And the Winner Is…
[print_link]
With the start of the new year, our thoughts turn to preparing for the upcoming tournament season and warmer weather fishing. The Elite anglers on all 3 tours will be getting started shortly as well. But for us, it is Fishing Show season. And for us here in Virginia, the big show is the Richmond Fishing Expo, January 18-20, 2019 at the Meadow Event Park, State Fairgrounds of Virginia in Doswell, Virginia. Granted, there will be a lot of shows and events this month and next, but this is the biggest here in Virginia and the one I truly look forward to each year.
Show hours to this great event are Friday, January 18th and Saturday, January 19th are from 9 am to 7 pm and Sunday, January 20th from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $9 for adults, Seniors 60+ & Military are $8, Jr. Anglers (6-12) are $5 and Children 5 & under are FREE.
From the amazing Exhibitors, to the seminars and the Elite Anglers, there is something for everyone. Exhibitors this year include Anna Marine Center, Appomattox River Company, Green Top Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, Mare, Inc., Double D Jigs, Hooker Bait and Tackle, Line Cutterz, Reelsnot, Profound Outdoors, Bruce Ingram Outdoors, and many more to offer a wide variety of amazing products to view and buy. Seminar speakers this year include Pro Anglers Timmy Horton, Edwin Evers, and John Crews, along with William Frazier, Anthony Horton, Bruce Ingram, Scott Favors, and others. The seminars will be held at the Oklahoma Bass Tub located in the front and 2 seminar rooms located in the back left and along the right wall. Something for everyone to attend and learn from all weekend long.
The kids or the kid in us can take advantage of the Mountain Trout Pond Simulator again this year and try your luck at catching a farm raised rainbow or brown trout. You may keep 2 fish or release them. Also, there will be a couple tagged fish that the angler who catches it will receive a limited edition Fishing Expo T-shirt.
Attending the show is a true must, but you can be overwhelmed with so much to do. You can go to the website, www.richmondfishingexpo.com and download a printable seminar schedule. I plan out what seminars I want to attend and allow myself time to do some walking around, but it is difficult to take in everything in just one day.
One of the best things about such an amazing show is getting to meet up with friends. With today’s social media, it is no longer just friends in our small circle, but friends from all over the state and even further. Some we may get to see once or twice a year, and the Expo is always one of those times when we get to catch up and as anglers, even talk trash or exchange fishing tips. I am truly blessed, as I have had the opportunity to truly expand my fellowship with so many fellow Virginia anglers. It doesn’t matter if we fish from the bank, from a jonboat, a kayak, or a big bass boat, we all share the same passion. And through social media, I have learned so much more about fishing here in Virginia. And the Expo is the place we all gather together to learn and meet.
Whether you plan to attend for just one day, or for all 3 days, have a plan. But remember, just like in fishing, be flexible and ready to make a change. And if you see me there, make sure to say hello. I’ll be the guy running my mouth with everyone and trying to learn more. And ask me for a BassCast sticker too.
I’ll be the real winner, because I am doing what I love. And I know each of you will be the real winner too.
