A first of its kind the Kayak Fishing & Outdoor Adventure Expo a success! With around 10 different fishing kayak manufacturers displaying well over 30 unique models. 
There were also Rec boats and SUP’s available. The Kayak Fishing Store made available its entire store on site along with a show discount made this expo a must for beginners and even seasoned kayak anglers whom needed accessories and gear. Also present were kayak electric motors, local tackle shops, fishing rod manufacturers, outdoor sports such as biking, local charities, Fly Fishing Manufacturers and Groups, and finally kayak dealers from the Tri-State area.
Representing Jackson Kayak, Bending Branches, and Torqeedo I had my work cut out for me! My presentation for my seminar was still not completed the day prior but was able to complete it at the hotel late Friday night!
My presentation was titled Essential Gear for the Kayak Angler which explained the history of traditional kayaks leading into modern kayaks and kayaks specifically for fishing. It then went over the specifics behind the purchase of your own fishing kayak. Then went on with gear such as choosing a paddle. Different styles of Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)’s available and generally used for safety while kayak fishing. Following up with essential gear for safety such as clothing and other necessity’s.
Unfortunately the seminars were hard for people to find and having technical difficulties on Saturday unfortunately unable to present the seminar to many people. There were other great seminars presented by Ricky Wolbert,John ‘Toast’ Oast, Andrew Hunter Yutko, Richie Moschella, Elias Vaisberg, Chris Baggott, Troy Meyerhoeffer, Juan Veruete, Harold Eckett, and David Blinken.
Saturday morning the floor was packed by 11 am. Many new faces combined with familiar ones. Talking kayaks and fishing! Teamed up with a kayak dealer on Long Island (Northport, NY) Glacier Bay Sports. There was a ton of interest in the Jackson Coosa HD and the new Kraken 13.5.
Heroes on the Water NJ was also present with a booth. Always a great group of people donating their time volunteering raising awareness and funds for the program! Taking a veteran kayak fishing is like nothing else. To give them a good day on the water and take their mind off the past to bring out an ultimate smile is the reason we do it!
Left to Right: Steve Monahan (TFO), Juan Veruete (Wilderness Systems) Ricky Wolbert (Native) John ‘Toast’ Oast (Johnson Outdoors)
Each day consisted of a casting contest. Saturday evening was sponsored by Temple Fork Outfitters and was all fly casting. The person to acquire the most points casting into hoops and targets won a TFO Clouser Fly Rod! Really nice prize! Sunday afternoon consisted of a spin casting contest sponsored by Manley Rods! The winner took home a Manly Adjust a butt spinning rod! These are both very well respected fishing rod companies and it was great that they were able to sponsor a little fun for everyone involved!
Looking forward to the next Kayak Fishing & Outdoors Adventure Expo!
Check out John Fishyaker.com‘s video walking through the Expo!
Check out Sean Redneck Gavin from http://kayakangler.weebly.com Video at the expo!
