Growing up in a small Indiana town with a creek and with a dad who was a fishing guide, the sport of fishing became a passionate pursuit for me early in life. I've seen much of the great water and fishing opportunities Indiana has to offer.
Not often thought of as a fishing destination, Indiana is full of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. And with Indiana's largest river systems boasting more than 35,000 miles of water, residents and visitors alike are naturally drawn to what these waters have to offer.
If you, like me, enjoy this activity, look no further than the Indiana Fishing Expo coming up next month in Hendricks County, Indiana. The 25th annual event will be held at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex on Feb. 3-4. Here's why you should consider attending:
Indiana Fishing Expo
As the most species-diverse fishing show in the region, the Indiana Fishing Expo has a great lineup of vendors, speakers and educational seminars. Seminars will take place all day on both Saturday and Sunday.
Ticket holders also can win prizes during an hourly giveaway throughout the event.
The show will have more than 90 vendors, including a fishing boat company, a kayak company, the IU and Purdue fishing teams, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and top brands like Just Add Water Boats, Blue Rock Custom Tackle, Boing Lures and many more.
What To Expect
The expo is an ideal place to buy gear, learn the ichthyology of many different fish and speak to local guides and outfitters about various waters.
The show will host eight seminars, highlighted by local professional bass fisherman, Josh McDermott, who will share his insights on bass fishing.
Scott Snellen, the factory rep for Pure Fishing, the largest bait company in the world, will host a seminar on bass. Legendary great lakes walleye angler Paul "Coot" Williams will speak as well as musky guide Buddy Ellenburg.
Other seminars on crappie, catfish, walleye and bass will also take place.
Tickets & More Info
A complete list of vendors and speakers can be found at the Indiana Fishing Expo website. Tickets for adults are $6, while children 12 and under are free.
An hourly giveaway will take place both days of the show, so be sure to hold onto your ticket!
Bass'n Gals will be the one and only food vendor. I would encourage you to support them, as every dime they make will go to their Kid & Co. program that provides kids without the means to fish, the equipment and opportunity to do so.
