Ontario Shore Fishing Forum

I attended the Toronto show too, but here are my thoughts.

Toronto and Mississauga shows , basically the same drive time wise, CNE and International Centre by the airport. Handicap parking at the CNE $14.00 and 1/2 Km walk to entrance doors, I.C. free HC parking and 10 steps from the front door. Far more vendors at the CNE but right amount for me at the I.C. Allot easier for me to get around too.

At the Toronto show I only purchased Some Freedom live action Hybrid jigs. Great item, buy separate hooks and you can change the plastic baits without having to re-tie. $10.00 no taxes. A fellow fisherman at work saw them and asked me to pick them up for him too. Check it out. http://www.freedomlures.com/Freedom_Tackle/Home.html
Also on U Tube, Face book and Twitter

Bought an awesome new crank bait from a young man who made these for fun in his basement out of Balsa wood, and is now having them manufactured in Scarborough, so far CTC in Georgetown is his only retailer. Again $10.00 no tax. http://www.hangbellylures.com/

Bought the field mouse from Live Target Bait. Unfortunately the guys at work said that its difficult to set the hooks because of the design..oh well I can try. http://www.livetargetlures.com/products/..._mouse.php

As I was leaving a lady at Bass Magnet was barking out..."3 bags for $10.00" I replied, sorry I'm Leaving and only have $5.00 left.
She replied in a very low whisper "3 bags for $5.00" So I left with 3 bags, (32 soft baits ) for the fiver and no tax again.

Had A nice chat with a rep. from Abu Garcia about the confusion for someone like me who is just getting back into fishing. In the 70's and early 80's it was all live bait. He explained allot and answered the questions I had about colour of baits, line for a bait caster etc.

All in all a great day for me. Oh I forgot, $8.00 for senior compared to $15.00 I think for the CNE show.

I guess you know where I'm going next year. They also have a Niagara show in March I believe.

Thanks for the interesting report.

Yes the Niagara one is March 15th , 16th , & 17th , 2013. - At the Scotiabank Convention Centre which is a few blocks or so west of the Fallsview Casino.

http://niagarasportsmenshow.com/

Cheers,

OldTimer

To be honest, I walked away from both the Sportsman show and the Spring Fishing show without buying anything. Mainly because I didn’t see anything that I otherwise couldn’t just buy at a retail outlet. Sure, there are “discounts” but usually for low end gear and stuff that I already have or don’t need.

I was hoping for more manufacturing representation. There is lots of hardware I simply can’t get in this country and I have to travel stateside for it.

Hey Captain I bet you met Mary from Bass magnet they also Make the waterwolf lures.


Very nice people.


Unfortunately the Problem with these shows is that there are too many too close together.

This weekend at the I.C. is the canadian outdoors adventure show. and in ottawa is another sportsmanshow and boat show.

the auto show has been running in toronto so that also takes interest away from the public to attend these shows, how may shows can a person really goto.

It was mentioned spring fishing and boat show in niagara 2nd week of march, I think there is a show in hamilton next week also.

it has to get hard on all of these vendors that are traveling from all over to attend these shows,only to get very little interest from the public to even look at the front doors of these shows.
I know for a fact 3 years ago the toronto sportsmanshow had about 5 times the amount of vendors/exhibits and attendees from the public.

It was my first year at the spring show, but if these numbers continue these shows will die out like the dinosaur.

there is one thing to be said about seeing a product online/youtube or other venue, you can see for yourself before you buy the product if you will like it or not.

But is something more when you actually meet the people that made the lures and perfected these lures overtime.

Yeah there are seminars from professional fishermen, some of them more informative than others.

There are just too many shows at the same time of year, I mean we are in february and they are selling summer sports, and each show is competing for the same sponsors and vendors/ exhibitors.

When In the back of my mind all im thinking about is going ice fishing and using the new lowrance finder I just recently purchased.


These shows can be helpful but again the public needs better education about what these shows can offer, or just better advertisement, I know for a fact if i was a vendor at either of these shows i would second guess myself about going back next year.



~Jeremy

These shows need to conduct more like a trade show if they are to continue to survive. At the moment, the public's perception is to find deals and discounts at the show...but in actuality, the real benefit of these shows is to speak to vendors and understand the products from the makers as you said, Jeremy.

These shows should be a place for smaller manufacturers to promote their products. Sales and discounts from these small vendors are part of the promotion and exposure to encourage consumers to try of a product. It also give them an avenue to reach targeted customers and conduct a bit of analysis on the customers, market, competitors and substitute products...and that should be how the shows should operate. If you're going there looking to clear your stocks or make the sale of the year in those shows, it may not be the best idea at all.

(02-20-2013 03:33 PM)MuskieBait Wrote: [ -> ]. If you're going there looking to clear your stocks or make the sale of the year in those shows, it may not be the best idea at all.

You're right MB, As the way it has shown this year a person can not make the investment back on the booth they paid for.

Either the sportsman has in their mind what they want and has done all their proper research and found their lodge, or fly-in, or bait company source for what they like, and so on with rds and reels, we have had these conversations in the past as to who has the best options for heavey duty salt water action rods and reels,
Basically these shows are "TRADE" shows, and are also meant for the general public.

I think that the Canadian promotions on fishing has died like the dinosaur.

And to have 2-3 fishing/boat shows every wek with one province hurts the whole industry, it is not a novelty anymore, it seems that it is just another piece of information that is forced upon the public.

I noticed that at the spring show.

Everyone knew each other, there is still 4 more weeks of the "SHOW SEASON" many shows you will never hear about, but it all takes away from one great show.
People either need to be educated more,
or some shows just need to shut down all together.

It comes with the circus and local fairs/carnivals all around, how many events can the general public actually visit?

In the end these shows will either buy each other out, or just go bankrupt, to many at one time of year, makes no sense to me...


That's my rant.



~Jeremy

I do feel that the shows should have more smaller manufacturers and reps, I did enjoy talking with Abu Garcia rep who answered all the questions I had about Reels, Line and Lures. The so called tackle vendors reminded me of the Ex when I was a kid.
As for buying, I bought what I had on my list, and worked within a budget I had set, I just cannot see myself getting upset if I see one of the lures I bought cheaper at Bass or Sail.
To be brutally honest, I was like a kid in candy store, having just got back into fishing after being away for a long time, a very long time and what I did buy was recommended my my fishing buddies, other than the Hangbelly lure from the small Canadian company.

Overall, yes there are too many shows close together, and the smaller venues...Miss., Hamilton, Niagara are more than likely the same vendors, manufacturers etc.

As I stated the TSS is off my list and if I want to go to one next year it most likely be Hamilton or Niagara.

Good news.... for once.......... wife came home with inexpected bonus, her company had never given one out in 30 years that she had been there. She agreed that I should have a second rod and reel, so now the hunt begins. Mind you she agreed possibly for herslf to use at the cottage in September, have to wait and see.......lol

(02-21-2013 09:15 AM)captain2002 Wrote: [ -> ]She agreed that I should have a second rod and reel, so now the hunt begins. Mind you she agreed possibly for herslf to use at the cottage in September, have to wait and see.......lol

Get a good one that she'll like......... and get her hooked on the sport.

My lovely lady never fished till she met me....... now she NEVER turns down goin' fishin' .........and understands when I go alone too............. cool as well.

OT

Actually, she used my Shakespeare rod and reel at the end of the day at the cottage when I was fished out. She caught on and did well, no fish, but she enjoyed it.

Having said that that I think I will upgrade to a medium heavy rod as we are renting a boat and will see many different fishing areas and conditions. Nice thing is that the owners who we have met twice now waived the $250.00 per week fee and will just charge us usage............sweet deal. Might have them over for BBQ one night.

(02-21-2013 12:11 AM)Jeremy Ray Green Wrote: [ -> ]That's my rant.

~Jeremy

Interesting rant …………. Here is mine:

In my thoughts………………….SHOW – does not equal – SALE

One dictionary’s definition of Show: ”an exposition for dealers or the public of products by various manufacturers in a particular industry -usually held in an exhibition hall, convention facility, or the like”.

Perhaps what we desire is to have manufacturers, dealers, lodges, charters, sport fishing organizations and government agencies at the fishing shows that have an honest and sincere desire to:

- have their name, service, information or unique product to be seen by the public.
- be recognized by their peer organizations, while competing to look the best to us (the anglers).
- Give back to (us) the anglers (and customers) through financial support and/or attendance at such events.
- Create a positive image and atmosphere for all aspects of angling.
- And most importantly – PROMOTE THE SPORT.

The reason I may seem harsh on the position of some retailers, manufacturers, or organizations - is that they make a lot of money off you & I…… do remember….. Our interest in the sport drives the reason for their existence, ongoing employment, and both corporate & personal income.

Honest – nothing would make me happier than to see the end to the huckster environment and selling crap, or the dumping of outdated, seconds, or unpopular merchandise at a show………….. Good riddance!

I think it’s great for new companies to use it as a way of being recognized.

I believe the MNR (who isn’t selling a dam thing) has the idea.

I don’t think many of the major players suitably support the events or just do token gestures.

I do think there are way too many shows in TORONTO. (Canada is a large country)

I’d rather see LESS sale of merchandise, and more interesting displays or free presentations that work towards the shows being a quality educational and entertaining experience for kids as well as adults.

And on the costs to you and I…………. if more of the big boys “officially” supported the event – just perhaps the parking and tickets could be sold at a much lower price. Do note that my definition of “big boys” is not just limited to fishing related items and also includes clothing, fuel, food, and beverage firms.

Example: a corporation or two sponsors FREE or reduced parking on a week day, or discounted tickets for all at the gate – probably cost them a hundred grand – but lottsa pay back, fantastic advertising, and goodwill…………. And way less cost than some magazine or TV ads………..

.............etc

Cheers,

OldTimer