With the Classic coming relatively close to me, I'm considering making the drive to the expo.  For those of you who have been before, is the expo worth making the trip?

Ya, just bring a lot of $$$. Its a good time but... its B.A.S.S. : lol. The weigh-ins are the best, especially when you can get the Fish Tank Tickets to be infront of the stage on the floor.

I would think it would be worth it.

Especially living in Blacksburg where there is nothing to do but hang around your apartment with your girlfriend during the winter months.  How boring?

Where is it being held and when?

Have a good time back in school and get all A's in your classes.

I attended the expo in Pittsburgh 2005. It was ok, something to do till weigh-in. I didn't really see any great deals on tackle or gear....not to say that there might be this year.

I would go again if presented with the opportunity.

Pittsburg had to be the worst I've been to. Down south it rules! If its within a couple hundred miles its an automatic go to. In the north, companies think of Bass fishin as relaxation with a six pack and a cane pole, in the south its an athletic event.   Go!

After three days with the "Best of the Best" you would have thought someone might have caught a "keeper". Fifteen fish weighing 14 lbs just doesn't get the motor running.

After three days with the "Best of the Best" you would have thought someone might have caught a "keeper". Fifteen fish weighing 14 lbs just doesn't get the motor running.

RW, give 'em a break man.... ;D  That was the toughest fishing I had ever seen. I wonder what an experienced "river man" as yourself would have brought to the scales during the Classic?  

After three days with the "Best of the Best" you would have thought someone might have caught a "keeper". Fifteen fish weighing 14 lbs just doesn't get the motor running.

RW, give 'em a break man.... ;D That was the toughest fishing I had ever seen. I wonder what an experienced "river man" as yourself would have brought to the scales during the Classic?

We were helping out for the family/kid fishing event in the park where the 3 rivers meet. Over 800 people fishing for 3 hours. 1 14" Smallie, and 2 Catfish. lol  

After three days with the "Best of the Best" you would have thought someone might have caught a "keeper". Fifteen fish weighing 14 lbs just doesn't get the motor running.

Ya but the best of the best did rise to the occasion, the Super 6 included KVD, Aaron Martens, and Ike. The 3 guys who have dominated in the past few years. Not to mention Swindle who also won an AOY title a few years back.

RW, give 'em a break man.... ;D That was the toughest fishing I had ever seen. I wonder what an experienced "river man" as yourself would have brought to the scales during the Classic?

I think I would have tied with Rick Clunn.  

The site selection, particularly at the time of year and during a severe drought, was critical. Conditions on the Tennessee River were almost identical. Prior to the event I posted my expectation that the Classic would be won with the lowest total weight ever and even guessed somewhere around 14 lbs. So, I wasn't surprized.

It was funny, a month or two later in Bass Times there was an article about how they hit the 3 Rivers at the wrong time. 3 weeks after the Classic in the same general area there was a team tourney where it took 20+ pounds to win and there were numerous 5+ pound smallies weighed in. As you said RW, bad timing.

Have been to several of them and had a blast.If you have any children take them.The dealers seem to give a lot of free baits to kids.

Chris at Tech,

I would go to the expo for sure.

M_Fields

Glenn, fivebasslimit, and I will be there. What else do you need?

Just know that the expo and the weigh-in are not going to be at the same place. They are a few miles apart.

It is worth the time to go.

Glenn, fivebasslimit, and I will be there. What else do you need?

Sweet.  Who's bringing the beer?

I hope so as I'm prob. going to take a couple of nights off work and go down for at least one day.  Greenville is only about 3.5 hours away.

I have been to a couple of them and they are great...  Take the time and browse...  You can find good deals if you look... Go through some of the expos and make sure you get to the weigh ins....  They are great...  I missed last years...  Made Orlando's in '06 and it was an awesome time.. Oh made quite a few before that, but hey.. We don't have to go that far back..  Have a great time...

On the expo, weather to go or not? One word, yes!!! I would say its not to buy stuff, but to see what the industry is doing and checking out the new stuff.

now that we are all done bashing Pittsburgh. the fishing was tough, bad time of the year?maybe ( think early june would have been better. I would say bad water, not where, but how it was flowing. we hadn't had rain for a month or so and the rivers were very low, clear, and very little current. with more flow it would have been better. But there are lots of excuses. But #1 The BassMasters Classis is to show the "best of the best" if the fishing is great then we see who is better at that, but when the fishing is tough ( which most of use have seen when we are out) its great to se what the best pro's will do.          

now on the south doing it right and nobody else knows how to do it. You know not all of use have a closed mind. come on guys it is 2008. we want this sport to grow. right? then lest see it every where not just in the south. I would like to see it up north, out west, and yes down south. If the superbowl ends up to be a 3 -0 game does that mean it sucks?