Report: Greater Philadelphia outdoor Sportshow

[DarkSkies]

Greater Philadelphia outdoor Sportshow 2010
Philly show is this weekend, guys and girls.

Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA, February 25-28, 2010


http://www.sportshows.com/SEMINARSCH...PHILLY2010.pdf (http://www.sportshows.com/SEMINARSCHEDULE_PHILLY2010.pdf)

[DarkSkies]

Pebbles and I hit that Philly show in Oaks, PA today guys and girls. It was a very busy show. We got there early and stayed for awhile.

From what I was told, this show replaces the old one they used to have in Fort Washington, maybe some people remember that.

I heard from the people counting the money that the attendance numbers were great, beyond expectations. I was able to observe some of this for myself as there was a steady stream in and out of that place all day.

I talked to the vendors as well for their opinions of the traffic. Most said they were happy, with the only slight complaints that people weren't as eager to spend as much as they sometimes do. Given this poor economy, that's understandable and a common theme I've been hearing this Spring.

[DarkSkies]

There were so many there was something for everyone. Tons of families came out, many with 3 and 4 kids in tow. Lots of times the little ones get bored when the show just focuses on fishing or hunting.

But the variety of attractions like "Brody the Bear" featuring a 1400# brown/grizzly bear Brody, "The Raptor show" with owls, falcons, crows, and other birds of prey, the casting pool, trout pond, and some kiddie attractions were the perfect things to keep the kids busy, and wives/girlfriends too. :thumbsup:

Pebbles doesn't always go with me to shows because at the straight fishing ones I tend to get into prolonged discussions about fishing or fisheries management. :boring:

At this show there was enough for her to do while I did my thing wandering around and shooting video of the things that caught my eye. She was also nice enough to take a few shots with the regular camera, thanks Pebbles. :kiss:

I'm not gonna report on everything as it was too much to list. What I usually try to do is report on the stuff that catches my eye, and that a saltwater fisherman might be interested in, or some unusual or new product that I feel merits some discussion.

I'm trying to post during a bumpy road home, so I'll flesh out the posts now, and post the pics and vids when I have broadband access for downloading.

If you see an incomplete post that interests you, check back by Tue when it should all be finished and posted up.

[DarkSkies]

some pics


10182

10183

10184

[DarkSkies]

One of the first things that caught my eye was the Radtke pike minnow being sold by Will and Richard Zellner, 2 brothers from Chicago running the Muddy Water tackle co.

They had a show special of any 3 for $25. One of the brothers beat the heck out of the pike on the table to show how durable it was, great marketing. :thumbsup:

9832671

"The man's not afraid to beat the crap out of his lures"

[DarkSkies]

10185

10186

10187

10188

[DarkSkies]

Guys use many scents and attractants to get fish. Dan put all that together in a package called the Dandy Dipper. Dan is also a big S American fishing fanatic, and towards the end of the video he shows pics and talks about the monster peacock bass he's caught in remote S American lakes and rivers.


9828291

[DarkSkies]

10189

10190

[DarkSkies]

10191

10192


JPR custom rods with Paul Rayburn. One of the hot topics in the rod building market is acid washed rods with offset guides. They look kinda funny until you get used to them. Paul gave us a little explanation of that.

9828355

[DarkSkies]

Raptors, some cool pics and video.

10193

10194

10195


The thing I liked most is watching the owls turn their heads around 180 degrees. I went off to shoot some more video. Pebbles stayed at the raptor section and described how the woman in charge let a bunch of kids in the area. They then did a series of tricks where these birds of prey through through circles the kids were making with their arms. Amazing stuff, and she said the kids had a blast. :thumbsup:

That's one of the things I meant when I said there was something for everyone. It seemed like there were more than enough interesting things other than fishing to keep children happy. :clapping:

The videos below are short, but they show the owls turning their heads as if on a swivel, way cool. :cool:

9828399


9831627

[DarkSkies]

10196

10197

10198

[DarkSkies]

This is a tree stand developed by Jim and Anthony Moran to give hunting access to handicapped hunters.

9831525

The two brothers are electricians and decided to make a real product that would make a difference. :clapping::clapping:

Check them out at:
Hawk outdoor products
www.thetreerider.com (http://www.thetreerider.com)


This caught my eye because we have as a member here the guy who started the original "Take a Soldier Fishing" program, Mike Nashif/aka fisterfam.

He also started the "Take a soldier hunting" offshoot program, and I believe some of the things they do is take handicapped soldiers hunting.

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=1628&highlight=soldier+fishing

This seemed like the Morans and Mike Nashif should get together, maybe they would consider donating one of those great tree stands to Mike's hunting program to help out and get some free publicity at the same time. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[DarkSkies]

Connie's brother gives a demo how to tie teasers
10199

10200

10201


Tri plex is a small tackle company out of PA run by a Dad and his 2 children. They all work together striving to make this a successful business selling decent terminal rigs and hand made bucktails and teasers.

I first met the daughter Connie at the Point Pleasant fishing flea market. Sunday we met her brother and Dad, nice meetin you folks! :HappyWave:

9658598

[DarkSkies]

Matt Porter, associate of Capt Jim Hastbacka of Got Stryper charters, Chatham, Ma demonstrates some of the jumbo soft plastic baits they invented and now market.

One might think all soft plastics are the same, but these guys have a special design and pockets in their plastic that enables you to fish bigger hooks and special jig heads for jigging the big girls. :wow:

They will definitely be at RISSA in RI, and might be at the Suffern NY show next week, not sure.

9831928

[DarkSkies]

10202

10203

[DarkSkies]

Friends of the forgotten is a POW/MIA organization that some might be interested in learning more about.

We met Ed and Jane Thomas, vets who are involved in seeing that whatever remains of soldiers exist overseas are discovered and brought home. They try to get them a proper burial and closure for the families. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

A little about them in the words of Ed and Jane...

9831993



Learn more about them at
www.friendsoftheforgotten.org (http://www.friendsoftheforgotten.org)






The Intent and purpose of Friends of the Forgotten ® is to raise public awareness on the POW-MIA issue.


Friends of the Forgotten ® is not connected with or an affiliate of any other organization or political party.


Friends of the Forgotten ® is not intended to raise funds for profit. Any funds received or raised will be used for education, donations or operating expenses.

Friends of the Forgotten ® operates under the guidelines of the federal government for non-profit organizations.
Meetings are open to the public and held on the first Monday of the Month at the Blue Comets Club, Skippack, PA at 7:30 P.M.
All are welcomed to join us!

[DarkSkies]

I know this was supposed to be a fun show, but I thought I would post up something that Ed and Jane had at their table. This is about Bowe Bergdahl, who was still missing in Afghanistan as of Jan 11, 2010.

Some people might think what's the point of a POW/MIA organization since some of the wars in question have been over for many years. Well, this article shows they're still out there, at least Bowe is....


http://www.aiipowmia.com/inter2010/in110110brgoef.html
Hoping for Solider's Return



11 January, 2010

Family still hopeful for soldier's release

By Raiza Canelon / Staff Writer

The family of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, the only U.S. soldier known to be held captive in Afghanistan, remains hopeful about his release despite a lengthy propaganda video released Christmas day that showed footage of him denouncing the U.S. military.

The family now lives in Hailey, Idaho, but has roots in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Bergdahl's sister, Sky Bergdahl, said that the family appreciates all the support it's receiving, even from as far away as Santa Barbara County, but the family has heard nothing else since her brother's captors released the video.

'We pray that Bowe's return is imminent and hope America will continue to stand in the gap for him as well as for our troops,' his sister wrote in an e-mail message.

Bergdahl, 23, disappeared June 30 while based in eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed his capture in mid-July by releasing a video that showed the young soldier appearing downcast and frightened. He hadn't been heard from again until the Christmas Day video, in which he looks healthy and speaks clearly.

His parents, Bob and Jani Larson Bergdahl, are both graduates of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, and his grandfather, Craig Larson, founded the Solvang Veterinary Hospital.

Wearing his U.S. military uniform and sunglasses in the latest video, Bergdahl remains expressionless as he says that the U.S. military should end its involvement in Afghanistan. His speech is flat and irregular, as though he is reading from a script.

Among other comments in the video, which combines narration in heavily accented English along with English and Arabic captions, Bergdahl says that Afghan soldiers are superior to those of the United States and their allies, and says American soldiers are fighting in Afghanistan only 'because of the stupidity of our leaders.'

'This is a horrible act which exploits a young soldier, who was clearly compelled to read a prepared statement,' said U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, a spokesman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. The ISAF confirmed that the man in the video is Bergdahl.

Valley residents were shocked in July when they found out the captured American was the son of people they knew.

Solvang Shoe Store owner Max Hanberg said he knew the Larson family when they lived in the Valley and is showing his support by placing a yellow ribbon outside his business.

'I graduated with Bob Bergdahl (the soldier's father), and thought it could have been a relative because that last name is not common and I knew they lived in Idaho. I feel sorry for their family and hope for his safe return,' recalled longtime Valley resident Aaron Petersen when he heard the news this summer.

Bergdahl is a member of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He entered the Army in June 2008 and went through basic training in Fort Benning, Ga., according to Army reports.

Chris Nielsen, senior vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter in Solvang, who retired from the Marines in 2006, said in July that the most important thing for Bergdahl was to stay alive, no matter what.

'He is trying to save his own life right now, and held by individuals that could end his life in a brutal way. Bowe is under tremendous pressure. I am sure he is trying the best he can to survive,' Nielsen said then.

The most recent video was posted by a group calling itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which claims to be the media outlet for the Taliban, according to SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S.-based terrorist tracking organization.

In a recent press conference, Defense Department press secretary Geoff Morrell declined to give details about any rescue efforts or information about Bergdahl's whereabouts.

'I can tell you generally that ever since Pfc. Bergdahl went missing, it has been a top priority for our forces, particularly in (eastern Afghanistan), to find him, recover him, bring him home safely. And that remains the case today,' he told reporters at the Pentagon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Santa Ynez Valley News

[DarkSkies]

I know of Shore Catch because Capt Rich Swisstack works for them.

They also came to my attention as I became aware of the way they run their charters. As I understand it, they take people out and their years of experience put people into fish, lots of them. There are tons of great reports out there by people who have had memorable trips with Shore Catch. :fishing:

Because they also care about the resource and the future of striped bass, they do try to explain this to their clients and encourage catch and release of the bigger fish if it's not a trophy.

Of course, this is all up to the client. Every client is allowed to harvest as many fish as the law allows. The thing that strikes me differently about the Shore Catch guys is that they're at least trying to raise awareness of striped bass as a valuable recreational resource for the future.

In times when a few popular captains are out there claiming that the clients "force" them to either disregard EEZ laws by demanding fish, and other clients having a "kill all the bass they can" mentality, I think the guys at Shore Catch deserve a few :clapping::clapping: for at least promoting dialogue and awareness.

As mentioned, no one wants to hear C&R preaching shoved down their throats, it'll never work that way. :argue:

But here we have a very successful NJ charter business with repeat customers that at least tries its best to promote awareness of our striped bass heritage and resource.

Nice meeting you guys, and best of luck with the 2010 season! :HappyWave:

9832097


We also met Capt David Goldman and his son at the booth. I hope it's ok to say we congratulated Capt Goldman, saw that his son is adjusting to US life and settling into life that any normal child deserves.
Best of luck to you all. :thumbsup:


check them out at:

www.shorecatch.com (http://www.shorecatch.com)

[DarkSkies]

The worm bar, Lindenhurst, NY

These 2 women cornered the market on soft plastics. It seems a few vendors at the show had these 9' rubber baits, but there were boxes and boxes at this one booth. It was the only place I spent $$.

Good prices, 12 9" plastics for $10, and 5 jig and plastic combos for $10.


10204

10205

10206

[DarkSkies]

George Roupe from Bridge creek outfitters demonstrates the Hobie mirage drive and a sweet Hobie demo for $1150

9831849

[DarkSkies]

Got a chance to meet Joe Wrigley and Jim Wynn from the RFA.


Joe Wrigley, tri state RFA coordinator and PA delegate

9842855

Joe explains the benefits of getting involved.

9842925





Jim Wynn talks about the RFA and getting involved. Jim is an area Grassroots Coordinator for the RFA.

9842801


Nice meeting you guys, thanks for the perspectives. :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Capt Rich Swisstack talks about St Croix and early season striped bass fishing.

We ran into Rich Swiss. He was there with his family to check out the show, and as the St Croix rep. He's been the St Croix rep for many years now, I believe they even designed one of their signature rods based on his recommendations. :thumbsup:

Here he talks a little about St Croix, and a little about early season bass fishing in Raritan Bay. Thanks for the perspective, Rich. :HappyWave:

9844161

[DarkSkies]

Brody the bear is a 1400lb grizzly/brown bear who was one of the most popular show attractions.

Some clips I shot:

One thing about chidren is they get bored quickly. You would not have noticed that at the Brody Bear exhiibit. The kids were mesmerized. :thumbsup:

9844259





Here the trainer talks about differences between a defensive attack, and a predatory attack. Some decent bear tips. If one was ever attacked by a bear, I doubt many of us would be quick thinking enough to notice these subtle differences. :scared:

However, it was pretty interesting, and the advice given could save your life one day.

9844308

[Pebbles]

I have gone to many fishing shows with Rich. I have to say this was one of the best. It had something for everyone. The hunting section was just as lively as the fishing section. There were hundreds of vendors and for some reason each one had something different to offer.

I usually get bored to tears because how many plugs can you look at. Every vendor I saw held my attention in some way.

I enjoyed the fly casting demonstration. Something we are going to learn about this year.

There were these guys, Will and Richard Zelnner, with some plugs they made. They demonstrated how they worked by having a large tub of water and a small pole. I think Rich has them profiled above in a previous post.

This one guy Dan, explained to me all about the feathers of ducks. He had a large display which all said do not touch. He let me dig my finger in the bottom of one to see how thick the feathers are. It amazed me how soft some of the duck feathers can be.

My favorite of course was Brody the bear. I think it was good that they brought something like this to the show because it really brought informative information about bears. The owner went into great detail about bear safety.

They also had a dog show which discussed hunting dogs. That was good for all the kids. It showed how fast they can run and retrieve even in water.

When it comes around again I suggest you go. Bring the family on Sunday because that seemed to be family day.

Thanks for taking me Rich! :kiss:

[baitstealer]

Dark great video's. Are you going to the suffern show? I think it is this weekend if you are pm me.

[DarkSkies]

Baitstealer, I'm gonna try to be there one or more of the days this weekend. The Suffern show is one of the better shows and worth going to. You will see some of the same old, same old stuff, but also some plug and tackle makers you might not get to see in this area.

I was told Ace Baits might not make it there this year. :(
Phil, the owner, is a great guy, and his plugs never disappoint.

There are many more things to see there, so I'd recommend the trip. I sent you a PM with my number, call me anytime. :HappyWave:

There are also some great NJ shows this weekend, the Berkeley show, which should have quite a few plugbuilders, and the Ocean City fishing flea market. I'll try to start some threads about these later.

And of course there is the Asbury Park Club's show on Sun, March 14. It's without a doubt one of the most popular shows in the NJ/NY area. Builders from all over the country will be represented at that show.

[DarkSkies]

Brody the bear




10239

10240

10241

10242


guy puts his head in Brody's mouth, several times. The kids went wild when he did this.

9844341

[DarkSkies]

10243

Brody Bear snarls
9844426




10244

Brody Bear stands
9844560

[7deadlyplugs]

Looks like that show had many things to offer. It would have been quite a drive for me. Now I'm sorry I missed it. I guess I'll just have to be happy with the report. You did a nice job with the videos, felt like I was there.

[surferman]

Anyone going this year? Haven't went in a while and heard it got a little better so I'm going. Look for the guy with john deere shirt and eagles cap, say hi!
http://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/greater-philadelphia-outdoor-sportshow-this-week-at-oaks

[basshunter]

Thanks man will be going too. Link to show events.
http://www.phillyexpocenter.com/view-calendar/calendar-of-events/?mc_id=980

[bababooey]

Look for the guy with john deere shirt and eagles cap, say hi!
http://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/greater-philadelphia-outdoor-sportshow-this-week-at-oaks

LOL, a show in Phila? That description only narrows it down to about 200 guys wearing the same gear.;)

[lostatsea]

haha