The 2023 Truman Lake Fishing Expo held was a success, says Clay Radford, event organizer. Over 1600 people paid their $5 at the door to enter the show at the Benson Center last Friday and Saturday. “That was more than last year,” says Radford.
While the focus of the event was fishing, the exhibitors covered a wide range that included guide services, diving instruction, insurance, real estate, financial advisors, and even a line of women’s shirts. And, of course, there was a good representation of fishing tackle, boats and kayaks.
The Missouri Department of Conservation was there with conservation officers to answer questions. Aimee Coy of the private land conservation unit was available to talk about the MDC programs and help the department provides to farmers and private land owners. Educator Ginger Miller was tying flies and crappie jigs, and Nathan Bettencourt was at the vise, tying flies.
Bettencourt is an MDC volunteer who will be running several fly-tying education courses this spring for the Department of Conservation.
Benton County Tourism greeted visitors as they walked into the exhibition hall. Henry County Health Center was next, handing out free PFDs, ponchos and mini flashlights, “Things that might be handy on the water,” said Gary French.
Everharts had a booth with tackle for sale as well as kayaks, and Angler’s Port Marine had boats for sale, as did Truman Lake Marine. Wilder RV had an RV inside the center that was open to tour.
Steve’s Rod and Reel Repair had a large display of used rods and reels for sale as well. Ol’ Blue Bait Tackle from Roach had a large booth of gear including its line of crappie baits. Palmer’s Custom Baits was well represented, and their display included a line of jigheads, which is new for the company. Bink’s Spoons had its line of crappie, bass and trout spoons as well as some of its other fishing tackle.
For those fishermen who chase after spoonbills, Hook’d UP Divers, made in Warsaw, and Spoony Divers from Rolla had divers to sell and information to give on using them to catch spoonbills or paddlefish, a season that opens in Missouri on March 15.
And Joel-O Shotz presented its line of fish baits.
Compass Health was lining up participants for its 9th Big Fish, Bright Futures tournament to be held next September. It is a benefit for children’s dental health.
Tournament fishermen were able to look at the Missouri tournaments planned by USA Bassin. Four Durham series events were planned on Lake of the Ozarks starting in April. The organization also has five team tournaments on Truman Lake beginning in March with series held on Pomme de Terre, Stockton, Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock lakes.
This year, USA Bassin also has two kayak tournament series on Truman and Stockton.
Exhibitors, 30 in total, were pleased with the turnout, according to Radford, who added that boats, kayaks and tackle were sold at the event.
He said that his organization is already making plans to host the third of what has become an annual event. It’s planned for early February. “Next year, we’ll have more seminars as the ones we had this year were very well attended.”
To see a complete list of exhibitors at the 2023 expo, go to: www.trumanlakefishingexpo.godaddysites.com.
