Erik and I were up late Saturday night, processing photos and video we took that day. I effectively woke even later than expected Sunday morning because I didn’t realize Daylight Savings Time kicked in! That gave me only about 2 hrs to follow up with a few exhibitors before I had to leave for the airport. For background on these folks, please read the previous post.
First stop was Lumica to show them the Iki Jime instructional video Erik had completed. The US CEO and Japanese sales rep were so stoked they made sure we both had the small, medium and large kits to try out in Hawaii. That was really nice of them.
Then we bee-lined over to the 13 Fishing booth. JD surprised me with a Black Omen medium-heavy graphite travel rod and case he grabbed from the warehouse after last night’s show, to test with their new Concept Z salt approved casting reel that uses a polymer bearing instead of actual ball bearings that can jam and rust. The reel looked tiny but has 22lbs of drag! I’m always looking for a travel rod that fishes like my one piece rods, and their Black Omen rod felt like it was up to the task.
Erik showed JD the completed video he made of JD’s interview and JD was so grateful he went behind a curtain and returned with a t-shirt, lanyard, cap and stickers for both of us! I had seen 13 Fishing in catalogs but wasn’t familiar with the quality of their products. Their branding and apparel looked really contemporary compared to some of the more staid brands that just offer shirts and hats with their name in block letters.
Next we raced over to the Major Craft booth and Lee was so animated we asked if he’d want to be video interviewed. He didn’t even have to think about it and launched into a very entertaining monologue you’ll be seeing on this site soon. As Lee said, he’s “podagee” so he has no problem talking on camera. He gave us both Major Craft hats to sport when we’re fishing the Jigpara jigs and we promised to connect with Brandon and him when we’re settled back home.
On the way out, we stopped by the Promar – Ahi USA so I could get the telescopic gaff for Frank and the bat to go with my gaff. It’s incredible how reasonably priced their products are. Frank could make a bat out of wood for me but it’s cheaper in the long run just to buy the Promar bat (Ahi USA is the lure side of the company).
With all the expected goodies, I had to repack my bags to make room. Erik’s flight was leaving the next day so he stayed to see if there were any drastic price reductions in the last hours of the show. Stay tuned for the show and trip wrap up. Video interviews to follow after that, and look for product giveaways in the not so distant future.
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