This was our second time to the show. We went the first year, missed last year then went this year. In was really hoping that it had grown from the first year but found it to be no bigger, maybe even a tad bit smaller than before. When you subtract the gutter guard, bathtub liner, contour pillow, cookware etc people, the hall was really about 3/4 full. Subtract from that the huge amount of space that Clam takes up with non-retail space and the vendors were actually pretty sparce. We didn't really find much that could be classified as a significant deal really. Some Ok prices, but nothing amazing. Widow Maker lures had tungsten jigs 12 for $20, so I let the kids pick 12 apiece and I did the same, so that was $60. One vendor had the ice strong titanium spring bobbers I wanted to try, by 3 for $20, get one free. I bought 8 so add that $40 and I had a little plastic baggie in one pocket that cost me $103...LOL, so it wasn't like I didn't buy anything. What we tend to appreciate is the smaller vendors with new products not available in the big box store. I bought some refills of that clamp on slip bobber thingy I had bought a show before and really liked. More than anything it was a nice time to get out of the house before good ice came to our area, but at $6 to park and $8 per ticket (I had the online coupon) the $38 I spent before walking in the door more than wiped out any savings for us. We'll probably give it one more shot and if it doesn't improve, it will go on the "pass" list for us.
