When I lived in northern NJ, this was one of the best shows. We'd go every year, and most times a couple different days too. It started to get so big that it was more like a carnival, with lots of exhibitors that were a bit of a stretch to call them outdoor oriented. It got expensive too, and parking also a pain. Still, I bought my safe, an over/under 410, a crok-stick knife sharperner that I still use, and more fishing equipment than you can imagine from this show. They used to have a bunch of lure makers that did their own, specially custom crafted lures, and had bit stock tanks to demonstrate them. Always enjoyed those demos. I met a few celebrities at different booths too. When Eagle Claw first came out with their 45-Automatic Worm Hook, I waited in a short line to talk to Jerry McKinnis. I asked him what was his go-to worm hook, and he started telling me about the new 45-Auto hook. I asked again what his favorite hook was, and he again started telling me how great the new hook was. I asked one more time what hook he preferred for texas rigging, and he leaned in towards me and said "well, lemme tell ya, I really like the O'Shaughnessy hooks. Made me laugh, he did his job supporting the new product, but he also answered my question.
Haven't gone in well over a decade, but always made a day of it, and had a great time. Some really great deals on stuff from the vendors on Sunday too, easier to sell stuff than pack it up and bring it back to the store.
