Sportsman’s Expo Survivor
I made it to the International Sportsman’s Expo in Sandy, Utah last night with my two youngest kids. We had a pretty fun time especially thanks to a mix up at the box office where, to make things right, they let me in free (thanks again whoever you are). If you like avoiding crowds, then I think Thursday night is the time to go. It was very low key and we got a parking space right near the front door.
Several of the booths had some free schwag they were giving away, our haul included a spinner bait, goby plastics, hooks, several stickers, some bendy things, a rubber bracelet, and some nice mule deer antler head dresses. Additionally I got some free stuff from Fish Pimp, because I bought a couple of their items from a fly shop that had a booth there. It was a pretty good deal.
There were tons of junk merchants and never-ending booths from outfitters and guides trying to get you to sign up for a killer trip. I wish this blog brought in the kind of dough that would allow me to partake, but so far, I can’t even by a gumball with my click earnings. Maybe one day in the future. Until then I can only dream about the fun I would have on those once-in-a-lifetime trips.
The booth highlights for me were:
- No Pebble Mine/Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska – They are a group dedicated to protecting the legendary Bristol Bay fishery from the creation of the world’s largest open pit mine. Met a twitter buddy @kyleindenver who was manning the booth. I wish them luck in their efforts. If you would like to find out more check them out at:
- Spinner Fall/Jack Dennis – Met Dudley, a guide from Spinner Fall and discussed how I used to hang out at the shopas often as possible when it was still around. Also talked fishing with a guy from Jack Dennis and discussed my favorite guide Bart Taylor who guides for them. Good times. More information here:
- Fish Pimp - Fish Pimp has a great line of strike indicators for nymph fishing and also some nice floatants for dry files as well as a cool line cleaning system. I was most impressed with his Fly Sauce (not to be confused with Utah favorite, fry sauce) floatant, which stays at a constant viscosity regardless of the temperature outside. It is always a frustration when fly fishing in the cold and my floatant gets so thick I can hardly squeeze any out. Check them out.
- Fish West Fly Shop – This is a local shop I am ashamed to admit I didn’t know existed. That is pretty embarrassing really. Anyway I had a good chat with them and will be visiting the shop soon, like next week. Check out the online store and buy something while you are at it.
Well, I suppose a good time was had by all. It was all the more worthwhile since I got in for free, the kids behaved, and no one got lost so everything else was gravy after that.
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