Show Schedule

We are upon the Outdoor Sportsmen Show season. There are various shows going on over the next couple of months. Going to them is a great way to see the newest gear, go to seminars, and talk to outfitters and manufacturers.

I went to Marlboro Fly Fishing Show today. I managed to only spend about twenty dollars. I go to the shows because of the seminars. I bring some scrap paper and a pen. I jot down notes, usually of public access fishing spots. Here are some of the upcoming shows.

Marlboro Fly Fishing Show Jan 20-22

The show is going on this weekend. Although the show itself is not huge, I feel it is the best show around. By far they have the best seminars. During each hour, there are six seminars going on. Usually two of them will be "how to" while the other four are "Destination Theater" where a guide or lodge tells you about an exotic place. There is usually a fly tying demonstration and a casting demonstration each hour also. On top of all this, you can talk to many of the authors (and have them sign books) in the Authors Booth. Many expert fly tyers are there and will gladly talk to you also.

Today I went to four seminars. "Stripers on the Mirimichi" "Greater Yellowstone"," Washington Chinook and Steelhead". I also went to Lou Zambello's "Advanced Seasonal Tactics for Catching Trophy Brookies and Salmon". I learned a lot at that one.

New England Fishing and Outdoor Expo, Boxboro, MA  Jan 27-29

This is the most famous show in New England. It was formerly at the Worcester Centrum. This show is much more general than the fly fishing show. If you are into fishing and/or hunting you will find something that interests you.

 My friend Dave Pickering will be doing three shows there. Two on Saturday and one on Sunday. His shows are about "Targeting Large Carp, and the very popular  "Keeper Stripers and Large Blues from Shore and Boat". The nice thing about Dave's shows, they are different every year. Some guys do the same show every single year. Dave adds many new pictures and talks about what worked that year, not fifteen years ago. http://ristripedbass.blogspot.com/2017/01/showtimefirst-stop-new-england-fishing.html I am going up with him on Saturday.

My friend Clay, who started a guide service up in New Hampshire has a booth. He is guiding clients on ice fishing adventures. From what I have seen, they have been having a lot of fun and catching a lot of fish. Have you ever jigged up a lake trout? Me neither, but Clay has gotten a bunch of clients some decent fish. Check out his booth "Fish Nerds". Even if you don't have any interest in ice fishing, Clay is really funny and a stop at his booth will probably leave you smiling.

Springfield Sportsmen Show Feb 24-26

This large show is held at the Big E. There are a couple of buildings full of everything from garage doors (why, I don't know?) to many manufacturers and outfitters. There are some terrific deals on fishing gear. This show does not post their seminar schedule until close to the opening date. Although it is a long ride, I enjoy my stay here. Dave will also be doing his carp and striper shows here.

RISAA Show, Providence March 10-12

This is the annual Saltwater Show. It is huge. There isn't anything but saltwater gear, charter captains, and tackle shops. You can find some great deals. I have friends that buy all their saltwater leaders at the show. I really like going to this show since there is so much to see. If there is one gripe I have, it's the seminars. The majority of them are for boaters. There are a couple shore fisherman doing seminars (usually DJ Mueller is there). However since there is a lot more money in tuna fishing the Canyons than there is fluke fishing from a bridge, that is who they cater to. No worries, still a fun show with tons to see and buy.