Somerset saltwater fishing expo in March

[DarkSkies]

Went to the Somerset show today, saw a lotta good stuff and people. The place seemed pretty busy for a big hall, lots of exhibitors (4 aisles worth), decent amount of traffic.

I didn't take as many pics as I usually do, got into too many side conversations. Some of the people I wanted to do interviews of I missed. If I said I would be back to your booth and didn't make it, I'll try to do it tomorrow. I have another show down South, so I'll probably hit Somerset in the afternoon. If you see a guy in camo jacket with glasses who talks too much, don't be afraid to say hi. :D

Special thanks to the guy who advised me I was walking around with my fly open. Wonder how long I was doing that? :embarassed: Look in the dictionary under the word dork, and you'll find my pic.:ROFLMAO:

Good to meet the new people I met, do some ball bustin, and see some of the old familiar faces again. :thumbsup:

[DarkSkies]

Met Ralph MacLeod, the guy who started and created the Lilblinkie line of plugs. Has a 46 year background in electronics, and 52 years experience fishin! :fishing:

His plugs, made of plastic, looked no different than ordinary bomber profile plugs. What's different is how he developed them. His electronics experience helped him to design and make a commercial version of a plug that lights when it hits the water, and has magnetic sealed contacts activated by that water.

So how could that ever work, putting a battery operated lighted plug in a saltwater envoronment? They would be destroyed by salt in a matter of hours, or a day at the most?

Well, Ralph claims no, his process has everything sealed. I don't know how they fish, or if they will hold up, but Ralph claims they will, and he seemed pretty knowledgable in science and technology, and an avid fisherman. Stop by his booth if you get a chance and check out his stuff, plugs priced from $10-15.




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[DarkSkies]

Met Capt Alan Hastbacka from W Chatham, Mass. He makes these soft plastic pieces similar to hogy's. But here's where they differ: theyre molded to have indentations or segments scooped on the sides. What this does is refract the light as it shines through it to project it different ways. So it's almost like having the shininess of a hologram or foil finish in a soft plastic bait.

I imagine it would be good for surface feeding bass in the daytime or full moon, the further down you go the less the light matters. It still looked like a decent idea that could catch fish. :clapping: to the Capt for having thought of it. The baits are 9-12", priced from $8-10 per pack. The next show he'll be doing is RISSA in April.


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(He had 2 friends at his booth that take ball bustin to a new level, with friends like that you could almost be happier playin Russian roulette with the one-armed man) :laugh:. Just kiddin, it was cool meetin you guys. :HappyWave:So stop by Capt Alan's booth, ask him some questions, and enjoy the one-liners while you're there. ;)

[DarkSkies]

Owned by Dennis Waltimyer out of Red Lion Pa. He created this diamond hone sharpener to sharpen knives, or hooks to a deadly point. Nice meetin ya, Dennis. :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Met Phil Griffith, Owner of Fishing Pool LLC, which makes Ace Baits, a high-demand line of wooden plugs for fanatic muskie fishermen. They're just starting to get notoriety for big bass fishing.

Phil runs the company his father started, originally began in England in a small place (I think it was a workshop in their backyard?) and then they moved to a bigger place when Phil was younger. Phil increased quality control and started branching out their product lines to the several dozen or so offerings they make today. This includes specialty baits for Europeans who are fanatic about trophy pike and other toothy fish, and American and Canadian hardcore musky fishermen.

His wooden plugs are specially coated with an industrial strength hardened epoxy. Phil described the process, but lost me in the translation. :D He's been branching out to the East Coast Saltwater shows to meet and sell plugs to more saltwater fishermen.

I have fished Ace baits before. You can beat the crap out of them by catching a lot of bass and bluefish in a night, and they still hold up. I also bang my plugs against the rocks by accident sometimes, and they seem to stand up to that as well.

The chief objection from hardcore surfcasters that prevents more people praising his plugs on the East Coast? Some guys have reservations because they're not through wired, and feel they will lose a big fish in the middle of the battle. That's a reasonable reservation, but I don't think it's accurate for these plugs. If they'll hold up to big muskies up to 30lbs, why wouldn't they hold up to a cow bass?





Examples of East Coast guys who use and can vouch for his plugs?

1. Crazy Alberto, who last year bought out Phil's stock of one particular plug. If Alberto bought that many, he didn't buy them to use for casting practice. ;) If you run into Alberto at the show, ask him for his honest opinion of Ace baits, and he'll tell you.

2. MrBigFish, a musky fanatic and hardcore surf guy. Most people don't know him because he rolls in the dead of night, but he was manning Phil's booth at the Farmingdale show. If any of you recognized him at Farmingdale, you know how to get in touch with him. Ask him what he thinks.

Of course there are many more sharpies who use Ace Baits plugs, some of them are just not talking about it. But how could that help Phil's business if they keep a good find to themselves?

Phil will be at the Somerset show tomorrow, in one of the booths on the aisles to the right side. Stop by and say hi, ask him whatever questions you want about his plugs, he'll answer em.:thumbsup:

The man is a fanatic about fishin, ask him to tell you some of his fish stories too, if ya got the time.

[DarkSkies]

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[DarkSkies]

These peanut bunker and bunker profiles go anywhere from 5-7"

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[DarkSkies]

I think the Fish Hammer plugs he is selling now are made of wood, not sure. But only for this part of his lineup, he will be making these 4" peaut bunker profile plugs out of a tough butyrate plastic with a hardened industrial epoxy finish, Worth split rings, Eagle claw premium hooks, and paint scheme by Mike cordell, of the Cordell tackle family.

It's his latest project, and was designed for European fishermen who fish brodges a lot, and throw the plugs right up to the concrete or rocks so they can drop along the sides where the fish are.

There's a writeup on p15 of the March 2009 NJ Angler on this plug. It also has a rolling weight inside it. So it will look like a peanut bunker, cast and act like a MagDarter. I bought one to try out, will see how it does when the fish are hitting plugs in the end of April.



I took a couple of pics so you could see the color.
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[DarkSkies]

Ran into Rich Swiss and some of his crew at the show. Didn't take his pic because most people know what he looks like, and lately he's XXL sized. :laugh: But he also catches XXL bass and weakfish, this guy really puts in the time no matter what the weather.

I'm gonna do a free commercial for this guy.

I don't care what people say, I ain't stalkin him, :rolleyes: I just admire and look up to him. He's always been generous with his advice, and I owe him a lot.

Unlike me :ROFLMAO:, I don't think you could find anyone in the surfcasting community who could say one negative thing about him. He's always out there to help the new guys, and generates a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the sport.

He told me the IGFA certification recently came back for the world-record weakfish they caught while he was guiding Dave Alu for Shorecatch guide service last Spring. WTG, man, and nice meetin ya again :clapping::clapping:


So why would you need Rich Swisstack as a guide on a NJ or NY fishing trip?

1. He catches some of the first Spring bass every year in NJ, and gets the first migratory keeper more years than not.

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1335&stc=1&d=1210244865

2. Got his client Dave Alu into the world record weakfish, 19lbs, 12 oz in May 2008. :wow:

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1334&stc=1&d=1210244865



Rich, 1970 called, and they want that haircut back. :laugh:

http://shorecatch.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/swissIGFA.jpg


3. Moves all over the place to get his client a fish. If Swiss ain't catching, they ain't there that night. :thumbsup:

4. Is an all-around nice guy, never too busy to offer advice to a new guy or explain a technique.

5. Good rep for St Croix, gave them input into a new surf rod they designed just for Spring fishin - ask him about it when you see him at the St Croix booth.

6. Insanely funny guy, you'll have a blast hangin out with Swiss and the crew.


Stop by and say hi to Swiss at the St Croix booth, middle aisle. :HappyWave:


Link to Shorecatch/TNT charters, a boat he partners with Capt DaveT. You can hire these guys for the sand or the water:
http://shorecatch.com/wp/

[DarkSkies]

Run by Ken and Kathy Wente, they run a lot of the big bass tournaments in the area. Some of these groups have been taking heat for killing too many bass. Ken wasn't able to make the show, so his wife Kathy explained that all tournaments as of 2009 will be "no kill" tournaments with all bass released safely back into the water.

They do this by putting the bass in striper tubes, which they have for sale at the show at a special price. Nice meeting ya, Kathy. :HappyWave:



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releasing the 50lb Va tournament winner
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[DarkSkies]

Ran into Bill Donovan of NJ Angler magazine. I always wanted to meet him. When you read his editorials each month, you can tell that here is a guy who is really passionate about fishing and the legal and regulatory issues fishermen face. Nice meetin ya, Bill. :HappyWave:


Also ran into Shipwreck, who is now writing freelance articles for On the Water. If any of you know Shipwreck, he's a kayak fanatic who would live on one if his wife would let him. Generous with his advice, and a cool dude to fish with, good seein ya again man. :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Met Capt Eric Hannen of the Viking fleet out of Montauk. They have been in on one of the best cod bites in years.

I heard it was spotty, and that the bite was shifting from the afternoon to the morning. I also heard some guys sayin it's over for the season. He said it's difficult to predict, every day is different from the next. Today was not that great, but the past week has been good. Hey, that's why they call it fishin. Nice meetin ya, Capt. :HappyWave:

Viking fishin report:

Last Sat they had 12 fish over 20#, the pool fish was over 30#. The winner for the season so far was 43lbs.




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[DarkSkies]

This guy did a comprehensive and professional videogtaphed DVD of catching and pursuing bass, and some other things relating to striped bass. He worked in filmmaking and video production for many years, so I imagine this DVD has incredible scenery and great shots of catching bass. Stop by and say hi, he's in the last aisle near the food court. Nice meetin ya again, Lee. :HappyWave:


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[DarkSkies]

These guys work hard to keep the legislators aware of how the flounder restrictions are hurting everyone involved with fishing for them. :clapping:

Scotty from Lex Lures was manning their table, the guy's a barrel of laughs, check out the Halloween wig he was wearin for the show. :D




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Scotty from Lex Lures...always wearing some crazy wig....:HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Sham-Wow

Couldn't resist taking this pic :rolleyes:


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[plugaholic]

Great reporting Dark, as always you never disappoint!:clapping:

[surfwalker]

Great job Dark (as usual), thanks. I went Friday night after work.

[DarkSkies]

Yeah surfwalker, I think the Somerset show was one of the bigger shows I have been to. It didn't have the breadth of custom plugs that Asbury had, (when you come to think of it, nothing much out there beats Asbury for custom plugs for surfcasters) :heart:

There were a lot of different things available to look at in Somerset, and some deals to be had. Variety is the spice of life.

Here's some more pics I took yesterday.

I drove 400 miles when all I had on my mind was fishin. Maryland is beautiful, there are guys out in boats everywhere down there, and the weather is like 10 degrees warmer than here.

Managed to get to Somerset for the last hour. Then when I was done, I made it down to fish, but the day bite was over by then, and I was too shot to hang around for the night.

I like reporting on these shows, but most times I would rather be fishin. :fishing:

[DarkSkies]

These guys have been around for a long time. There is a guy who works there who fishes the Passaic almost every day. Get in touch with him when you want a Passaic River update. :thumbsup:


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[DarkSkies]

Ronnie from Fishermen's supply is one of the nicest guys around, and he fishes a lot. Stop by and talk to him for the latest on what's happening. :thumbsup: I wonder if Steve and Brian know just how lucky they are to have Ronnie working for them?

[DarkSkies]

I totally missed this table of hand tied teasers at Phil's table when I stopped by Ace Baits Saturday. He has a long-time fly guy tying for him overseas, some of their flies were awsome. The ones that had me drooling looked just like peanut bunker, nice work, 3/$10. :drool:



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[DarkSkies]

They moved into their new shop across the street, everything looks nice. Akira's #1 guy Mark did most of the work and the setups of the shelves, it's pretty efficiently organized. :clapping:That's the place I like to buy my eels in bulk, if it's eel time, they always have em. :thumbsup:

Akira
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Mark
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[DarkSkies]

Started by Frank Crescitelli, a charter captain, since the beginning of 2009. He made up the designs, and has the polycarbonate plastic lures made overseas and shipped to him. Show prices $7.50- $12.50, his next show will be Rissa. Nice meetin ya Frank. :HappyWave:


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[DarkSkies]

Mar.
19-21
2010
Garden State Exhibit Center
The Saltwater Fishing Expo
Mar. 19th to 21st, 2010
Davidson Avenue
Somerset, NJ
Time: see website
Contact: ?
Phone(603)431-4315
E-mail:
See website for details:
Website:
http://www.sportshows.com (http://www.sportshows.com/Som_Main.html)

[DarkSkies]

Hey guys and girls, the Somerset Saltwater show is next weekend. I have been going to that show for many years. If any of you have any comments or perceptions you want to share, feel free. :thumbsup:

[baitstealer]

Hey guys anyone going? It's from march 18-20, they say they will have a lot of seminars. I don't know a lot about it, is it worth it?

Here is what I could find



http://sportshows.com/images/Somerset_header.jpg

> Exhibitor List (http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_exhibitor_list.html)
> Features (http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_features.html)
> Seminar Schedule (http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_seminars.html)
</SPAN>> Giveaways (http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_giveaways.html)
> Floorplan (pdf) (http://sportshows.com/images/somersetfloor.pdf)
> Hours and Admission (http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_hours_admission.html)
> Directions (http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_directions.html)
> Join Our Email Club (http://sportshows.com/emailclub.htm)
> In the News (http://sportshows.com/inthenews.html)
> Apply for Booth Space (http://sportshows.com/boothapply.htm)
> Exhibitor Information (http://sportshows.com/exhibitor/index.html)
http://sportshows.com/images/Footer.jpg
http://sportshows.com/images/Som_banner.jpg

Click the logo below for more details about

Hundreds of exhibitors representing the entire spectrum of saltwater
sportfishing - inshore to offshore, light tackle to big-game tackle, and
everything in between. Fishermen will see and touch the latest from major
tackle manufacturers, buy the latest tackle from local retailers at special
show prices, book fishing trips with local captains and exotic destinations,
check out the latest in saltwater fishing boats, motors and kayaks and see all
the gear and equipment associated with saltwater angling. Don't miss it!

[baitstealer]

seminar schedule


http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_seminars.html

[fishinmission78]

Over-rated and over hyped. It's a good overall show if you are just getting your feet wet. If you go for more than a few years you will see the same stuff hyped continuously.

[surfwalker]

When you go, make sure you do some research on the prices of the items you may purchase. Some deals are pretty good, some not. Watch for blems on blanks.

[baitstealer]

I guess with all the traffic at shows like this, some dealers can try to bring slow-moving items and try to dump them. You really have to know what you are looking for. Thank you for the advice surfwalker.

[DarkSkies]

One of the things that makes it easy to run things here is how helpful you guys are with the advice, thanks. :thumbsup: :HappyWave:


*************
The show -
Met quite a few cool people today. Some of them came from far away, and travel 2-4 hours EACH time they come to fish the surf or ocean. It made me think how fortunate some of us are who live close to the water.

A few shout outs.....

1. To Tom & Jim from Allentown Pa. :HappyWave: These guys have a few hours travel time whenever they come to fish the RB by boat. Hardcore, best of luck this season. :fishing:

2. To Surfplug from Stripercoast Surfcasters, and some of the friends he came down from LI with....Mo, Adis, Rich, and Harry :HappyWave:
These guys are hardcore and addicted to fishin. :viking:
Nice seeing ya again, Ty.




We were talking about some early and late season favorite places. It's interesting to see we love the same water though live in different states.
We all agreed that the Western Sound is one of the most under-rated fishing areas in the tri-state area. One of them just bought a kayak and knows all my favorite spots up there. :fishing: I know we're gonna score some nice yak fish up there this year. Here's hoping to a great season for all. :HappyWave:

[SurfPlug]

Hey Rich it was good to see you at the show. I had a great time and a pleasure to meet you again. Hopefully we will do some fishing :)

Tight Lines

[cowherder]

Dark I was there this morning. Sorry I didn't get the chance to meet you. SurfPlug we have some pretty good fishing in NJ. We may not have Montauk like you guys do but we do have a lot of big fish at the jetties in May. Come on down to NJ and fish sometime. If you fish with Dark maybe I can meet up with you guys.

[SurfPlug]

Cowherder I was was there in the morning myself with a few of the montauk regulars. I haven't been to Jersey since the mid 80's but I hope this year to fish there with the club or solo. Anyway I am sure you guys have nice fish down there as what goes up the coast must run your way on back down.

[DarkSkies]

haven't been to Jersey since the mid 80's but I hope this year to fish there with the club or solo.

Come on down anytime, we'll leave the light on for ya....:HappyWave:



**********
Sunday's show -
Sunday's traffic was still strong, particularly in the morning. They were giving away free tackle boxes to the first 200 children through the door. I saw a lot of happy faces, and Dads, sons, and families having a good day together.


Some shout-outs to......

1. Ryan White of Hatteras Charters, Hatteras NC. He told me a state record 805lb bluefin tuna was caught earlier in the week. That's a monster fish by any standards. :clapping::clapping: :thumbsup: Congrats to the team that brought it in.

2. Eddie the Mad Dog MTA guy - representing Brooklyn, and fishing from Far Rockaway to Sheepshead Bay. Nice to meet ya! :HappyWave:

[paco33]

When you go, make sure you do some research on the prices of the items you may purchase. Some deals are pretty good, some not. Watch for blems on blanks.

good point thanks. any opinions on whether it is worth it this year? does anyone have the schedule?

[bababooey]

exhiibitors
http://sportshows.com/somerset/SomersetRosterWeb.pdf

seminars
http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_seminars.html

sunday family day - kids 11 and under are free
http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_features.html

directions
http://sportshows.com/somerset/som_directions.html


Show Hours:

Friday .................. 12noon-8pm
Saturday ................ 10am-6pm
Sunday .................. 10am-5pm


Admission Prices:

Adults ............................ $12
Children (5-11 years) ........ $3
Under 5 years .................. Free
(Box Office closes 1 hour before the show closing
each day)





I plan on going there on Sunday. It's not the same show it used to be but if you are looking to book a charter in an exotic place this show lets you see some of the options. my .02

[bababooey]

I went this morning, came out saw a blur of action and realized it was Dark on the loose.:ROFLMAO Dark I don't know where your energy comes from but you need to slow down a bit. One of these days you're going to stroke out and we will be going to your funeral. Take it easy dude. btw the show was great. Got some rods for good coin and 2 trolling rigs.

[DarkSkies]

Bababooey did not see you? busy running around trying to get the word out about Drag Island and promotions. Next time hit me on the shoulder and say hi. :HappyWave:

[bababooey]

Dark you were like the ninja moving around at the speed of light with that hood on. If I hit you on the shoulder you may have dropped down to the ninja stance and karate kicked me! no thanks, slow down dude conversations are good, smell the roses.:HappyWave:

[hookedonbass]

Bump for the somerset show this weekend!

[ledhead36]

I might go to the show today. boring saturday and can't fish yet. See you guys there if you go.

[captnemo]

Somerset show
Marine anglers can enjoy the one sportsman's show of the winter devoted entirely to their interests as the Somerset Saltwater Expo runs from Friday through Sunday at the Garden State Exhibit Center. The major national fishing tackle companies are all at this American Sportfishing Association show along with many local exhibitors, such as Pete Meyers with 12-to-32-ounce Mo-Jos plus the introduction of a 2-ounce casting Mo-Jo tipped with a 6-inch shad at Run Off Lures; Art Berkman with Garone Custom Rods & Tackle from Manasquan; and Kil Song with the very light Black Hole rods for tuna. The Expo runs from noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $3 for kids 5-11, and no charge under 5.

There are also many seminars by pros such as Crazy Alberto Knie, Gene Quigley and Lou DeFusco. I'll be presenting a striped bass seminar at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, during which Tady Lures will be presenting one of their valuable jigs to the first 100 attendees. Visit sportshows.com for seminar times plus directions and other show information.

[bababooey]

I'll be there on saturday.

[plugcrazy]

Anyone else go today? For a crappy day, it wasn't that bad. Brought the wife and kids. They had good deals on kid's admission.

[jigfreak]

Blast from the past this thread is. That shot of Rich Swisstack with the world record weakie in 2008 had me drooling. Boy those big fish are a mere memory now. Gave me a jump in adrenaline just looking at it again.

[cowherder]

Good to hear some positive comments about that show. I went for a long time, but felt it devolved to where they were just showcasing high end stuff. Maybe they will change it up a bit. I did hear they are changing the location, so that could be a monkey wrench that hurts them.

[plugcrazy]

I agree with part of what you said but I also disagree. When you want to learn about the latest that's happening in the industry, it's good to go to the shows. Plus this one also had good deals for the family admission. That makes it worthwhile for me. I also heard they were moving the venue. If they raise the price any higher, it might affect the attendance. Also, does anyone know how much it cost to rent a table at one of these things?