Fishing and Boat Show Update from the Fairgrounds
Original Post:
http://www.blogsmonroe.com/fishing/?p=253
I managed to get down to the fairgrounds for a few hours this afternoon to check out the fishing show. For a first year event there was a little something of everything that a walleye, muskie or salmon fisherman could use. The brand names were there, as well as some small outfits who are starting out.
The Western Basin Charter Association was set up for those fishing Lake Erie. One of the captains that I spoke to was Capt. John Geer of Bulldog Sportfishing Charters. Captain John runs his boat out of the Brest Bay Marina and specializes in walleye and perch trips. Geer also is the inventor of something everybody who runs the big boards should have, a way to save all those costly clips that run down the main line out to the boards. Called the “Clip Catcher”, it will prevent losing these clips as they slide.
There were local merchants there as well, like Cook’s Sportland. I’ve been going to Cook’s for a long time, since I was just a kid. The service can’t be beat, and if they don’t carry an item, they exhaust all the means to try and get it in for you. Other stores included Lakeside Fishing Shop, which I have written about before when discussing spoons for trolling walleye. Most of the folks come to the shows to meet the people and discuss tips and tactics. Some had some really nice displays all set up with a lot of items for those who attended to look at and buy.
There were quite a few boats inside, a lot more than I thought would fit into the new building. While cruising the boats or walking through the displays, lots of people were able to get off their feet behind a screened in corner where seminars were being held. Three seminars were on the schedule when I walked through after three o’clock today. There was one on walleye fishing being held when I left. Planning on going back again tomorrow to hear what some of the folks have to say.
One of the booths that I really enjoyed belonged to Daren Bernhardt of D & B Fishing. Daren custom paints spoons, blades and jigs. These are a sample of some of the blades available. The details might be a little sketching for patterns, but it was a new display and they were pretty proud of it. The patterns are worth going back in to check out again tomorrow. He does a really nice job on the items on display.
Some of the big boys in the tackle company had representatives at the show, specifically the spoon companies of Michigan. Moonshine Lures, Wolverine Tackle and Fishlander had some fine displays set up, and plenty of tackle and new items to look at. Moonshine makes some really well known spoons for those who fish salmon, 
and also have a selection of smaller spoons for the walleye anglers. Wolverine is the maker of the Silver Streak Spoon, and will get my attention when I go loaded with a little more cash tomorrow. Fishlander is where I shopped today. I picked up some beads and colorado blades, but the Hedgehog willow 
blade caused me to spin most of the money today. If you are used to handling willow blades for bass spinnerbaits, you will be surprised at just how light these blades are. Think the favorite one I picked up was the Erie Watermelon on a gold blade. Its much better than the Ludington Watermelon.
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