Maybe I have become jaded

[slow eddie]

sounds like the feb. blahs are setting in a little early this year. i'm 69, 99% surf fishing only, with plugs. don't care if i catch a 50 or a five. just matters to get out on the water.
i still go to the shows. mainly to see the guys i don't see that much of during the year. the shows themself are just an excuse to get together. by mar. the juices are starting to flow. come on april and the baby run.
my advice is get a decent bottle of cognac. have one shot a day. before you know it, it's spring.
dr. ed. no relation to dr. phil.

[MikeToole]

I think your terms are the answer, one is a show and the other is a get together. The thing I usually enjoy the most about a show is seeing the people I don't get to see during the off season.

I go to the shows if for no other reason but to support the clubs. The money from the Plum Island Surfcaster show is used to support our youth program and fishing interest.

I will say I got some real good information on wet suits for fishing at the MSBA show. Being able to talk to DJ was a big help.

[Back Beach]

I go to shows and get togethers just to see people. Aside from maybe a cold beer and some beef jerky, there's little of interest in terms of buying. I do like the MSBA and RISSA shows alot simply for the B.S. sessions. You can pretty much keep the rest of the big shows.