 Ok,
the forecast calls for lows in the 20’s and highs
in the 30’s. Winds will be 15-25 mph. Unless you
are really on a great pattern and catching lots of fish
or you have a tournament to fish, chances are you’d
rather stay in the warm confines of your home than be
out on the water. I know I would.
So what’s a guy or gal to do? You can only wipe
the boat down so many times. All of your favorite reels
have been respooled with new line. You have gone through
all of your tackle, sharpened hooks, sorted and re-sorted
all of your plastic worms, checked and re-checked the
trolling motor, big engine, tilt, trim, trailer bearing,
wheels…..you get the idea. You’ve covered
every square inch of the boat and everything seems to
be in good working order. You have the most excruciating
case of cabin fever anyone has ever experienced. In
fact, you may end up going completely insane if you
don’t get "a fishing fix", and soon.
Try finding a boat or tackle show in a major city close
to you. Each year most major cities host a boat show
at a large convention center. Manufacturers from all
aspects of the boating industry will be there showing
off their goods. You can see everything from 14’
flat bottomed john boats to 45’ Scarabs with twin
525 hp engines hanging off the back. Of course, I can
usually be found around the bass boats, even though
I enjoy the occasional stroll through the big boat showcases.
Tackle shows are not as common as the boat shows, but
there are still some out there. Sometimes, the big outdoor
super stores will have in - store shows with manufacturer’s
field staff and pro staff members on hand to answer
questions and give tips on how to use a product successfully.
Both shows provide anglers the opportunity to see,
in one place, the new products for the year. It is also
a great place for the beginning fisherman to explore
the world of fishing. You can look and shop for boats.
Most dealers are ready and willing to sell you a boat
right there on the spot. They have fax machines to send
off credit applications and will get you approved within
a matter of minutes, should you need financing.
The beginning fisherman and even we seasoned fishermen
can usually find something that strikes our interest.
You can book a guided fishing trip with one of the many
guides on hand in the exhibit section. Many accessory
manufacturers also exhibit at these shows. You can learn
about the latest products on the market to help you
catch more fish or simply make the task of taking care
of your boat easier. At the super center outdoor shows
and tackle shows, there are literally acres of fishing
tackle on hand to view and purchase.
As a tournament angler, if I’m not working a
show for one of my sponsors, I still enjoy going to
boat and tackle shows to learn. There is a wealth of
knowledge to be had at these shows. Like many of you,
I’m always searching for that something special
that can make my fishing experiences more enjoyable
and more successful.
So the next time the winter weather won’t allow
you to head to your favorite lake for a day of fishing
and you have the gut-wrenching craving for a "fishing
fix", find a boat or tackle show to help subdue
the craving. It is a great place to take your entire
family, as well. There are plenty of things for everyone
to enjoy. You can get your fix and spend some quality
time with your family. It can be a great place for you
to cultivate an interest in the outdoors with your children.
I will be working the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
spring show in Grapevine, Texas, March 2-5 for Bill
Lewis Lures, the maker of the Rat-L-Trap. If you come
to the show, please stop by for a visit.
Until next time, enjoy the Texas outdoors.
|
