The Richmond Fishing Expo:
A Time to Be and Learn
Bruce Callis Jr
We were very lucky. The weather actually held off for the Richmond Fishing Expo this year. A little snow Sunday, but nothing major at all. A huge bonus for us anglers. I even went fishing before the Expo and caught a nice 5 pound bass.
But, let’s talk about the Expo. To me, it was a huge success. I try my best not to judge it by the past and what use to be. I try my best to look at each new year as a learning experience. And I also try to live by the old saying, “It is what you make it!” And I made it special.
If you were looking for those special painted baits, this was another great year. If you were looking for something different, there was plenty. If you were looking for bargains, they were there. And if you were looking for something to learn, there were plenty of opportunities to do so. And more importantly, if you looking to connect with others, it was there.
I got to hang out with my bestie, Tiffany Risch, all weekend. I also got to look for those special deals and special baits. And I got to meet up with old friends and make new ones. I especially got to sit in some of the best seminars. Randy Howell is always great at the tank, and out on the floor. I’ve know him for years and have watched his sons grow up. And his wife Robin is a very nice lady who loves her coffee as much as I love mine.
Saturday and Sunday we also had Gerald Swindle and Joe Thomas there. Gerald is a great guy and his wife Lulu is amazing as well. I got to just sit and talk with them as people, not just as an Elite angler. And this was my first time getting to meet Joe. Really enjoyed talking to him.
While GMan wasn’t able to get up on the tank, he still was able to have a truly amazing presentation. It wasn’t planned out as to what he talked about, and that makes it special. He was talking about everything, and anything. But he took the time afterwards to talk to every fan. He took pictures, signed autographs, and answered questions while standing on his 2 knee replacements while in pain. He didn’t skip anyone. He even walked the floor and picked up a few of those custom painted baits himself.
I learned something from all 3 of them. We don’t have to use the same baits to benefit from what they are teaching. A rigging tip, a new way to make our baits work, a new attitude, just by listening to them with an open mind. I may not use the same brand of bait, but learning to make my baits work better is key.
I know it wasn’t meant to be, but I found some really great food there also. And I am sure I added a few pounds even though I was walking around all day. The fudge was awesome, and so were the nuts. Thankfully they didn’t have the sweet pickles I love. But there were plenty of something for everyone.
For me personally, it was about the people. Getting to talk to old friends like Fat Cat, Tiger Crankbaits, Bizz Baits, The BassCast, and Fishing the DMV is always great, but the friends I only get to see at the shows and sometimes on the water is what makes the show so special. Old high school classmates, friends from different fishing clubs, and the new ones I get to meet while walking around.
I use to be the shy kid in school and for most of my life. But God showed me my voice and showed me you can be a difference just by being there. Today, I can run my mouth with the best of them, and by doing so, I get to be a difference. I have learned to make the most of life and to enjoy living it. The Richmond Fishing Expo is a great place to have fun, talk fishing, learn something, and just maybe to be a difference in someone’s life. It is what you make it to be. Can’t wait for the 2027 show! See you there!
