Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Boat show thread #2
BullShoalsCat.
I attended a small fishing show yesterday that had 4 dealers displaying boats, along with a few dozen tackle and accessory vendors with booths. It was nice to see that attendance was pretty good especially given the recent weather. As I browsed the boats, there were large (for this show) displays of two mainstream boat builders. It was pretty interesting to see the dynamics between the two displays. The setup was manned by two salesmen from the dealer, and one local pro staffer. All three had more folks to talk with than they could handle but they rushed around the area making sure that the customers knew they were there to answer any questions people had. I was pretty impressed. Across the aisle, the another display had 3 or 4 sales people, 6 pro-staffers, and 1 touring pro. First thoughts – theres one reason the boats are soooo expensive – someones gotta pay for pro-staff deals these guys are getting. Also, it was unreal to see all the pro-staffers huddled around the bow of a boat talking amongst themselves. They also pulled out of the group here and there to send texts, talk on the cell phone, or go get more chew. In the hours I was there yesterday, there was ZERO customer interaction from these folks…nada, none! I understand that booth duty isnt all fun and games. Its challenging listening to everyones big fish story, who they know, what kind of boat their friend has, how fast their 1974 Yellow Jacket boat was, etc. That said, I thought part of the deal with being a pro-staffer was to promote, spread the word, and help evangelize the brand / dealer / sport. Additionally, the folks in the booth (show attendees) paid money to come see you / your display. Guess my perspective is different because I make my living as a sales person (performance = pay) but Id sure think that the pro staff slots are tough to come by these days and only getting tougher, especially for the brands / dealers in a challenging situation. If you were representing a brand that was hurting a bit, Id think youd work your tail off to prove your value more than ever. Im sure these guys happily take the team deal when picking up their new boat ever season or two….but they sure didnt look motivated to keep up the promoting end of the deal. Maybe I dont get it as Im not part of the in-crowd but am I off base???Advantages are taken, not handed out…
Edwin, You must have been at the same Show I was at Saw the same thing, I was at the Collinsville Show, in Ill. I believe these same dealers are supposed to be at the St. Charles show next week
Guys, You are 100% Correct for “some” shows. I have worked boat shows as a Living for years, Ive even been hired by companys as the “Bad Guy”, the Hired Club I guess. Anyways I feel making a good fisherman doesnt necessarily make people a good Customer Service Agent. Their are alot of guys who are Insanely good at being a Promotional Staffer, its not Professional Staffer. Marty Stone comes to mind, If my marina had the $$$$$$ Id have him at Every Show. Dont pass to much judgement from seeing some Odd Eggs, heck my Pro Staffer works his Arse off for us, and we give him NOTHING physically, besides a Huge % off of his Desk, his Cougar FTD. Just a thought guys. Who bought at the show? Brannon
Where is my huge % buddy? JK Let me guess, you will give me a great deal when I order my Jag.
Same show, BullShoalsCat. I realize all of these dudes werent born with the gift of gab…and I dont expect that either. These gents were only focused on one thing – BSing with each other. Id been holed up in the office all week so I looked for the positive aspect of the show. There was the usual Sham-wow like guy selling the food processors, the hotties in the Outdoor guide magazine booth, and the $3.00 beers! Oh, and I chatted with some great folks from Humminbird Hideaway at Norfolk. Just might have to book a stay there for the OI.Advantages are taken, not handed out…
Edwin, I too talked to the people at Hummingbird, they seemed like good folks! Gonna give them great consideration, for this years OI, usually stay at Three Oaks Resort across the lake. The Pro your talking about wasnt a certain FLW PRO was itseen him walking around talking with certain vendors (TriState). Maybe we”ll meet at Hummingbird Resort and have a cold one I keep my Cat at Bull Shoals, Have a home there. fish there almost exclusively. Don
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
