Regor,
I have to agree with you on the "difference" of the shows today compared to say back in the 1970's & 1980's. I use to frequent the Long Beach show back then and was always amazed at what I saw. Lots of vendors from the manufacture to the little guys and all giving out deals (or thats how I remember).
Last year was the first time I attended the Del Mar show since I was out of town during the Long Beach show, (mind you I had not been to a FHS in like 15 years) and came away with a very different feeling (not liking it as much as it was smaller to what I had seen before at the Long Beach shows of the past)
. This year I planned and attended the Long Beach show with my brother and came away pleased but still feeling somewhat cheated out (no discount tickets as years before, less deals and fewer vendors). I'm sure that most of this was due to the current state of the economy here and else where.
I once again hit up the Del Mar show just yesterday and sat for a few seminars at the Fin-nor theater and the Triton Boats salt water tank. Watching those bass in the tank was something. I was able to met the infamous Josh and plan on setting up a day on the water with his services also. Thanks for spending some time to talk with me Josh.
I did see at the Long Beach show that they had electronics there, but as you mentioned the Del mar show did not have them. At the Long Beach show I did not notice many "great" deals on them either, but there were a few.
I did overhear that one of the Baja vacation spots had an increase of 300% on their booking for this time of the year, but I did not catch the name of the resort. Let's hope that this year is a better year for all.
