A few observations from Crappie Expo 2020

After getting to sleep in my own bed and rehash my Branson trip, I want to share a few thoughts:

First and foremost, Crappie.com members mostly have no idea how hard Ed Moes(Slab) works for the site and members and how much he cares for all here, members and non-members alike. After spending 12 hours on the road and 3+ days at the venue, I found out this west Ky redneck and a Chicago boy with a country-boy heart really have a lot in common.

From the time we walked into the Expo Thursday afternoon, I was impressed with how respected Slab is in the fishing community. Touring Pros and vendors alike sought him out.

We met lots of folks who said they were members and tons of folks who were willing to stop and listen to our message of how much they could benefit by being Crappie.com members. We weren’t pushy and if folks chose to ignore our message, we still offered them an American Flag decal and a Crappie.com decal.

Secondly, the crappie fishing community has now been recognized as a valuable customer for the boat, electronics, clothing , and tackle industry. The days of companies being reluctant to carry products for anybody but bass fishermen are gone! Good riddance!!!

Companies are VERY eager for input on what crappie fishermen and fisherwomen want and what their feedback is concerning products and services. I know I’ve been more likely to complain about a product I was disappointed in or just didn’t care for on a public forum when my opinion would have been much more important as a message DIRECTLY to that company.

Lastly; there are tons of non-fishermen and different species fishermen who are now seeking all the info they can about crappie and tactics. I was blessed to be able to help Mitch Glenn of Pico Lures and talk to dozens of folks who are new to crappie fishing. They asked valuable questions about tackle differences, how to locate crappie, how to plan for fishing strange waters, and why one bait or tactic would work here but not there. These are many of the lurkers and new members who we at Crappie.com should be eager to help.

Every person I knew there and every friend I got to visit with there were 100% because of my years of membership at Crappie.com.

Covid has kept most of us from traveling to other states or to be able to visit with friends. We will see the end of this virus’ grip on our country. Once it does, I encourage long-time members and new members alike to take advantage of as many state get togethers and Crappie.com events as possible. New friends and new fishing buddies are there for meeting.

Thanks to Ed, Mitch, and all those members who offered a hand shake or fist bump.

Now I’ve got to get my new hip in the boat and work on some new tactics and try out some new products I picked up at the Expo.


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It was really good meeting you guys at the show. God knows I have learned so much from you and others on the site. Its a wealth of information and a bunch of great folks.

Awesome write-up..... The crappie industry is definitely getting more attention...

Thank you Mr Dux, it was a pleasure to meet you as well...I didn’t get around to talking a whole lot, and probably missed many opportunities in the process, I was taught many years ago not to interrupt others talking, and found myself waiting...and mostly listening what I could, and usually after a bit, just moving on, or going back to the booth with Ed.
Yes, Ed does work very hard for every member of the site. I learned a few of the behind the scenes things he does, and I vowed to myself to help where I can, as I can. Thank you Mr Dux for all you do, every moderator that helps keep the site straight and on the narrow path, and above all, THANK YOU SLAB, who if it weren’t for you THE BEST fishing forum on the internet wouldn’t be.


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I'm glad that folks had a good time and hope no-one comes down with the virus. Not just from this event but hope no-one ever gets it.

Crappie fishing does indeed have room to grow from a retailer's and a manufacturer's position. But it's been a big deal for a long time. Terminal tackle and live bait are available, and have been for years, in every small shop on the way to the lake.

When people talk of growing crappie fishing as a sport my first thought is Do we really want more participation and more crowded ramps? In my section of east TN there are several small shops who's existence can be directly tied to crappie fishing. Is more crappie tournament trails really going to help?

But I do think that manufacturers are waking to the ideas and benefits from marketing crappie fishing separately from bass works well for all involved. A more focused channel of business make the end user, spending their money, feel more appreciated. Salt water fishing is huge and is marketed as salt. Bass fishing is big business and it is marketed separately and if crappie fishing can separate it's self to a more focused marketing approach there will be growth. This expo is doing just that.

We all need our egos stroked from time to time and if a guy wanting to spend money for crappie fishing feels he's more appreciated as a customer he'll likely spend more.

Mr. D is correct in his approach to letting manufacturers know what is observed by actual fisherman. Believe me, it goes a long way in the thought process of R&D.
Moaning and groaning on a message board might be ok to share information among a group of like minded folks. But if you really feel your thoughts have merit then share them with industry folks.

I'm all in on crappie fishing becoming more accessible to people. I'm glad this site is here as I really enjoy it. Never met Slab but maybe some day.

Slab snores and so does Billbob.


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Great writeup, MRD, and glad to hear the trip and show were a big success. Hopefully next year a healthy one for us all.
Bob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Slab snores and so does Billbob.


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Funny you mentioned that Tom. First thing Slab asked me after he asked me to go and room with him was “Do you snore?” When I told him I used a Cpap he was good with it. If he did snore, it didn’t bother me.


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I'll post more later but I'll just add a bit to duckies post now. Yep, the show was real good. First rate, $200,000 purse, wowser! And the Duxter don't snore anyway, or the cpap thing got him way muffled. The duxter is a real salesman too, wow he's good. He didn't even have to hear my spiel before he could rattle off all the goodness of crappie.com to potential members. I think I got more email address this year than last year, but covid really took a bite out of the event you could just tell. It woulda been HUGE had that darn virus not hit us.

I'm in isolation at least for the short term in my 5th wheel just to make sure I don't pass anything on to wifey or mom. I'll see about getting tested tomorrow. Many wore masks there, but many did not. And still, met lots of peeps, with potential exposure. So we'll see what the next few days bring, more fun! Tired as heck, drove seemingly forever, gn.

Great read


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I think our community was well represented at the Expo. We may see significant growth from this effort. We must make sure we welcome these new members. Doug and Ed thank you for your dedication to our hobby.

I wanted to visit real bad , but it seems Halloween is way more important than a crappie expo.
Had them talked into it for about 24 seconds as a last day 14 hour truck ride and then I popped back to reality and thought ,probably not this time ....
sounds like it was great fun

Great post mrduck sounds like a great event that will continue to grow. Thanks Slab for an awesome sight with some of the best people in the country.


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Hope all is well, Slab. Great move to self isolate. I did see a lot of mask less so best to be safe!
Bob

Nice meeting you there! Had a great time!

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