North Metro Ice Show

With the weather it seems way early to be think of ice fishing. Never been to this show, is it worth it? Would only really be interested in rods/reels and tackle.

Every sale there can be matched online some where. I hate crowds so it’s never worth it. Never seen a must have deal at any show I’ve been to.

Be nice to find a 40volt ice auger on sale lol. I might go this year.

Bearcat89 wrote:

Every sale there can be matched online some where. I hate crowds so it’s never worth it. Never seen a must have deal at any show I’ve been to.

totally agree. once you factor in gas to get there, parking, price of admission, etc, any savings you get on a good deal are getting washed out pretty quick.

Don’t confuse the North Metro Ice Show with the St. Paul ice show…

North metro is in Ramsey…

Baitwaster wrote:

Don’t confuse the North Metro Ice Show with the St. Paul ice show…

North metro is in Ramsey…

I find them all to be very similar.

Pay to look at ice fishing stuff you can see for free at the store. LOL

If you want to go to a show, and not the St. Paul one, I’d look at the Blaine Hardwater Expo. Good amount of vendors and yes it can get busy with people, but not like St. Paul. I go to the shows to chat with people I know in the industry and look at gear you wouldn’t find at scheels etc. I’ll shop online for sales.

Is the Ramsey show newer? Too early and too warm for me personally.

I think this is second or third year for north metro. Is a bit early and agree – wash out any savings with price of admission but if nothing else to do, is fun to walk through and see what’s out there and start the wish list and scheming of how to cobble together $ go pay for the “must haves.”

It seems like the ice fishing expos are normally built around your fair weather guys interests. Not worth it.

Here we go with the name calling — ha…

These shows are mostly to have something to do. Look at new products all in one place. Basically, be immersed in your hobby for a few hours. It’s not a place to find deals.

I forgot about this as it is early in the season and temperatures in the 70s don’t make you think ice fishing. I might try the St. Paul show again. I got turned off by the crowds, but I’ve heard the attendance levels have been down a little bit the last couple years. The Blaine show is ok – I feel like it’s a lot of people crammed into a small venue.

If you are looking for big time deals, you won’t find them anymore. 20% is typically it and some years it’s less than that. Companies aren’t doing great currently with two straight warm ice seasons. That being said, if you have never gone to one, or want to speak with a smaller company’s owner or the guy making their product it can be nice.

I go because I see a lot of friends there every year that I don’t normally get to see. I’ll probably go to the St Paul show like usual.