How much weight do you lend the lures, jigs, worms, etc they showcase at these events?  While it is nice to see the action of the baits I can't help but notice the variables.  For example the water in the tanks is crystal clear.  My guess is that water the fish are only using their sense of sight when choosing to attack the bait.  I only assume that most of us fish in water that is no where close to those conditions.  What about the use of their sense of hearing?  Lateral lines?  The only pluses I can see to these situations is to show how long fish hold onto the bait which is a large factor in actually hooking a fish, and how to fish a certain bait.  I'm interested in hearing what you guys think and your opinions on this subject.  

I wouldn't give too much weight to those lures. Unless I knew otherwise, I'd assume those particular lures were shown for commercial purposes. Regardless, I've caught fish and seen them caught, on every conceivable brand, style, size, action and color of lures, so I don't get overly impressed with too many specifics.

I'd pay attention to the guys that are teaching a technique or style of fishing over things that are simply regurgitating marketing hype. Even if they are selling something - there are still bits and pieces to watch for. For instance, they might be selling a brand of crankbaits, but as they demonstrate that crank, notice that they are using a lot of deflection to trigger a strike. Take that bit of info home with you, not the particular bait they were selling.

You also have to wonder how long ago the fish in the tanks were fed. A starving fish will probably hit just about anything, and hold on to it. But JF is right, your better off observing the technique and apply that to lures you already know work.

I am surprised in a fishing seminar demonstration using a fish tank that they would actually try to catch the fish. For example, in the Berkley tank, if a fish takes a lure while they are demonstrating it they will not set the hook and gently pull it out of the fish's mouth. In addition, I learned at the FLW Outdoor show that these large companies allow fishing personalities to demonstrate other brands of lures in fishing seminars using the Berkley tank. For example, Berkley does not sell spinnerbaits, so they came by our booth one morning at the FLW Cup and asked if they could have a few of ours for Hank Parker or Jimmy Houston (not sure which one, didn't get to watch the show) to demostrate. However, have seen a Berkley fishing seminar before and as they demonstrate each lure, they show and talk about diffent ways of rigging and fishing it, the advantages of the brand of lure they are using and general things to look for in this lure type before purchasing. Thus, I am a big fan of tank demonstrations conducted in this manner. I think they allow consumers to both see how to correctly rig and fish different types of lures with which they may not be familiar and to observe how these lures look in the water. For example, in a water tank demonstration, you would be able to check out first hand before purchasing, such things as how the skirt flares on a spinnerbait, how easily a football jig stands up on the bottom, and whether or not a plastic floats, while at the same time learning some techniques for fishing them.

As far as the demonstator catching the fish in the tank, I think it is an irrelevant and unnecessary factor in the demonstration, and, I for one, would not give it a second's thought when deciding whether or not to purchase a new lure.