Not too many things could lure hundreds of fishing aficionados to the fields of Bargersville in the dead of winter.
Honey Creek Tackle’s annual fishing show happens to be one of them.
This year’s event, which begins today and runs through Sunday, may end up being the biggest to date. With scheduled appearances by bass fishing icons Davy Hite and Jimmy Houston, as well as plenty of free food and several merchandise giveaways, store owner Jason Roberts expects a packed house yet again.
"The last three years, we’ve had 4 or 500 people here," Roberts said. "It’s pretty wild."
Roberts started running Honey Creek Tackle out of his garage in 2005 before moving into the store’s current location on State Road 135 about a decade ago. He has expanded his inventory significantly, even becoming a boat dealership in recent years.
Honey Creek used to set up a booth every year at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, but dragging all of his wares there became too much of a hassle, so Roberts decided to start holding his own show instead.
The store’s large archery range will be filled with seats for a variety of seminars. Hite, who will be at the show all three days, will be holding court on Saturday, with Houston to follow on Sunday.
Tonight will feature a seminar from Lowrance Electronics, which makes advanced navigation and sonar equipment. Roberts felt that his customers could benefit from some instruction on getting the most out of those multifaceted products.
"Guys buy these things and they don’t know how to use it," he said.
Barbecue from Holy Smoke Hog Roast in Martinsville will be provided for Saturday’s attendees. On Sunday, there will be a fish fry featuring bluegill and crappie. At last year’s show, 1,200 pieces of fish were served up.
Everyone who attends the show will receive a ticket and be entered into drawings for product giveaways — everything from small tackle bags to $600 locator equipment. Winners must be present to claim prizes.
The event provides an opportunity for local fishermen to gear up for the coming season and mingle with others who share their interests.
"We’re in Indiana; there’s nothing to do in the winter. Guys aren’t fishing, right?" Roberts said. "It’s something to give back to our customers. I don’t want to say it’s an appreciation weekend, but it kind of is."
