International Sportsmen's Exposition Opens Thursday, January 14 at the San Mateo County Event Center

Save $2.00 on e-ticket purchase with this limited time offer!  Offer Expires January 12, 2010. No Online Service Fees.

You might recall that I visited the ISE in San Mateo last year, well that time has come again!  Above is a link that will save you $2 off admission, but be aware that it is only good until 1/12/2010, so you have to buy your tickets in advance of the show opening.  Below is a press release from ISE regarding the San Mateo show...


ISE San Mateo is filled with retailers, manufacturers, lodges and resorts, guides and outfitters, clubs and enthusiast groups. More! Meet face-to-face with outdoor companies from throughout California, around the West, and from Africa, Alaska, Canada, Mexico and South America.

The 34th Annual San Mateo International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE), brings the best of the outdoors to the San Mateo County Event Center Thursday, January 14 through Sunday, January 17, 2010. ISE San Mateo is the Bay Area’s only gathering of the year for fishing, hunting and outdoor enthusiasts who want to check out new products, try and buy new gear at discounted show prices and research “staycations” or the adventure of a lifetime. From fly-casting lessons and dog long-jumping competitions,  hands-on clinics and expert-led seminars, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can explore outdoor adventures – indoors.





“With a diversity of outdoor products, entertainment and information not found at any other event in the area all year, ISE combines an exciting fishing, boating, hunting and travel expo all under one roof,” said ISE Communications Director John Kirk. “Hundreds of local and international exhibitors will offer great values on the latest products, services and travel destinations. And new this year, DockDogs will host the ISE Best of West Dog Jumping Competition – a must see for dog lovers. Show sponsors the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, Northern California Marine Association, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will add new products, educational opportunities and fun.”



Show product offerings include an expanded selection of sportfishing, ski and wakeboarding boats, motors and marine accessories; travel, vacation packages, lodges and resorts; fishing and hunting outfitters and guides; fishing tackle and gear; hunting products and gear; outdoor apparel and optics; outdoor gadgets and furnishings; enthusiast clubs and groups; truck-aftermarket accessories; RVs, campers and outdoor gear; and much more! 

For the beginner to expert, the ISE presents multiple theaters and stages where guides, authors, television- and radio-show hosts, bloggers and filmmakers will share their expertise in fishing, camping, kayaking, crabbing, hunting, travel and more. Exciting entertainment for the whole family includes competitions for enthusiasts of every skill level. Children of all ages can personally experience the spirit of outdoor adventure at the hands-on Youth Outdoor Sports Fair.


The ISE is also the best place to learn about important environmental issues that affect outdoor enthusiasts. Key organizations involved include: California Trout, Coastside Fishing Club, Water4Fish, Striped Bass Association, California Deer Association, Safari Club International, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Federation of Fly Fishers.

Show highlights include: 
·         NEW Screening of Rivers of a Lost Coast film on Friday, January 15, at 5 p.m. See the stories of legendary fly fishers Bill Schaadt and Ted Lindner; experience the glory of steelhead and salmon fishing on the Eel and Smith Rivers; learn how this fishery inspired new angling techniques and drove product development; and understand why the story is more important now than ever before.

·         NEW ISE Best of the West DockDogs Competition -- All are welcome to enter their dogs of any size and breed in this big-air competition! The top two dogs overall will go on to the world championships. For information or to enter visit www.dockdogs.com.

·         NEW 2010 Best of the West Accuracy Fly Casting Tournament. The free contest is open to all ages.

·         NEW Rifle and Gear Raffle, presented by Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Enter for a chance to win more than $4,500 in Browning, Remington and Winchester rifles, plus a BowTech bow and Sitka apparel. Funds raised through raffle will benefit elk-related conservation efforts in California.

·         Discover Fly Fishing Center, sponsored by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, features an all-star lineup of seminar topics and presenters, as well as gear and accessories from three large retailer displays. The DFFC includes an author's booth, accuracy-casting contest, knot- and fly-tying instruction, plus free daily fly- and Spey-casting lessons (two-handed casting imported from Europe).

·         Fishing Workshop, hosted by Captain Craig Hanson and presented by Coastside Fishing Club and Bay and Delta Yachtsman magazine, will offer 10 new presentations and hands-on demonstrations. Attendees can learn about crabbing, kayak fishing, boats and electronics, and shark, striper, tuna and sturgeon fishing. Free rod and reel repair, too.

·         NEW Seminars with Casey Stafford on hunting wild hogs, Tom Dockter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the return of Billy Gianquinto talking about whistling ducks. Also, Doug Huffman will discuss urban and wilderness survival skills.

·         Fishing seminars by California’s top pro bass anglers at the Ultimate Bass Demonstration Tank, presented by World Fishing Network and hosted by professional angler Kent Brown.

·         Adventure Theater presented by Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will feature special events and seminars all weekend long. Fishing, hunting and outdoor experts, authors and professional guides will discuss and educate on the latest gear, techniques and destinations nearby and around the world.

·         Fly-Fishing and Fly-Tying Video Theaters, hourly video presentations and demonstrations from local, regional and international experts.

·         “California Outdoor Hall of Fame” annual awards presentation, hosted by local writer and San Francisco Chronicle outdoor columnist Tom Stienstra (Saturday, January 16, at 4 p.m.).

·         Youth Outdoor Sports Fair, presented by Western Outdoor News, will feature nearly 10,000 square feet of hands-on fun for youth, who are invited to try archery, catch and release fishing, and game calling.  Kids also will learn about the environment, fish and animals, can enter contests and perhaps will products and outdoor adventures! The Youth Fair opens Friday, January 15, at 3 p.m. and runs all weekend.

ISE will take place at the San Mateo County Event Center, located at 2495 South Delaware Street in San Mateo, Calif., 94403. lSE show hours are: Thursday and Friday from 11 - 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance is $15 for adults; and free entrance for children 15 and younger. Discount coupons, tickets and more information are available at www. SportsExpos.com. Parking is $8 per car.