Spring Fishing and Boat Show

[fishingwithpiotr]

Just noticed that the spring fishing and boat show is going to be held at the international centre by Pearson Airport. I was wondering if anyone has been to this one? I usually go to the Sportsman Show that is held downtown. Is this one any good? Is it worth making the trip out there?

Their website is here for anyone that is interested: My link

Thx,
Piotr

 

[Joel52]

Still no list of exhibitors yet. In the last couple of years, most of the exhibitors have been smaller outfits. (I think LeBaron pulled out two years ago, and BassPro does their own thing) Still an okay show, good way to kill an afternoon in February. There are some good deals to be had, and usually decent seminars too - depends on what you're looking for.

 

[blair]

I

 

[Radnine]

It is a nice couple of hours out, but it is no boat show and it is no sportsman show. It is one hall filled with people selling BBQ sauces and stock that they haven't unloaded in the last three years. There are some good no-tax type deals, Fishing World usually has their St Crap rods on sale and every place typically has a 3 for $10 bin with some reasonable things in there (last year I found Jitterbugs and Hula Poppers in bins)
Personally I like the big shows, but at least the parking is free at this one!
Jim

 

[Joel52]

Looks like the directory and floor plan are up for this year's show.
http://www.springfishingandboatshow.com/Layout_Directory/index.html

 

[Coreyhkh]

Hey is this show worth going to?

 

[diggyj]

I went to this show a couple of years ago and IMHO it is not worth going to. Small vendors and the stuff that I am looking to buy like certain lures/tackle usually isn't on sale anyways. Reels I bought were on sale but to far to drive to save 20 bucks. People digging through bargain bins are rude and iggnorant.

However, I am going this year because there is one particular vendor I want to see to make some major purchases. This is the first year they will be at the show and if they were not there, I would not bother going.

There are other great sales going on now like at GAGNON Sports, spend $100 and get $40 off no questions asked. Also with the Bass Pro Spring Classic coming up, there will be great deals and they will also have the reel trade in. If you can wait, I would pass on this show and go to one of the above mentioned sales or the Sportsman show.

Also a word of advice if you do go, do not fill out any of the ballots for contests. You never win and then you have telemarketers calling you at all times about the ballot you filled out regarding trips etc....

Dirk

 

[Porter86]

I have never been to this one before. I was planning on going Friday and Saturday, a bunch of the seminars I want to see, and some overlap, and the fly fishing movie thing looks to be cool as well.

 

[FrankTheRabbit]

Do you think there would be breathable waders on sale there? That's what I'm looking for and need.

 

[diggyj]

Never seen them there but haven't really looked for them. I would check the exhibitors list and see if there is anyone that may possibly sell them. Better bet would be at the sportsman show.

Dirk

 

[Porter86]

Where do y'all think is the place to get a better deal on fly equipment, ive never fly fished before, and im going to start this year, so im looking for a decent but not to expensive deal to get started. I know what my local store use to sell his stuff for (bronte outdoor, which has now moved) the spring fishing and boat show, Bass Pro huge sale, or the sportsman show?

Thanks!!

 

[FrankTheRabbit]

Thanks Dirk! I found out that LeBaron was having a no tax event (until the Sat, but until Sunday at the 'Sauga location). They even had breathable waders in stock! They were waiting for Bare to send them a new shipment and they had been out since December! Needless to say, I drove up to Markham and bought the waders and wading boots, no taxes.

I thought about the fishing shows, but there's no guarantee that they would even have them there and I wouldn't know what brands they would carry. I'm content and I'm looking forward to using them!

Regardimg fly fishing equipment, I think there's a good chance you'll see some on sale, but then again, it's the Fish & Boat show so ithere may be a chance there won't be anything.

 

[Porter86]

Regardimg fly fishing equipment, I think there's a good chance you'll see some on sale, but then again, it's the Fish & Boat show so ithere may be a chance there won't be anything.

You were right, there was like nothing for fly fishing except for the fly's n the new fly fisherman show there, n then i stumbled upon some, and i got a pretty good deal. The guys at fly stand, n Colin n bob(i think) from the new fly fisherman, all said i ended up with a pretty good deal. I got a Scientific Anglers 9' #8wt rod with an elite fly reel, with fly line. Cost $145 for the rod n reel, the leader line and connecting piece, a fly box, and like 20 assorted fly's. I can't complain seems like a pretty good deal for what i got.

 

[Joel52]

I bought two fly rods at previous versions of this show - some of the dealers seem to have "show dollars" to work with from the manufacturer. Both of the rods I picked up are Fenwicks. I plan on going Monday.
Here's a coupon - hope it works.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131037153626176#!/photo.php?fbid=489888198354&set=o.131037153626176&theater

 

[FrankTheRabbit]

Nice finds fellas. I went today as well and picked up some of that new Suffix 832 braid that they were heavily promoting. I did see Caddis breathable waders (Deluxe) for 169 I think. Another shop was selling Cloudveil waders, normally 330 and were on special for 200.

The Raven IM8 13' was going for 203. It was mostly bass related fishing gear, but there were some deals to be had. If you go, make sure you buy the expensive stuff. I realize that after paying the $14 admission, I didn't really save at all on the Suffix or plastic baits.

It's all about the big ticket items. Also came across a TNF Apex Bionic softshell jacket for $99.99 with a MSRP of $150. Sportchek sells that same jacket for the same price and you don't have to pay $14 to get in. So knowledge is key for sure.

Also, price shop too. I saw one place sell Gamakatsu octopus hooks for 5 and change and another place sell for 3.49, which is what it is normally.

There were some places selling rods for 50% off too. There are definitely some good deals to be had.

 

[Joel52]

Just got back - picked up a few good deals, and saw some interesting new stuff. I'll go back next year...

 

[jc53]

Nice finds fellas. I went today as well and picked up some of that new Suffix 832 braid that they were heavily promoting. I did see Caddis breathable waders (Deluxe) for 169 I think. Another shop was selling Cloudveil waders, normally 330 and were on special for 200.

The Raven IM8 13' was going for 203. It was mostly bass related fishing gear, but there were some deals to be had. If you go, make sure you buy the expensive stuff. I realize that after paying the $14 admission, I didn't really save at all on the Suffix or plastic baits.

It's all about the big ticket items. Also came across a TNF Apex Bionic softshell jacket for $99.99 with a MSRP of $150. Sportchek sells that same jacket for the same price and you don't have to pay $14 to get in. So knowledge is key for sure.

Also, price shop too. I saw one place sell Gamakatsu octopus hooks for 5 and change and another place sell for 3.49, which is what it is normally.

There were some places selling rods for 50% off too. There are definitely some good deals to be had.

The new Sufix 832 line what were they charging for it? 150 yd spool?
I have read really good things on the line and am going to order a 600yd spool from Cabela's in the US.
150 and the 300 yd spools are way too small for me to fill up my reels.

J

 

[FrankTheRabbit]

The new Sufix 832 line what were they charging for it? 150 yd spool?
I have read really good things on the line and am going to order a 600yd spool from Cabela's in the US.
150 and the 300 yd spools are way too small for me to fill up my reels.

J

Was walking around and some places had it selling between $19.99 to $23.99 for the 150yd spool and I saw another place sell it for $37.99 for the 300yd spool. They also had a $2 coupon so I ended up buying the 150yd for $17.99. Doing the math (including the $14 price of admission), it wasn't worth it.

I don't know how much the sell it for normally at the stores, but I don't think it'll be $31.99 for the 150yd spool.

Definitely get the 600yd spool since this will last you a few seasons for sure.