WHAT'S NEW AT THE ISE

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WHAT'S NEW AT THE ISE

By: Ron Wilson

February 4, 2003.... I spent last Sunday at the San Mateo International Sportsmen Exposition (ISE). I quickly hurried threw the buildings, just glancing around checking out what was there. I must of been going too fast, as I found out later I missed several friends who were there!

While there were hunting trips and things for hunters, you can sure see where the hunter is a dieing breed in California. The merchants that come to California after the hunters dollar, are getting fewer each year.

Fly fishing and sport fishing is still going strong. It seems that there are fewer out of state lodges chasing the sportsmen's pocketbook this year though. Fly fishing seems to be holding its own, or even increasing, as it seems to be getting more popular.

Just walking around the exhibits I learned a few things on mending your line. Instead of mending it on the water the instructor said, why don't you mend it in the air. I never thought about that, but it made good sense, just point the rod to the right or left at the end of a cast and you get a mend to start with. I know there were a few times in Alaska when I was chasing silvers that I could of used that trick.

I ran into an old black bass fisherman friend I know. He sells fishing stuff to fishermen, Steve Lucas showed me lots of products from Progressive Outdoor Marketing. They carry product for several species of fish. He can be reached by emailing huntandfish@att.net.

I saw a neat new product that is two shoes in one for fishing in the streams or walking on the roads. It has a locking sole that can be felt, for walking on slippery rocks, or just slip it out and snap in a sole with a grip for dry land. The shoe has 5 soles for gripping any type situation you may get yourself into. Studded felt, lugged for trail, spiked rubber and a boat sole! Phone 1-800-524-8899 for more information or check them out on the web at www.korkers.com.

I saw Mark Vejar at the St. Croix Booth's, both fly fishing and their regular fishing section. The line that I normally use, from Cabela's, is no longer available so I have been checking out the Maxima brand of fishing line that Mark rep's. It takes me some time to test a line in all types of circumstances, so more on that later. I did find a great shaking rod for bass or trout, I couldn't help but wonder how it would hold up on a nice bass, or even a silver salmon if I get tired from flinging my 9 wt. St. Croix fly rod all day!

I ran into Bill Reynolds, who has some great new Shimano spinning reels. I got to pick one up for my shaking rod, with the 6 pound Maxima fishing line. After last Saturdays fishing event at Lake Camanche I have to get back in the swing of things, and an ultra-light setup is a must in order to shake the dartheads properly and make the fish suck up the bait!

C&C Marine was there. It was nice to see Don Payne, Chet Hammonds and California's number one Ranger Boats pusher Don Lee again. Bill Donaleski, owner of Bob's Marine also was there with Stratos and Champion bass boats and Crestliner aluminum boats. Skeeter boats was there but I didn't know anyone in there booth.

I rode over with Tim Paes and Norval Pimentel, two Stratos reps, so I can't say I met them there! They were helping Bill represent his Stratos boat line while he stayed busy bouncing from Stratos to Champion and his Crestliner boat line.

Lots of neat boats and places to go but from what I saw it seemed that the whole boat show was down in participation, both merchants and attendees!