So I’m wondering if anyone from the Illinois & the Southern Wisconsin area has been to this show in say the last 3 years or so? The last time I went was probably 30 years ago and at that time it was at least 50% boats and campers and the other 1/2 was 50% outfitters and guides. The biggest retailer was Ed Shirley and Sons where I bought a Quantum spinning combo as I was just getting into bass fishing, after viewing the vendors for the upcoming show I purchased a ticket hoping that it’s more gear for purchase rather than boats/rv’s/outfitters than what I first experienced. I will add although I didn’t go the past year maybe even (2) I always went to the Tinley Park Fishing/Outdoor show and plan on going to this years show as well.

Edited January 16Jan 16 by Eric 26
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Last one I went to was about 5 years ago in Schaumburg. Pretty good sized show and decent turnout, watched a seminar by Oliver Ngy. I don't recall the ratio of fishing outfitters vs everyone else.

Ed & Shirleys isn't around anymore, it was sold years ago and is now called Anglers International Resources / FishingGurus (same location in palatine), very nice store and selection. They usually have a booth there. I live out of state now so things may have changed. I doubt there will be any shortage of ways for the monkey convince you to spend your money lol

@Bass Rutten Ed Shirley &Sons must have been broken up as they are also under the name Anglers Outlet currently in Tinley Park. I frequent them as much as possible and they are really great people.

If memory serves I haven't been since like 2012 or sometime around then.

I thought the Tinley show changed a few years ago. Meaning it wasn't at the high school any more and wasn't as good.

I have heard good things about the Schaumburg show but haven't attended yet.

@Kev-mo Yes the Tinley show is now held at the Tinley Convention center, like I said I haven’t been in a couple years but it was pretty good although it’s definitely not as large as the Schaumburg show.

I go every year since my club runs a booth there. I'll be there all day Thursday. I might head back on Saturday to hear Chris Johnston give a couple seminars on smallmouth fishing. Is it worth it? With the drive and admittance ($16) it's probably not worth it unless you see a seminar or two and just view it as entertainment. They have a pretty good lineup. I can give you a review on Friday if you want.

39 minutes ago, Junk Fisherman said:

I go every year since my club runs a booth there. I'll be there all day Thursday. I might head back on Saturday to hear Chris Johnston give a couple seminars on smallmouth fishing. Is it worth it? With the drive and admittance ($16) it's probably not worth it unless you see a seminar or two and just view it as entertainment. They have a pretty good lineup. I can give you a review on Friday if you want.

I’m actually going on Thursday. If I may ask what is the name of your club?

I'm with Maple Bassmasters. We'll be running the fishing simulator.

A bunch of us went a long time ago. Al Linder , Dan Gapen plus a lot of BASS Pros were there . Looked forward to every year. Great sales . I think it was at the Rosemont horizon

So after watching a few YT videos taken at this year’s show I’m curious if anyone besides @Junk Fisherman went to the show? I went on Thursday afternoon and although I knew the seminar schedule wasn’t going to be great from my perspective I did enjoy the 2 seminars I did attend. I will say I was fairly disappointed in the Daiwa booth which was one of the larger booths in terms of both display and manpower. For clarification I asked about their BFS line in both Tatula XT and Tatula lines and more importantly if they had any on display, I was surprised to be told from 1 of 3 reps that he only uses Tatula rods and up so sorry no input on the Tatula XT and 3 reps said sorry I don’t think we have that rod BFS (Tat XT) on display. I was definitely disappointed when I found the 6’-5” rod on display but again disappointed that 3 different reps couldn’t figure out how to remove and properly line up the blank to the handle which was turned sideways meaning the guide train was completely on the right side parallel to the handle. I was very happy talking with 2 reps from 2 different kayak dealers and felt they were both professional and friendly at the same time along with being understanding of my questions even though they probably thought “go watch some videos and stop wasting my time” but again great reps and great people. I will add I visited pretty much all of the shops and although I didn’t purchase anything even though I felt most of the prices were fair I did talk with a couple different workers while there as well as visiting my favorite local to me independent store “Anglers Outlet” and found everyone at the shops very friendly and helpful. I was a tad bit disappointed in not seeing a broader selection of rod brands for sale but then I do realize the transportation that goes into transporting them there and then back if they didn’t sell is a headache I wouldn’t want. Overall I’m glad I went and I’m looking forward to the upcoming Tinley Park Fishing Show.

1 hour ago, Eric 26 said:

So after watching a few YT videos taken at this year’s show I’m curious if anyone besides @Junk Fisherman went to the show? I went on Thursday afternoon a

It was about what I expected. I did go back on Saturday and listen to Chris Johnston and Ryan Whitacre present on smallmouth. Both of those were excellent.

I was there Sunday with the family (free kids), and it was pretty crowded even with the bad weather.

I have not been there in years, andI thought I would see a lot more major vendors with displays like Daiwa. Overall, it was a good experience. I think the vendors were tired with it being the last day, and prices on fishing stuff were average. Some nice boat displays from some local places.

I ALMOST walked away with that beautiful (but expensive) patio furniture. Bought some delicious dips! Got connected with a few local guys and my daughter won the 11-14 year old casting competition on Sunday- so props to her! That made the trip worth it for the family.

@dgkasper58 I have 2 Adirondack chairs made out of the composite material myself with matching foot stools. We bought ours from American Sales in Orland Park, they have a beautiful display there and you can customize your colors along with the fact they offer 2 different Adirondack styles. We chose the more upright chairs ourselves and couldn’t be more pleased with them.

18 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

@dgkasper58 I have 2 Adirondack chairs made out of the composite material myself with matching foot stools. We bought ours from American Sales in Orland Park, they have a beautiful display there and you can customize your colors along with the fact they offer 2 different Adirondack styles. We chose the more upright chairs ourselves and couldn’t be more pleased with them.

Thanks for that info! Has it held up in the sun? I was concerned as I would not move it over the winter, and just put a tarp over them.

As a bigger guy, I definitely appreciated the swivel chairs instead of sliding the "heavy chairs" on the patio non-stop.

I wanted to go this year, but fear of having car troubles driving in the sub -10 degree weather made me not want to go.

I looked at the vendors and there is getting to be fewer and fewer folks setting up shop there than the last time I was there in 2022 or 2023 whenever the last time I was there.

Prior to covid, I went to that show, the milwaukee show, and the madison/wisconsin expo every year. I haven't gone to any for at least 2 years and don't have the desire to do so. No reason as most vendors have very minimal sales or deals for what I am looking for. Frankly, my fishing expenses have gone way down hill since having a kid.

@dwtaylor I agree about the vendors and although I didn’t go to the Tinley Park show last year when I did go 2 years ago there were more “independent” shops along with a handful of guys and gals selling hand made baits. Mind you nothing like it was 15 or more years ago when the show was held in the high school.

@dgkasper58 I wish I could give you a better answer but we just bought them last year in June. Also our backyard faces North and they are tucked up close to my house as well. As far as putting them away that was a big selling point for me in the fact I knew they are staying outside all season with zero maintenance on my end as far as refinishing every couple of years.