Big News from Big Rock

With the Big Rock 2016 West Show just winding up and the 2016 East Show about to get started, there are big things going on in the world of that distributor, and I’m looking forward to checking it out.

I’ll spend the next couple of days in Raleigh, North Carolina, walking the aisles, looking at new gear and talking to anyone who wants to talk fishing, fishing tackle or the business of fishing, my holy trinity of subject matters (though I have been known to go on a rant about the Shakespeare authorship controversy).

But more than walking and talking (yes, I can do them simultaneously), I’m looking forward to checking out the newest addition to the Big Rock Show, their very own new product showcase.

That’s right. Just like we’ve seen at ICAST for years and years, there’s going to be a venue for attendees to vote on the best new gear for the coming season … but with a difference. Whereas ICAST is a great outlet and resource for manufacturers, retailers and media, the Big Rock Show is tailored to the dealer and the showcase and voting will have a definite dealer vibe.

How will it be different from the vote at ICAST? I have no idea, but I can’t wait to find out.

The old saw in the fishing industry is that fishing gear isn’t made to catch fish as much as it’s made to catch fishermen. Well, we all know that’s only part of the equation. Before it can catch a fisherman, it has to catch a distributor, a retailer who can get it in front of an angler. It’s a dynamic that’s apparent to every professional in our industry.

The Big Rock Show is always a good time. With its mix of exhibitors, dealers, show floor specials and seminars (plus a taxidermy championship!), there’s plenty to see, plenty to do and plenty to learn.

Keep checking in with us at FishingTackleRetailer.com. I’ll have regular updates of what’s going on at Big Rock East and how it might impact your business in 2016.