I attended the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association’s annual New England Saltwater Fishing Show this month for the first time.  Getting to the Rhode Island Convention Center was easy.  Parking was plentiful, secure, and reduced for the show at the center’s garage.  No need for commando parking tactics.

When I got to the ticket counter, I handed the sales person the online coupon that I printed; and as advertised, I got one dollar off admission.  One word describes the ticket counter: speedy. I arrived in the exhibition hall a half hour before the seminars started, to secure a good seat.

I attended the “Kayak fishing for big Stripers” seminar by Bob Oberg and Dave Giuliano.  The seminar was well structured and full of great tips derived from many hours on the water.  I am new to kayakfishing, so I learned a lot; but, even the kayakfishing masters learned a few things.  After the seminar, I visited the boths.

The “cool booth” award goes to Striped-Bass.com (a.k.a. S-B). The booth was inviting.  There were beach chairs, a large LCD displaying pictures from last year’s events, and of course the “hola dancer”.  The both was a great way to connect up with other S-B’ers and plan for The Striper Cup.

The “WOW! booth” award goes to the CMS booth, which had more sticks than the George Washington Memorial State Forest.  A very good thing!   Without question, the CMS folks really know their rods.  They ask you some questions, listen to the way you fish, and then suggest the optimal rod specific to your method and application.

The show is a very efficient way to shop for plugs: the local plug craftsman are in one place with their latests creations fully dressed and accessorized.  I turned by brief case into a plug bag and stuffed it with tasty offerings from Saltybugger, BigFish, Afterhours, Lemire’s Plugworks, Line Stretcher, Roberts Lures, and Point Jude Lures.  Next year I am bring my wading belt and empty plug bag. ;-).

I was impressed with the organization of the show, the number of content rich seminars, and the wide spectrum of vendors: plugs, kayaks, rods, reels, books, charters, etc., etc., etc..  And at nine dollars, the show ranks very high on the fishconomic scale.  Kudos RISAA!