sportsmans shows 'Whats your choice"

[Zeno]

To say that I attended few shows last few years would be an understatement.
I'd have to say that they all are good in some ways. For us on Long Island who don't have a single show to go to all winter (except one that is dying quickly) the new Recreational show is a place to see old friends in a dead of a winter. It will take time to build following.
For strictly "shopping" purpose you cant beat RISAA. That show is incredible. Although I have to say that if you are a plug whore those two flea markets in NJ,Asbury and Berkeley will blow your mind with guys lining up at 3 am. I am wondering how much effect this economy is going to have on them. I think more then people realize but I guess will have to wait and see. I am looking forward to Plum Island show, never been that way and always looking forwards to seeing Mr. Bourque and meeting new people. Never made a massbass show yet ,I always seem to be booked by the time I get invited. I am looking forward to visiting them at their May meeting for many reasons.They are a great organization and they deserve your support.
having said that, my favorite shows are usually small in nature. Rivers End and SWE were intimate gathering where everyone seems to know each other.

[BobT]

There are only two shows to attend........MSBA and RISSA. The rest are pots and pans and ShamWOW.

[bassbudda]

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

[Rockport24]

I'll be hitting the PISC show in a couple of weeks and then MSBA and RISAA.
I love them all, but I love the pilgrimage to providence to go to RISAA, plus it's in April, so we can almost smell the season getting ready to start up