Fishing enthusiasts from across the Southeastern United States eagerly mark their calendars for the annual East Tennessee and Alabama fishing expos. These events, held in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Gadsden, Alabama, are not just expos; they are grand gatherings where anglers from various backgrounds come together to explore the latest in fishing gear, boats, and industry trends. These expos offer a one-stop-shop experience, perfectly setting the stage for the upcoming fishing season.
To delve deeper into what these shows entail and the vast opportunities they provide, we sat down with Shelia Bunch. Shelia, with around 15 years of experience in organizing these significant events, is an authority on what makes these fishing expos a must-visit for fishing aficionados.
Fishing Expo Vendors
The expos will feature over 300 vendors between the two shows. According to Shelia, “We have fishing tackle vendors that offer products at these shows that you cannot get anywhere else. And that goes for the Alabama show as well as Tennessee. A lot of these vendors that go to the Tennessee show, also go to Alabama as well.”
Some of the big name vendors attending include St. Croix Rods, Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird, Power-Pole, and Monster Marine batteries. But Shelia also mentioned smaller vendors such as Fulks Custom Cranks and Jawjacker Custom Tackle.
“Jawjacker, they may be small,” says Shelia, “but they sell all the way to people in other countries.” For anglers looking for something different than what everybody else is snatching off of the big-box shelves, these shows offer the opportunity to snag lures that fish haven’t seen yet.
In addition to the standard bass and crappie tackle vendors, there will also be vendors catering to typically less well-represented fishermen. If you’re a catfish, carp, or walleye fisherman; well, there’s something at the Alabama and Tennessee shows for you too. Kayak anglers will find booths set up for them as well, as will fly fishermen.
Boat Deals At Fishing Expos
These shows also offer a fantastic opportunity for anglers looking to purchase a new boat. According to Shelia, “You’re gonna have in-house financing at both shows.” Anglers will also have the opportunity to trade in their old boat and leave with a new one, taking care of the purchase at the show.
“Attendees can find a new boat,” she says, “outfit it with all the latest electronics, and pick up any other fishing supplies needed…all under one roof. It’s a one-stop shop.” This will save people trips and allow them to start fishing with all new gear immediately.
Fishing Expo Seminars
The East Tennessee and Alabama Fishing show will also offer numerous free seminars for attendees on various fishing topics throughout each show. “We’ve got seminars for days going on that cover all different types of topics,” says Shelia. “We’ve got seminars on all types of fishing too, not just bass.”
Seminar speakers will include well-known pros like Mike DelVisco and Shawn Grigsby, to name just a few.
Shelia noted seminars on marine electronics are particularly useful, stating “I’m very proud of the seminars on electronics and stuff because, you know, a lot of times people will spend all kinds of money on a new fish finder, but then they get home and they have no idea how to use any of it. At the show, they can purchase new electronics, and attend a seminar where a real professional talks in detail about how to get the most out of that new technology.”
Family Friendly Activities
The shows will also offer several family-friendly activities. Shelia is particularly excited about the kid’s fishing tournament that they’ll be hosting this year at the Gadsden, AL show.
“We’re taking advantage of the landing next to the venue,” she says, “and putting on a kid’s tournament Saturday morning. Folks that are interested can go on the website right now and sign their kids up for it.”
Both shows will also offer door prizes each day, and some days will offer special ticket prices.
“At the Knoxville show, on Thursday, we’ll be having Military Day, and they get $2 off on their tickets. Then Friday, we’ll have Women’s Day, and the first 100 women through the door will get a free hat. And Saturday will be Kid’s Day, where the first 100 through the door will get a free fishing rod.”
These prizes and discounts encourage anglers to bring their families out to enjoy a great weekend.
Nearby Food, Lodging, And Activities
While the shows themselves offer plenty of stuff to keep anglers busy for the weekend, the host cities of Knoxville and Gadsden also provide traveling families with some great opportunities at unique attractions and fine eateries.
According to Shelia, Gadsden has “some of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at.” Her personal recommendations include Harp and Clover, which she describes as “absolutely wonderful,” and a local pizza place, Blackstone Pub and Eatery, that “was the best pizza I ever ate.”
Gadsden is also home to the always scenic Noccalula Falls on Black Creek. Black Creek is one of the few waterways in Alabama that is stocked with Rainbow Trout, and anglers looking to patronize a great local fly shop can find everything they need for a weekend of chasing trout at the nearby Rainbow City Auction and Fly Shop.
Attendees of the Knoxville show can visit nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and test out any new fishing gear in the numerous mountain streams that criss-cross the hill country there. Shelia also notes that for families with small kids, the Knoxville Zoo is “really good.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for tackle deals from vendors large or small, shopping for a new boat, looking to learn more about the latest electronics, or just want to spend a great weekend with your family, The East Tennessee and Alabama Fishing shows offer something for everyone.
The East Tennessee Fishing Show will take place January 25-28, 2024 at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. General admission tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
The Alabama Fishing Show will be from March 8-10, 2024 at The Venue at Coosa Landing in Gadsden, Alabama. General admission tickets for the Alabama expo are also $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
