Show missing industry's biggest hitters

I would venture a guess that the Chicago area has well over a hundred thousand anglers who buy the major brands of rods, reels, lures and assorted accessories from their local tackle dealers and the monster stores as well.

In fact, the number may be even closer to several hundred thousand, but that's splitting hairs.

I was approached by dozens of people last weekend who were upset that many major manufacturers were absent from the new outdoor show at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. All I could do was shrug.

I do know that over a very long period of time the people representing the major rod and reel factories were given free booth space at these shows. That in itself was an incentive to come and spend some time with the buying public explaining what was new for the coming year.

But this year was different.

Jim Sugarman, owner of The New America's Outdoor Show is back home after a grueling 31/2 months of organizing the new show and five days of smiling and shaking hands.

Sugarman valiantly tried to convince the major players, the rod and reel manufacturers, to take booth space at the show. His sales pitches apparently didn't work.

Jim didn't share any of this with me, but I had some fairly good insight into what was going on.

Many companies employ rep groups who in turn sell their lines to wholesalers and distributors, who then take the product to the retail operations. And I'm fairly certain you don't care one bit about this two- and three-step marketing program since all you want to do is buy a new reel at your favorite store, or shop for a special bargain at an outdoor fishing show.

Over the last several years the Rosemont Show, formally called the Chicagoland Outdoor Fishing and Travel Show (or something close to that), had been operating in a vacuum.

At that show, management seemed to be oblivious as to what Chicagoans needed in the way of a great fishing show. The whispers became grumblings and then elevated into loud groans.

Sugarman came along and grabbed the reins, declaring that he was committed to breathe new life into what used to be a major spectacle.

Arlington Heights resident Jerry G. stopped me in one of the show aisles to vent.

"The show is great and the overall look is fantastic," he said, "but I came here to see the Shimano and Abu booths and they're not here. In the past many of the big companies would show their new models and then direct us to the vendors who were at the show so we could buy the stuff. It didn't happen this year, and that was a major disappointment for me."

I congratulate South Bend, Plano, Eppinger, and Sebile Lures for having the courage to come and exhibit at this new event. I personally went to those companies' booths to check out their offerings. Plano and South Bend are "hometown" manufacturers and always have been a participant in a show of this caliber.

But because the manufacturers had to dig into their pockets for some cash to have a booth this year, they decided to sit this one out. I understand it takes more than a few bucks for a rep group to be at a show. There's lodging, food and travel expenses to consider in the course of showing up at a show in Rosemont or anywhere else.

Still, anglers like Jerry were angry.

"This is an outright insult to Chicago-area anglers and tackle buyers," he shouted over the crowd noise. "I understand how bad the economy is now, but these big companies need to realize that if they don't feel it's important to honor its retail buyers in Chicago by showing their wares, then maybe we should save our money and stick it in a piggy bank."

Outdoor notesNow could be an excellent time for you to head north to Racine and Milwaukee Harbors. Palatine angler Theo Graakis reported catching nice brown and rainbow trout from both locations using spawn and minnows on different rigs.Fox Chain: Action is decent with some better walleye action right off the Spring Lake Channel during evening periods. Watch for open spots. Lake Marie crappie activity got into gear again in 8 feet. Bluegill action improved on Channel Lake's north end.Lake Michigan: You may have to cull, but the perch still are hanging around Montrose Harbor. Ice conditions need to be checked.Mike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at angler88@att.net, and you can catch his radio program 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.