Silent North at the Cal Shows – RV, Boat & Sportsman's Expo

When our partner Cope's Fishing and Tackle invited us to join them at the Cal Shows – RV, Boat & Sportsman's Expo, it was an easy yes.

The show runs every year in Bakersfield and draws a solid crowd of anglers, outdoor brands, and fishing retailers from across California's Central Valley. It's one of those events where you can tell pretty quickly that the people walking through the doors actually fish. They're not just browsing; they're curious, they ask real questions, and they know their gear.

On the Floor

This year's show ran March 13–14, and the energy was good. Big names like Daiwa and Okuma had a presence, and a lot of the conversation centered around freshwater and bass fishing, which makes sense given how much water there is to fish out here. The Sierra Nevada foothills are practically in Bakersfield's backyard.

There was a bass tank set up on the floor, a live trout casting pool, and even a kayak testing pool, which kept things lively and gave people something to do between booths.

What We Brought

We wanted to put together a display that matched the region's fishing culture, so we brought three of our kayak-style fishing boats alongside our flagship model, the Camp Cast Ultra.

The response was genuinely fun to be part of. A lot of people hadn't seen boats built the way ours are: lightweight, portable, and designed for anglers who want to get somewhere without making it a whole production. More than a few visitors told us they'd never seen anything quite like it, which is always a good sign.

For anyone in the Central Valley who wants to see the boats in person, Cope's Fishing and Tackle carries a selection of Silent North models in-store. Worth a visit if you're curious.

Thanks for Stopping By

Shows like this are one of our favorite ways to actually talk to the people who fish. No sales pitch needed; just good conversations about boats, water, and what anglers are looking for. If you came by the booth, thank you. We hope to see you on the water.