accessories possible. The 225HP engines were gleaming in the lights. Anyone with a meager $60,000.00 or so could hook up and pull away with the best of the best! For those with a bit more self control there were nice rigs for well under $20,000.00 that would be just fine.
In recent years kayaks are becoming popular with many anglers. There was a nice area that featured different brands for any budget. There are Kayak fishing clubs that are active in our area and information can be obtained here
Kayak Anglers Eastern Pa. Back a few years ago I did some Kayak fishing and found it to be pretty darn enjoyable. Looking over the display here has me pondering a possible purchase.
This show was well organized although much smaller than the extravaganza that you would see at the Harrisburg Fair Grounds. Dennis and I went a little over our $10 dollar budgets, which was no surprise, and picked up a few new jig heads and rubber baits. We also gained some new tips from attending two seminars.
O, and yes
Hank Parker saw us and begged us for a picture. We just couldn't say no!
From left to right ...Dennis, Hank and yours truly.
Thanks again for following "ONE CAST ... ONE FISH!"
