Travel for me is difficult these days. I'd like to attend Somerset, NJ, as well as the MA show, but these days they are "A Bridge too far".
I've been able to tag along w/ Friends to the RISAA show the past few years. It is a great SW show, limited outfitters and other non tackle related vendors. While I respect their right to earn a living; as we all have that right , I feel they are out of place at a venue dedicated to Salt Water Fishing. I believe those exhibitors would be proper to a generic "outdoor exhibition".
That being said, depending on your geographical location, If there was one show to attend, it would be RISAA. Quality exhibitors, willing to listen, offer help, and share their expertise.
If you know what to look for, there are some very good "show specials".
I've made some good friends there, and you'll always run into someone you've met on the beach.
The seminars are always informative. I usually come away w/ a different way of doing things as well as remembering things i've forgotten over the years.
Second place would go to Pete at SWE. He and his crew go all out. It's kinda like a mini RISAA. Shame it won't happen this year, but his reasons are very understandable
gw
RISAA !
Threaded Mode