"Outdoor Shows offer relief
from cabin fever."
Author - John E. Brady, Hanover PA-USA
Copyright 2001
e-mail - jeb@jebswebsite.com
The stretch of warm weather we've had lately is a pleasant welcome for diehard fisherman.
Since there's no ice on the water, these unusually mild few days is perfect for relieving a bad case of cabin fever and possible opportunities of getting the boat on the water once again - even if it's only for a little while.
Although this warm spell did not last long, it was welcome nonetheless. Not to worry though. There are other opportunities approaching that will help alleviate the winter doldrums and help keep us occupied until spring.
The opportunities are the annual sportsman shows, boat shows, and fisherman's flea markets. Anyone interested in enjoying the camaraderie of other sportsman, learning a little more about their favorite sport, and saving a little money in the process, never misses a show.
Over the last ten years, the number of these events in our area has risen to the point of just about one every weekend within a moderate driving distance. Not only have these events become a staple for local fisherman, they've even become somewhat of a popular family outing as well.
The sizes of these events are as varied as there are styles of shows themselves. From the large Sportsman shows in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Baltimore each year, to the small fishing flea markets run by local organizations.
The large shows are an opportunity to view all the latest improvements in boats, four wheel drive and towing vehicles, truck caps, campers and motor homes, camping equipment, all the newest hunting and fishing gear, and the list goes on and on. Anything even remotely connected with the outdoors will be there. You can book a fishing or hunting trip, even plan your next family vacation.
The smaller shows and flea markets are an opportunity to save a little money on tackle. These are typically geared toward new equipment at discounted prices, discontinued items, and used merchandise. It's a great place to find anything from that favorite crankbait they don't make anymore, to old obscure antique items. As well as an array of locally manufactured and home made items such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and jigs.
One of the favorites over the last several years at many of these events is instructional seminars. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local lakes and fishing situations from knowledgeable local anglers, to learning some of the coveted secrets of the top anglers in the country. Learning some of these new tricks and secrets, many of which you won't find in a magazine or book, is well worth the minimal price of admission.
Any type of event you have the chance to attend this winter, whether it be only one small flea market, or several small and large shows is a great opportunity to learn more about the sport of fishing and the outdoors.
Don't let this opportunity pass you by, you may just learn a new tip that will help you catch more fish.
"After all they call it fishing, but the goal is catching."