An event for the community: Experts share insights and tips at Fresno Bee Fishing Expo

It was an interesting question.

Why was The Fresno Bee sponsoring a fishing expo on a Saturday, just a few days after the Nov. 5 general election?

Was it because we wanted to sell subscriptions?

Was it because I really liked fishing?

Was there some other unknown reason?

Well, it was because we wanted to do something for the community.

And we did.

On Nov. 9 about 80 people gathered in the South Stadium theater at 700 Van Ness to talk about fishing at this free event.

People began showing up before 8 a.m. for a program that began at 10 a.m.

Vendors set up in the concourse leading to the theater. They ranged from the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area to the Roosevelt High School Bass Fishing Club to Mike Reddin, a custom net builder; and Mike Stovall regional sales manager with Marlon Products Northern California / Nevada Sales, who brought in not one but two boats.

Once the program began, we heard from Byron Stickler, who caught a trophy brown trout in January. Longtime fishing guide Dick Nichols delved into the intricacies of Shaver Laker. Jim Tartaglia and Brian Klassen led a deep dive into Pine Flat King Salmon, and Roger George discussed the work that goes into catching trophy stripers.

I watched as one audience member took copious notes throughout the day.

I was told that this was the type of event that Fresno needed.

I was asked if we would do it again.

I was told that we need to do it again.

Thanks go out to Stickler, Nichols, Tartaglia, Klassen and George, for generously donating their time to share their passion for fishing.

Thanks as well to the vendors who came to an event without quite knowing what they were walking into.

And of course thanks to the attendees. Your interest in fishing is greatly appreciated.

This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 2:09 PM.