Fisher Aluminum Bass Boats Article

There's an old saying: "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime."

There's a cornucopia of angling accessories on display at the 17th annual edition of the event put on by the Spokane Walleye Club.

From boats to baits to bobbers, fisherfolk of all kinds can find something to help them fulfill their dreams of landing those elusive lunkers.

Heck, those willing to part with a little cash can catch fish right there at the show - real ones at the indoor trout pond and virtual ones on a TV screen.

Kids flocked to the trout pond, where they could try to catch hatchery raised rainbows. Lucky anglers could keep their catch for a buck a head or donate it to charity.

The Virtual Reality Fishing Machines sponsored by Fred's Appliance also were a big hit Saturday.

Would-be anglers plunked down $2 each for a chance to hook a virtual sailfish or large-mouth bass whose images were broadcast on a big-screen TV, then hold onto a writhing fishing rod while the ichthyoids jumped and swam.

Speaking of rods, hundreds are on display, from the latest in flyrods to stout poles used for catching salmon.

Boats, too, run the gamut. There are $471 aluminum cartoppers to $43,399 Ranger bass boats sporting 250 horsepower Yamaha motors.

Oh, baby.

Then, there's the free advice, which to a frustrated fisher, can be priceless.

Every hour, on the hour, a fishing expert offers his or her secrets for coaxing kokanee or bluffing bass.

At noon Saturday, Ron Boggs gave a seminar called "Sneaky Presentations for Over-Pressured Fish."

Said Boggs before a standing-room-only crowd: "Fishing is not super science. It is an inexact science. There isn't anybody in this room who can't do it."

Maybe not, but a little help never hurts.

This sidebar appeared with the story:

IF YOU GO

Show continues

The Northwest Game Fish Show continues today at the Spokane County fairgrounds, 404 N. Havana. Hours are 10 . to 5 . Admission is $6 for adults. There are discounts for kids and senior citizens.