OTW spent the weekend at a number of Sportsman Shows last weekend, including the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow. This show has a wide range of exhibitors from the Swampmaster alligator wrestler to the trout pond to the beef jerky and spicy pickle guys. But many of the major fishing tackle manufacturers were there as well including Daiwa, Quantum, Van Staal, Shimano, St. Croix and G. Loomis. Walking the aisles, we came across some great looking gear for the 2012 season.
Quantum has stepped up their saltwater rod offerings in a big way with the new Blu Series. The rods are lightweight, have solid backbone and have a range of actions that will be perfect for everything from shallow-water bottom fishing to casting to stripers to deep-dropping jigs to cod. The rods are available in both spinning and conventional. The lighter rods felt like they’d be especially great for fluke fishing as they had the perfect blend of softness, to keep from tearing the hooks from a summer flounder’s fragile mouth, and guts to lift a stubborn doormat off the bottom.
If Baker sounds like a familiar company, it’s probably because you’ve owned their Hookouot Tool at one time or another. I don’t know many fisherman who haven’t either bought this tool for themselves or received one as a gift. But what you may not have known is that Baker has a line of freshwater lures out as well, including jerkbaits, crankbaits, shads, poppers and topwater baits. The subsurface baits all suspend, making them excellent choices for finicky bass. You have to check out the ultra-realistic color patterns on these lures as well.
And lastly, not too far from the OTW booth was Peter Piper’s PA Pickles. This guy probably had the busiest booth at the show. People were lined up down the aisle to buy one of the large variety of pickle flavors. More than a few folks swung by the OTW booth breathing fire after wolfing down a batch of Garlic XXX Hot Peter Piper’s pickles.
If you missed the Philly Show, you’ll be able to see these vendors and more in Suffern, NY at the World Fishing and Outdoor Expo in one week. And as always, you’ll be able to renew, extend or begin your subscription to OTW. Do it for 2 years, and you’ll get a Hogy Lures Gift Pack valued at $30.
