Thread: Tackle Town

Many years ago when I went to the IBS & T Show I wasn't into fishin'. Now that my life has changed for the better, I'm thinkin' about going. I went the the Indiana Fishing Expo and really enjoyed it. And I bought a few things at a good price.

So my question is to those who have gone is, is it worth $10 bucks ($20 including my GF) to go to Tackle Town? Are there really any deals?

Thanks guys

First, it is $12 to go for one person. Second, I didn't see much crappie anything this year. I wasn't impressed much with it this year, and with the crowd...I don't know if I will go back. By the time I get my ticket to get in, buy lunch, and the gas to get there, I could have one heck of an order from BPS, Gander, or Cabela's and know that I am going to find something that I will actually use.

Just my opinion.

Ok that settles it. Mrwillis says no and my GF said "we don't have the money for a new boat and I don't care about tackle town".

So I'm not goin'.

Are you going to get stuff, or just to look and get information from the people working there? What would you spend going out to a night at the movies? I went on the first Friday evening and the crowd was minimal. We were able to talk to almost anyone we wanted and see everything that was on display. The only thing I bought was my reservoir sticker for 2010, but I sure got a lot of ideas and came away with a sack full of reading material and some new ideas for the coming year.
Thorne Bros was marking off $200 on the HB depthfinders, but I wasn't ready to buy. I needed to get a firsthand opinion regarding the difference between HB and Lowrance. I talked to the guy for 20 minutes or more with a crowd around us asking different questions and got a lot more out of it then I could have from a Cabelas customer service rep on the phone. (first hand knowledge from real users)
I guess my point is, go for the information, not the stuff. Yes, I did buy one of the display boats at the show in 1984. (And a fishing pole in 85 that I still have and use). If you love to fish and dream about a new boat, by all means I would go. You will get a lot more out of it then a movie and if you don't live too far it will only cost you the $12 to get in plus the parking fee (sucks). I drove 3 hours to get there and enjoyed it.
Don't go on a weekend if you can help it!!! The crowds are horrible. Thurs nite is great.

Well, I've been every year for probaby the last ten. The wife and I was headed up there and just decided to stop a Gander Mtn......I was able to spend another 25 bucks there!! :D

If you are simply going for cheap tackle- by now, most of the door busters or deals are gone. We went Sat & had a great time and found some deals. I picked up a few cards of discount tackle guys to contact later for the things they couldn't bring with them. This Sat is kids day, so I'm taking my kids and so is my neighbor. They like the trout pond to fish.

There are the fishing expert presenters, Twiggy the Squirrel, DNR has a Indiana snake exhibit, some tackle sales with good prices. Go to the Pepsi Colliseum part where the destination lodges, guides, and outfitters are and feast your eyes on some Reelfoot crappie- there are some real BIGGUNS (it will make you want to make your reservation immediately!). Take your favorite lake map with you along with a list of questions b/c there are DNR people from various parts of IN with valuable info (not to mention the guides & presenters). If you like antiques there are old tackle, vintage engines, and vintage boats (these are impressive and works of art!).

I understand it is one of the largest shows in the nation #2(?). If you have never been, you owe it to yourself to go once. Like one person mentioned, the ideas and information can be worth it too. Going always makes me wonder what it'd be like making more $ to afford some of these playthings- and I suppose that's why I fish.

Go & have a good time with your GF...

I guess it is all in what you are looking for. I got in free (but still had to pay the $3.00 to park) because one of my sponsors is out there. I do not think that if you paid $10.00 to get in you would be able to save $10.00 on tackle out there.

Go to Gander Mountain and take the $23.00 it would take to get in there and spend it there! You will be happier in the end and at least have $23.00 worth of tackle!

amen

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I'm booked solid for the next 3 days. Don't look like I'll make it this year.

Chill:

Tell us you are not going because "you don't feel like it", and that you do whatever you want to do. And tell us you are not buying a new boat "because you don't want one", but you would if you felt like it.

Don't worry, no one on here will tell her.