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I think these big shows lost a lot of their appeal with the advent of the internet. I used to wait with bated breath for the Suffern, NY show every year to get the new tackle catalogs and a look at all the new stuff--I never expected any real deals, taking into account what exhibitors must pay for a table at these mega-shows. Now, by the time the shows roll around, I've seen everything 5 times on-line and know exactly what new gear is out. I'll never forget the Abu booth a couple of years ago--the rep was talking up this hot new reel coming out in the fall called the Mag Elite and I already owned two ;-) Another kick I get out of these shows, many companies hire "rent-a-reps" just to stand in the booth, and I love to ask them an elementary question and get pure bull in response.
I still go to the Suffern show, but I don't bring that much extra cash--it's a nice day out and a chance to see the new stuff hands-on. Plus, Mark Leggert's Newport Lures booth usually has some worthwhile stuff.
There's two shows worth going to, for me--the NYSF show in two weeks, and the MSBA show. The NYSF show is Mass Bass on a smaller scale, but you can get some bargains there. Not just saying it because of present company, but the MSBA show is the Rolls Royce of all of them for the saltwater fisherman.
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