Columbus, Ohio – The 2025 National Fishing Expo took place in Columbus at the Ohio State Fairgrounds on February 7-8-9. Nearly all of my Expo experiences took place in the 10×10 Ohio Outdoor News booth where I worked selling subscriptions. I may not have covered all the great exhibits at the Expo, but I was still able to have an amazing weekend thanks to all the interesting people who made their way down my aisle.
From the famous pro to the youngest anglers to all my “once a year” friends, I hope you can enjoy the moments captured on film. Thank you to everyone at the show who took time to share fishing stories or buy a subscription. Special thanks to David and Leslie Hoheisel for creating such a great event that draws so many anglers to what has become as much of a reunion as it is an Expo.
Bob Davis (R), National Fishing Expo
Longtime friend and fishing buddy, Bob Davis (R), drove from Cleveland to assist me in the Ohio Outdoor News booth. Thank you, Bob
Jackson Forrest, National Fishing Expo
10-year-old Jackson Forrest’s favorite fish to catch is the mighty muskie, and he plans to use this lure to land his first one this summer.
Mike Iaconelli roundtable, National Fishing Expo
The show highlight for me was moderating a conversation/interview with Bassmaster pro Mike Iaconelli and two college bound anglers Hoyt Nicely (far left) and Connor Bower (seated between Mike and me)
Jesse French, Blue Rock Custom Tackle at National Fishing Expo
You could search for a lifetime and never find a better lure company owner than Jesse French of Blue Rock Custom Tackle. (HINT: you gotta try the Triple Threat Jig with a Z-Man Big TRD trailer)
Michael Norris of Ann Marie Charters, National Fishing Expo
Michael Norris of Ann Marie Charters has work the booth next to mine since I started working at the Expo. Our “once a year” friendship may be a “twofer” in 2025 with the invitation to join him and Captain Bill on a walleye trip to Lake Erie this summer.
Brantley Morehouse, National Fishing Expo
Brantley Morehouse, 11,uses goldfish to catch catfish and Rooster tails for bass.
Brezlyn Reneer, National Fishing Expo
My friend and outstanding luremaker, Brezlyn Reneer, is venturing into the Podcast realm at the Expo. Here she is interviewing Captain Bill Dorsey (L) and his first mate Michael Norris (R) of Ann Marie Charters located in Lorain, Ohio.
Annabelle Meade, National Fishing Expo
Annabelle Meade, age 9, revealed that her three secret catfish baits are marshmallows, goldfish, and shrimp.
Mike Iaconelli (C), Hoyt Nicely (L), Connor Bower (R) at National Fishing Expo
Bassmaster Elite pro, former Classic champion, and former Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Mike Iaconelli is between Hoyt Nicely (L) and Connor Bower (R) after the three of them sat for an interview/conversation during the Expo. Hoyt is headed to Adrian College in Michigan on a bass fishing scholarship while Connor is headed south to the University of Montevallo with a bass fishing scholarship also.
Brezlyn Reneer (R), Mike Iaconelli at National Fishing Expo
Brezlyn Reneer first ever Podcast had former Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli as her guest. “He is a great interview!” was Brezlyn first post interview reaction after talking with one of professional bass fishing’s all-time greats.