Roll call for Chicago

[R Findlan]

Not going to the Chicago show but I'm going to the Butler show and the Columbus show. Did anyone go to the Columbus show last year, just curious how big it was?

[Red Childress]

A friend of mine has been there for several years and has noticed a progressive decline in the turnout. He was surprised that it did not fold after last year's turnout BUT it is still the only "muskies only" show East of the Mississippi held on US soil.

[jah1317]

OK. I have a question... how is the butler show? what are the %'s is it mostly hunting, mostly fishing, what % is musky fishing..... I am still planning on going either way but are there a decent amount of vendors? I need to know how much money I should beg out of my wife (she is getting a refund from school before the taxes will be done....) any thoughts?

Jacob

[Red Childress]

I was not there last year but I heard it was very good, especially the first day. I heard that most vendors had sold out of the "good stuff" by the end of the evening on Saturday. I bet they (the vendors) will be ready this year.

You should get some very good feedback from guys that were there......

[ThreeRiversEsox]

IMO- The Columbus show is a complete bust besides seeing some faces you'd spot in magazines etc. I found some stuff to buy, but that is mainly because I bought some of the hot baits from Rollie's. Could've got most of the stuff online. I didn't go last year, and wouldn't return back. Now the Butler fishing show is where it's at. It's 90% musky stuff, and where else can you talk to some of these guys?! Bill Crane helped me out with some baits I was making last year, Bill Looney gave me some tips, and it was the introduction of the little baby Legend lure. Dale Wiley, Willeys Bucktails, Jones Baits, toothyfishman's retreivers, all make the 45 minute trip for me MORE than worthwhile. This year I'm going to try and limit it to a couple baits, but these new Legend lures are calling me....and these are new for this year!!

[jah1317]

SOLD! I will be at the butler show on day one for sure now!

Thanks,

Jacob

[cband]

I was also at Butler and Columbus last year. Butler is a very nice show with great baits and great people. Columbus was a pretty good trip. The trip to columbus was more for some seminars and to meet some people from the midwest. I met steve jonesi at the shack attack booth, and he hooked me up in minnesota this year while on a business trip. Shack Attack had lots of customs, llugen made me several tails, picked up some krushers in show colors, bought a 2lb bulldawg. There really aren't many deals, but a chance to handle some baits and see some custom colors.

I was planning on going to chicago this year, but too many other things going on. Maybe next year.

[muskie24/7]

Yea Red, I'm looking forward to shaking hands with a few guys I have talked with on these boards. The day of the show (Feb.8) is my Birthday, So I'm hoping Momma will fix me up with a couple extra bucks so that I can shake some of the lure builders hands too! LOL You guys don,t have to get me anything! But I do have a fondness for fine chocolates and any type of muskie gear!LOL

Talk soon...Brian

BTW...Hey Red, I'm gonna shoot you an Email later today!

[Mark G.]

Red - looking forward to meeting you as I plan to attend on Sat. this year.

We drove thru a blinding snowstorm on 79 last year to make the show on Sunday and it was definitely well worth the drive from Erie. To meet and talk with the guys from Amma Bamma, Crane, Wiley, Leo, Legend, etc. and see their baits all in one place truly makes it worthwhile. Howard Wagner also did a very good seminar.

I started a Butler Fishing Show fund after last year's trip since you cannot do credit cards. If they were set up for that it would get ugly in a hurry!

[ThreeRiversEsox]

I hear ya Mark, I had to make a run to the ATM last year

[Red Childress]

Mark,

Ditto on this end as well.......JBortz speaks highly of you.