Boat Shows
Houston Boat Show, Houston, Texas
From a non-fishing spouse of an avid fisherman (he will fish in the bathtub when he can’t get to the water) attending the boat show was a pleasant surprise. Considering our arrangement is that I don’t care if he fishes if he doesn't care if I bring my books and read! There was never a dull or boring moment at the Show, there was plenty of entertainment, shopping and the best surprise of all – the friendliness of the people involved, from guides to salesmen – it was great – Judy Hickman (a wife’s point of view).
The 2005 Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show roster notes “The Options Are Limitless” as was the floor show! The displays of boats, trailers, RV’s, campers, boat lifts, slings and docks, trailers, every part imaginable, engines – inboard and outboard – jet skis and water toys was seemingly endless! Not to mention all the RV accessories!
The food, fun and shopping was varied and unique! From soup to nuts, jewelry to lures – it was all on display!
The tackle, fishing and hunting accessories were super as were the guides, lodge and seminar display!
Had a great visit with Outboard Jack of Stone & Sons Marine who told us about the old Ray’s Marine in San Antonio and how they totally closed down in 1943 for the War, then returned and re-opened. Robert Byrd from Tops N Towers had us dreaming of a new tower for our little fishing rig! Capt. Newbern from H. A. D. A Fish Guide Service was a proud papa showing off his son’s picture of his 30.5 inch Red,! Dale Bunting’s Fish Sticks were the most unique fish of the show – flounder, reds, trout's – all fashioned from driftwood. Got an education on antique lures from Snider’s Lures! Hackberry Charters came all the way from the Calcasieu Lake area in Louisiana – just kidding about the Cajun accent guys!
I want to thank all of you who gave us your time and info, special thanks to Rebecca, Press Co-coordinator for the Houston Boat Show and I know I’ve missed a bunch of you, Capt. Shuler from Get-A-Way Adventures; Bass Haven Resorts; Randy Bright from Gulf Coast Yacht Group; Capt. Garrett Gill-Secrets of the Bay; Tommy Countz from Tommy’s Guide Service; Capt. Kyle Johnson from Baffin Bay; Capt. Bubba Simons, Third Coast Charters; Full Stringer Lodge; Capt. Clint Sholmire, Showtime Guide Service; Tom Sams at Master Hitch, Inc.; Capt. Jerry Franklin, Galveston Bay Charters; Fin & Feather Resort in Hemphill; Capt. Big Dog Morales Guide Service; Sergio and Richard at Tidal Surge Lures; Wild Thing Charters; Capt. Mike Mosley-Saltwater Addiction; Baffin Bay Wild Horse Lodge; Capt. Randall Groves, Groves Guide Service; Busha Boat works; Jason Cathings’ Hunting and Fishing Adventures; Gapt. Gil from Gil’s Guide Service; and two very unique guys: James Westerfield from D & J Marine Technologies-where you can GPS equip your boat and track it around the world! Cami Huni from Unlimited Possibilities who teaches blind and special needs individuals “How to Fish”. You’ll hear more from them later on-what an amazing group!
Texas A & M University at Galveston had a great display, volunteer manned including a “house mother” from the summer kids camp! The Texas Parks and Wildlife booth had great literature on taking care of our land, beaches, estuary’s, sanctuaries and how to take care of yourself!
There were numerous seminars scheduled from instructions on fishing, water skiing & wake boarding to obtaining a Captains’ license. One of the cutest events – and yes, I am a dog lover – was the Perondi’s Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show, I just thought my dog was neat catching a Frisbee!
My only request at the end of the day was to have a foot massage! The show was well-worth the trip to Houston, the hours of walking and talking, the eating and shopping! I actually look forward to the next Show!
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