Laker John and I headed off to Oshawa on Thursday REALLY early from Kingston to make the 0840 GO Train to Exhibition Park.
Drive was smooth and the train ride relaxing (as opposed to fighting the DVP and other roads in downtown Toronto).
Arrived just after the opening of the doors and we began our systematic approach to walking up and down the rows in a predetermined pattern (don't want to miss anything).
Attended the 1100 Presentation by Aaron and Barry about bass fishing and enjoyed their banter and instruction.
After the presentation, we had a chance to meet and chat about Quinte walleyes and Lake Ontario lakers and salmon. Really nice to meet some web contacts in person.
After the talk, we continued walking and searching and talking and looking at STUFF - lots of stuff - lures-rods-reels-nets- everything.
Had a look at the birds of prey - always a young person pleaser
Took a break for lunch at 1330 - a chance to rest the feet and a have a brown pop.
Back out into the rows and checking boats and listening to the Fish TV music, we visited the Hunting Pavillion for a lookaround.
What we saw: Saw boats that did and didnot interest us, didn't see the exact tackle we were looking for, couldn't find the exact rod I was searching for - BUT we did get an idea about the lures/rods/reels/boats and stuff that was there.
Saw this creature at one of the displays for far away fishing - kinda cool looking fish
What we did find out that B&B Baits was throwing the towel and were clearing out their inventory for good. Picked up some beads that I needed for the Uzick Spinners.
Met Targa2 at the show and had a nice chat with him about the state of walleyes and fish in general.
Did a double check thru some selected vendors to insure the things we had seen and the prices.
Got the train back to Oshawa and into the car (after a quick stop at Gagnons- They're restocking fishing items), back home safe and sound.
Enjoyed the day at the show - yes, it's gotten smaller with less stalls selling shoes, sunglassses, clothing and junk (no problem with that).
The dog area appears to have increased in promenance adn drews some large crowds for their afternoon shows.
Meeting some people was enjoyable and see the state of the art is good too.
We'll be back next year - sort kick starts the fishing season, gets the mind working and the enthusiasm flowing for the upcoming season.