THE BOAT SHOW-January 3rd to 12th

RELIENT PARK-HOME OF THE BOAT SHOW The Annual Houston International Boat, Sport, and Travel Show opens on a high note. This is the year 2014 – the home of the Boat Show, Reliant Park Complex. There will be more than 600 exhibitors at the show, which covers 400,000+sq. ft. of space in the Complex. It is a fiberglass array of fantastic products and fishermen’s dream. From bow to stern, booth-to-booth, it’s a glistening, climate-controlled nautical paradise-unmatched anywhere. New boat models, along with the favorite classics, jon boats, pontoons, ski boats and cruisers, personal watercraft, inshore and offshore boats, to the saltwater center consoles, it’s all here, filling every nook and cranny of the complex. Sponsored by the Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston, the show embraces all the needs of boaters and fishermen alike. You name it, and it’s probably on display somewhere under one gigantic roof. There are rods and reels, anchors, batteries, boat hooks, diesel engines, compasses, charts, barometers, depth sounders, GPS units, ice chests, life jackets, outboard motors, radars, radios, trailers and trolling motors. The list goes on and on. In one day you can purchase a boat, arrange financing or book your dream trip with one of the guides or outfitters here on the Texas Gulf Coast. If that’s not enough, there’s more. For the hunting and fishing enthusiasts, Reliant Park will be transformed into an outdoorsman’s paradise, fully stocked with the latest hunting gear, fishing tackle, out fitters and guides who can provide information on the best hunting and fishing areas both here in Texas and around the country In a section of the Complex, look for an array of campers, motor homes and recreational vehicle accessories. In addition, there are booths manned by those who run sailing schools, scuba diving instructors, travel and tourist agencies, artists and jewelers. Outfitters, experts and guides will conduct free seminars throughout the 12-day show. In fact, I’ll be delivering a seminar of my own at F.T.U on January 18, 2014. All day covering Galveston Bay complex, includes lunch. Cost is $75.00 per student. Free door prizes, and free fishing tackle. Address is I-45 @ Fuqua…………………..Limited Seating Speaking of guides and outfitters, booking a licensed guide or outfitter should not be done without a great deal of consideration. Be sure to note their habits and tendencies. Fishing guides come from a broad range of backgrounds and nations. Of course, each one has his or her own personality quirks. For the most part, fishing guides are even-tempered folks who are fun to be around. Having a Texas Parks and Wildlife license, along with another from the U. S. Coast Guard, plays only a small part in the grand scheme. To be a professional fishing guide, one needs to have good “people skills”, and a proper attitude. Individuals with poor attitudes—no matter how good they are at catching fish day to day, don’t make it in the business very long. Most of you won’t spend your hard-earned money or your free time from family and home to go out on the water with someone who has a poor attitude, at least not more than once, anyway. There will be a number of quality guides and outfitters in the Complex for this show. Do your homework. It will go a long way toward seeing that your next fishing trip will be one that you will enjoy for a lifetime. In addition, we now have a Texas Saltwater Guide Association, complete with stickers and decals. Stop by my booth at Reliant Park Complex (booths 5617). I look forward to sharing my past, present and hopefully future fishing trips with you, as well as any info you may want to know regarding the Guide Association. Here's wishing your family and friends a safe and prosperous New Year. God bless you, and always have fun-OUTDOOOORS- This article is dedicated to the memory of Bob Stephenson, Jr. and Bob (Pappy) Stephenson. About the author: Paul Marcaccio is a B.O.I. (born on the island) who has been fishing Galveston Bay for more than 30 years as a professional guide.