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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The ride was nasty, but I made it here in one piece! Watch for photos and updates on this thread! Mark H and One were here, ToddM made a shop and stop, plus an appearance in the evening.
Saturday Night at the Medina Center and the Hotel:
Free pizza and beer at the Exhibitor's Party!! Thanks, Mr. Stellas, sirs. Someone bought me a Sambuca. Yummy. The pizza didn't last too awful long. Neither did the beer.There was a bowling alley attached to the place, and they were bowling in the dark. I'm serious. At 2 AM the top floor sounded like the Bronx Zoo.
There was a wrestling free for all I cannot or will not describe in and around the area of room 220 something. Ty was quiet, until he kicked Slamr's butt playing pool, but only because Slamr was somewhat impaired by fatigue, or something. Did Laura say a bad word to a law enforcement officer? No wait. Several? NAAAAAHHHH, that is a nasty rumor perpetuated by several folks at the show. Steve Jonesi was absolutely scholarly. Studied, in fact. Check Nelson and I proved our reputation as 'old farts' by bailing out before things went south too far. Cady actually CAN sing. treats was there. He wasn't watching Shady. Or was it the other way around? Chad Cain looked like a deer in the headlights at 10 AM this morning. Pete still deosn't tie his shoes. Tony looked like Tony always looks. COOL!! Matt looked like...., well, he looked. The breakfast buffet was fantastic, if one is an Atkins person. Probably had three pigs there, and fresh omelets, too. I met RK's Fiance, they will be very happy, I am sure!
This was a great show, both during the festivities, and after. I will be sure to be there next year too, only this time I am bringing Sue. |
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | I bet, it's snowing pretty good here in Illinois.
IT'S ABOUT TIME, NOW I CAN GO OUT AND USE THIS SNOW PLOW THAT SITS IN MY YARD ALL YEAR LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) |
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Posts: 1247
Location: On the Niagara River in Buffalo, NY | Musky Fever,I will fly you to Buffalo,NY if you want to practice using my snowblower! Steve Sir!,can you give a report on who at the Expo is handling the International Guide Raffle Tickets so the guys know where to go and get them.
Thanks, Capt. Larry |
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Posts: 670
Location: Minnetonka , MN. | Just got back from the show. Picked up a Lakewood Musky Monster from ESOX.
Only going to have one box in the boat this year. |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Here is a shot of the MuskieFIRST booth just after setup. I was alone today, so I couldn't get out and report on the show. Watch for updates and reports tomorrow with new baits, booths, and pictures of the show.
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Posts: 148
Location: DES MOINES, IOWA | Steve, I notice you are right by Rollie and Helens.If you get a chance to talk to those guys, can you find out when Joe Bucher,s lures are going to be back in production to order.Specifically, Topraiders.Thanks,
SMBC!! There were new 2004 Bucher Topraiders in a couple of the booths. Smokeys had a nice selection. In fact, there were new Buchers in all three of the large retail stores there. |
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Posts: 46
Location: Hugo, Mn | Steve,
My boys and myself will be their this afternoon. We'll stop by and say hi.
Dave |
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| Alright, can I get an opinion on the Expo itself minus the great speakers.I know Thorne Brothers is not there. Is the Minnesota DNR attending and what new lures are available. I know the maker of the Rad Dog's can custom make them for you at the show in March is he there? Somebody give me a reason to attend other than the speakers! |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Rollie and Helens is here, Smokeys is here, many custom bait builders, and it's a way to talk MUSKIES in the winter. Need I say more? |
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Posts: 229
| DJS,
In my opinion minus the speakers, this show was an Extreme Disappointment. I attended my first show last year in Blaine and the two don't even compare. Thank goodness Rollie's was there. Not much in regards to bait companies, boats, resorts, etc when compared to the Blaine show. There were a lot of lures and things I wanted to look at but they just weren't there. If I were your I would save the $8 on this show and go to the Expo instead, unless your going to go hear the speakers. To be honest I wish I would have gone to the boat show now instead.
That said I did pick up some Mepps Maribou, and got some great help from Chuck Nelson on color selection. Also picked up a couple Mantas, Dick Pearsons MUskies on the Shield, Steve Heitings new DVD, MH calendar and renew my MH subscription for 2 years.
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Posts: 111
Location: Big Lake, MN | Damn am I jealous! I'm sitting here at work dreaming of all the combinations of baits I could be buying right now. At least I'll be able to get to the Expo in Blaine.
How's the turn out been in Medina? I hope good cause I want to go next year!
Have fun....... |
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| Down to Earth,
Thanks alot for the show review. I was afraid what you reported was going to be the case. The Blaine show is very well established and I was immediately skeptical of this show when I heard Thorne Brothers wasn't even going to bother with it. I guess the speakers saw an oppurtunity to put a few more bucks in there pockets so they went for it. I would be suprised if this show is around next year.
DJS |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | This is the first year for the Extreme Expo,and attendance is pretty good. No, it is not as large as the Blaine show, but this IS their first year. Surprised you will be, because the show is here to stay.
Funny, one previous post says the show wasn't what he hoped, but bought a bunch of lures, talked to a bunch of top sticks, and for a few bucks(less than one would spend on a Mc Donalds meal for two)or a few beers, and spent some time talking muskies in the dead of winter.
What's with the critical stuff about the speakers? That is uncalled for.
The vendors are very happy so far, and so are the majority of the attendees I talked to. The speaking schedule ALONE is worth admission. If you think you shouldn't attend, by all means don't. I for one am having a great time. I just spoke with RK at Esox Angler, and he said," Not bad!! Good attendance, we're happy."
Steve Jonesi is working the Rollie and Helen's booth, and is happy with the attendance too. In fact, he is right here, and is very happy.
This is not an issue of the Blaine show VS the Extreme show. This is a seperate show in a seperate area. Why not attend both?
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Posts: 229
| Just because I bought some stuff doesn't mean it was all I hoped for. I pretty much had to make myself buy something so I didn't feel like it was a completely wasted trip. There was a lot more that wasn't there that I didn't get to look at there was there. No boats, very few resorts, and very few lure manufacturers. Unfortunately those travelling a distance one can't always make both shows and have to choose between one or the other. Next year I will chose the Expo again, because it had more of what I was looking for. I didn't make it out to be Expo v. Extreme. Just giving my opinion to someone who asked. |
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Posts: 111
Location: Big Lake, MN | Are there any "New" baits being introduced at the show? Or cool modifications to "old" baits?
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Posts: 7123
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | The comment Mr. Worrall made was not directed to you, DTE. Also, most shows that are successful start small, and grow. This one will too! |
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Location: oswego, il | I made the trip up to the show this weekend from the chicago area. I am glad I did. I got to see alot of friendly faces and bought a few cool lures too. I am having a blast. |
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| Your right maybe my shot at the speakers was uncalled for. But to have to pay $10 to essentially go to a store is silly if the store isn't that good. The speakers often times aren't that great in terms of specifics. They are awesome if your a beginner but to hang out like a groupie to ask more specific question just isn't worth the time. That is why my question was directed toward what lures are available.I also asked if the MN DNR was in attendance since Metro waters are those that I fish most and the stocking information and inside info on specific waters is priceless. Finally let's not pretend the speakers aren't in it for the money. Much like a magician you don't give away any secrets unless you know everyone all ready knows them.
Just my humble opinion. |
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| If your only benchmark for a value of show is whether Thorne Bros is there or not, then I'll let you in on a little secret; there is a show going on at 7500 University Av in Fridley 365 days a year that would be right up your alley, and there is no admission charge.
Most people go to a show to rub elbows with other musky fanatics, get a taste of where the industry is going, jump in on seminars, see the new baits, maybe buy a few, shop resorts, etc.
I was at this show last night and it provided all of these things for me, and to everyone else I talked to. |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Guides Choice, Rollie and Helen's, Smokey's, Muskie Trap, LLungen Lures, Ty Sennets Lures, Musky Nut, River Run Mantas in BOTH sizes and dozens of colors (those were selling pretty well) Hell Raiser, Musky Buster, custom paint Top Raiders by Bucher, Suick, Slammer Topwater, Mepps, Tanner Wildes Squirrel tails, Violent Strike, Mouldy's, Cobbs, Ukko, ERC Pearson Grinders, DDD's, Origonal grandmas, Bucher Topraiders in custom colors, Crane, Musky Innovations, Slammer cranks, Crane baits, Nelsons, Shumway's, Believers, and a heck of a bunch more I have missed, I'm sure.
Pete Maina, Jim Saric, MURPH!, Ty Sennet, Chad Cain, Tony Grant, Matt Thompson, Tanner Wildes, Frabill, Beckman, EA, MH, Esox Reseaech, Robb Kimm, Jack Burns, Badfish Productions,Break on the Lake, Ranger Rick Krueger, Poolside demos, Greg Thomas, Brainerd Chapter of Muskies Inc ( who report signing up 22 new Muskies Inc members, too!) and more I am sure I missed. Hardly a poor store, for sure.
The speaker lineup is very professional and entertaining, too. Matt has been MC for the show, and is a hoot. The key word here is 'professional'. Pete and Jim make a fair portion of their living in the fishing industry, as do the Guides like Tony, Chad, Ty, Tanner, and Ranger Rick. I wouldn't expect them to speak gratis, would you? The seminar room has been packed, and attendance very good. Your inference is that the vendors/speakers who are here are 'poor'. I couldn't disagree more! This show will grow, and grow fast once the vendors who did not attend hear about the how the vendors here have done. Many of the Mepps products are sold out, Rollie and Helens reports a 'great show!', Musky Nut reports that Wabull sales are brisk, so all in all, this has been a great event. By the way, I am pretty sure most of the attendees are not 'groupies'. DTE, no worries, the Extreme show will grow, and both shows wil be a great value for those who choose to attend. |
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Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | DJS,
These speakers don't have secrets. There are very little, if any, secrets in the musky world. What are you looking for in a seminar? Do you want Steve Herbeck to say, "OK, everybody pull out your GPS's and at these exact coordinates is a 45 pounder that I raised a few times last season."
These speakers are giving the listening public advice on when, where and how to land more muskies. They are giving their years of experience on the water to help the avg. joe out.
There are NO secrets, or secret baits, or secret lakes that will catch a fish for you everytime you go out. Also these speakers are FULL TIME guides, they take people out to their best places all the time. They are in the business of putting people on fish, not trying to BS people.
I would be interested in hearing what you think these speakers need to share with the audience. Do you want them to hand out a lake map to everyone and tell them where they saw the biggest fish of their lives? These speakers are giving information for people to go back to their home waters, or even on waters they have never fished before and try out proven techniques.
I love listening to people give seminars, you can always learn something new.
Mike Hulbert
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Posts: 1046
| Man, it sure sounds like an awesome show! And I would like to see that line-up of speakers because no matter how long you have fished there is always some small tidbits to learn, if not why fish. Wish I could have attended.Steve is there a mallard top-raider there? I`ll trade ya a couple kids for one.Have a great time and be cautious on the way home! |
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Posts: 1237
Location: South Portsmouth, KY | Hey sworrall. While you are up there try to get some pics of some of the kentucky boys and their booths.Thanks!
Edited by muskie_man 1/24/2004 5:06 PM
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Posts: 229
| Maybe I just went into it with too high of expectations. I realize it is a first time show and I hope it does get bigger since I would like to attend more than 1 show. Unfortunately my schedule didn't allow for me to listen to any of the speakers, I wish it would have. I had to settle for books, MH renewal and Steve Heitings DVD.
Add to the fact that it took me more than an extra hour to get there because of traffic accidents on 494 I was already in a semi-bad mood by time I got. |
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Posts: 346
| I really liked what I saw of the show Friday night. I met many great people, and had an absolute blast. Just too bad I was unable to attend any of the seminars. The only thing I didn't like (I'm not pointing any fingers to those who did this) was those who are trying to sell a product after have a beer or two. I even saw "salesman" waving a beer while talking to customers. I know you're suppose to have a good time even when promoting a product (working), but I found that extrememly unprofessional. Once again, just my personal opinion and I probably shouldn't even mention it.
MJB
Edited by MJB_04 1/24/2004 5:56 PM
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| As usual a question about a show with an honest response from DTE leads to an I know best exchange from everyone else. If you liked the show go ahead and say so. But challenging me to find out what I need from a seminar has nothing to do with my initial question. I again have stooped to a form of flaming on the internet. I wish I could rise above it. Again thanks for the honest answer DTE. |
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Posts: 267
Location: Lake City,Pa. | We would love to have any kind of a Musky show out east! Be it big or small!! We are glad that the Three Rivers Expo has taking off. We used to attend the FamilyFirst sports show in Erie. Pa. just to see Larry Jones (witch he was the only one there about Musky) do his talk and see what Musky lures he would have with him to sell. You should consider yourselfs lucky to have your pick of shows to attend. Keep up the good work Steve, we always enjoy and check in on the posts about the Musky shows.
Edited by PunchandJudy 1/24/2004 7:39 PM
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| In the words of Rodney King...
"Can't we all just get along?"
Minnesota is big enough for two shows!
Everyone is a Musky Nut and will go to both shows.
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH GETTING PAID FOR DOING SOMETHING IN THE MUSKY WORLD?
Should we only have 1 crankbait company?
1 guide per lake?
1 top water manufacturer.
1 tournament. (nice try)
C'mon competition in business is everywhere.
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Posts: 27
Location: St. Cloud, MN | My son and I went to the Extreme on Saturday. People are right it isn't the Blaine show but it was still fun. I could think of a lot worse ways to spend 10. I agree that these things start small and grow. What was fun was stopping by the Muskies First and talking to the folks you only meet online. The added bonus was a website for my son to find a reel he has been looking for.
Saw some lures I hadn't seen before and some custom paint jobs that were unique and picked up a few cards for some custom bucktails. To top it all off some great time with my son and a chance to talk fishing in January.
enuf said |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | mr. Cady,
Thank you. Well said!! With that said, more reporting, as promised!
Seminars were packed, and lures jumped off the shelves today. I met a BUNCH of anglers from MuskieFIRST, and was pleased to put a face with a name.Slamr introduced a group of new MuskieFIRST visitors to the site while my poor Sprint PCS tried valiantly to keep us online in a marginal cell. Attendance was excellent today. I had a BLAST!
After Hours:
The exhibitor banquet featured a film by Badfish with Greg Thomas and Laura Morrison. To say the least, the voice over was tongue in cheek. Hell, it was FUNNY!!
ToddM visited us for a time, enjoyed the conversation with him.Slamr and Laura decided they were both minorities, and should cut each other some slack as a result. Slamr is now to register on 101 so his posts won't get deleted quite so quickly. Everyone missed Sue,and wishes she was here, including, of course ME!!!
Chuck listened politely, and got out of Dodge while the gittin' was good before the pumpkin was no longer a coach for some of the folks there. The Karoke was....well...let's just say I wish the Musky Nut Dancers were a bit more active. Pictures?? Heck yes, here are a few:
425: Frabill cradle. I WILL have one of these!
426:Ty
427:Laura
429: BigO works the Smokeys booth
430: Nice sweatshirt, smoked meat guy!
431:Musky Buster, Luke
432: Musky buster Tsunami Top water
433: Greg Thomas
436:Where's Tony?
437: Esox Angler, Rob and Jack
445: A winter night Wabull Dream...
450: Slamr in the MuskieFIRST booth
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