Enjoyable read, getting different perspectives on the show, both positive and negative. I was amused by the whole pocket knife thing, reminded me of the only time I ever got busted and went to jail. My comb was confiscated and then they offered combs for sale!
I attended the Hall Show several times in past years, but hit the PCS last year and this year. When I told my wife I was going she reminded me that last year I had said never again!
But I went anyway.
At this stage of my fishing experiences, pretty close to 25 years of Long Range trips, I’m no longer building on the size of my rod quiver or reel bag, and don’t really need to buy much in the way of terminal tackle. So, I’m done with the shows. With the cost of gas for the round trip and one night in a motel that’s about $250. Parking fee, entry fee, and a Cocktail and a sandwich, another $50, just not cost effective. Seminars are always enjoyable and fun, but I’ll just pay attention to what the crew has to say.
My needs this year were quite simple, couple of 600 yard spools of hollow spectra, 100# and 130# along with a 30 yard spool of 130# fluorocarbon and that’s it except for one more loop needle for splices. In Southern California I took advantage of the sale that Mark Smith puts on at Charkbait. Years ago he had enough headaches and hassles to keep him busy and found it not cost effective to do the show and began his annual customer appreciation sale. It used to coincide with the L.B. Fred, now same weekend as the PCS. Very convenient.
