Classic Expo: ‘Best fishing weekend without fishing’

Calling it the “best fishing weekend without fishing,” reader Bryan Taylor summed up a number of fans’ feelings about the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

Asked for details of their best deals at a Classic Outdoors Expo, Bassmaster fans responded with why they enjoy attending the expo as well as the best deals they’ve scored. Many added that they’ve already made plans to attend this year’s Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, March 24-26.

“Great bargains, great swag,” James Cleaver wrote. “Best part is meeting the pros close up.”

Besides an autograph hound’s dream, the Expo puts stars in the eyes of young and old. Fans take a lot of photos standing next to their favorite angler. 

The Expo runs in conjunction with the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. The Elite pros who didn’t qualify to fish Lake Conroe, as well as a number of bass fishing legends and others in the industry, will work at sponsor booths and interact with fans. This year’s Expo will be the largest in Classic history, covering more than 300,000 square feet.

Among readers who found incredible sales items at Expos past was Gavin Beck.

“Best deals I found were Quantum EXO reels normally $249 for $99 and Revo MGX normally $350 for $199,” he said.

Brad Shepherd recalled he paid $20 for $100 rods in 2012. At Tulsa last year, Derrick Mclaren purchased a new Daiwa TWS reel and was given free rods to go with it.

“My son went with me last year and is constantly asking me to go Houston this year!” Mclaren said.

While the summertime ICAST tackle convention brings together many of the same companies introducing products, that event is for industry members only. The Classic Expo is free to the public, and fishing industry companies use the venue to introduce their newest products to bass fans. And yes, great deals are abundant. 

John Marshall reported an interesting occurrence from 2014. He said he drove up to Birmingham on that Classic’s first day, checked out the aisles for new lures and tackle and bumped into a number of pros. He and his partner missed Day 2 to fish a local derby they’d already entered. They caught 18 pounds of spotted bass, their largest bag in a tournament, to win.

Back to the Expo on Sunday, Marshall and partner found $100 All-Star Rods on sale three for $100, and the DICK’S booth had $100 rods for $25 each.

“In total, I believe my fishing partner and I bought 27 rods,” he wrote. “The best part about it was … we ran into a group of about 10 other people we had fished against on Saturday and got to show them what their money had bought us.”

Hope you didn’t rub it in too hard.

Ryan Brown was rather selective when getting autographs on this hat. Seems he got legends Rick Clunn, Larry Nixon, Bill Dance, Hank Parker and Denny Brauer to adorn his new favorite cap.

As mentioned before, the Expo is a family friendly affair. Sometimes, one can even hit the jackpot. Patrick Linn said his wife and three daughters enjoy bass fishing, so the Classic is a great destination vacation.

“Attending the Bassmaster Classic is something that we as a family always look forward to,” said Linn, who already booked rooms in Houston.

Linn won a $100 gift card participating in a Kevin VanDam fan event from one of his sponsors, then at the store redeeming it he learned of another drawing for people who attended the Classic.

“We went and entered and in April got an email that we won the $1,000 gift card,” Linn said. “We used it to finish the purchase on our second Talon. By far the best deal we found attending the Bassmaster Classic Expo!”

Bass fishing’s championship week has averaged more than 102,000 in attendance the past five years, and B.A.S.S. expects Houston, with weigh-ins next door to the Expo at the Astros’ Minute Maid Park and plenty of parking for fans, to draw some of the largest crowds in tournament history.

The Outdoors Expo, which is being presented by DICK’S for the ninth consecutive year, will be open longer this year, allowing fans to return after weigh-ins on the first two days. The Expo runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

On Friday only, there is a special “Preview Event.” National and international media, B.A.S.S. Life members, B.A.S.S. Nation members and DICK’S Scorecard members are invited to enter the Expo at 10:30 a.m.

Holly Vandom made big points with husband, Bill, by surprising him with a lifetime B.A.S.S. membership for their first Classic at Lake Hartwell.

“It was one of the greatest experiences we’ve ever had. Being able to get in early was incredible,” Bill wrote. “We met several pros – got to meet KVD, which was also incredible. My boys then were 5 and 8 and they had more fun than me. It is definitely a family-oriented atmosphere.

“Tons of stuff for the kids … There just isn’t enough room on here to write about the incredible time we had. The lifetime membership is totally worth it.”

Host city officials have reported an economic impact from the event ranging from $22 million to nearly $24 million. Most fans come away from a Classic and Expo with an amazing life experience, and at least .

“You get to meet your fishing idols, not to mention see all the coolest gear, everyone around you (there will be thousands) in a good mood from talking fishing!” Taylor wrote. “Best fishing weekend without fishing ever!!!!”