by Ron Presley
Where the catfish community gathers
If you want to achieve something worthwhile you have to take chances. That is exactly what happened back in 2016 when a few people had the notion to put on the first Catfish Conference. The willingness to take the necessary chances back then resulted in a catfish community get-together that continues today.
Sure, there were ups and downs, and trials and tribulations, but the seed planted back then in a small marine dealership has grown to the point that it will be held in the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY in 2019. It has grown from that original one-day event to three days to give more catfish fans an opportunity to visit. The dates are February 22, 23, and 24, 2019.
The underlying premise was simple then and it is simple today. The Catfish Conference is all about catfish. Catfish anglers, catfish vendors, catfish families, catfish boats, catfish seminars—if it has to do with catfish it can probably be found in Louisville.
The face of Catfish Conference is Steve Douglas. He is well known as a catfish tournament angler, tournament director, and all-around catfish fanatic. Known affectionally as the Catfish Dude, he has been teaching others how to catfish through his YouTube channel for years. He is also owner/operator of Monster Rod Holders where he markets rod holders and other catfishing accessories.
Douglas wants everyone to know that the event is for everyone from novice to pro, from angler to friends and family. Past conferences have shown just how involved the families are. Husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, kids and grownups, all come to the conference to shop, to visit, to listen to seminars, and just have fun.
What 2019 has to Offer
The new venue at the Kentucky Exposition Center will offer 70,000 square feet of floor space to house the booths, boats, and crowds.
Vendors will set up booths to display, demonstrate, and sell catfish products. Guests can browse, compare, and purchase the products they like best after actually having a hands-on experience. In many cases, show specials help guests save money and in some cases, like anchors and rods, eliminating shipping costs saves money too.
Several tournament trails will be on hand to talk about their offerings. Tournament anglers, or those interested in beginning tournament catfishing, can check out the trails and pick up their schedules.
There will be plenty of catfish information flowing from discussions at the booths and in the isles, but a highlight of the event will be seminars by well-known anglers. The seminars will give amateur and advanced anglers the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and learn from the best catmen and catwomen in the business.
Six different seminar sessions will include information ranging from basic catfishing to tournament competition. Speakers include Spencer Bauer, Ryan Casey, Stacey Gaston, Carl Morris Jr., Ann and Eddie White, and Jeff Williams.
Of course, in addition to the scheduled seminars, the isles will be full of seasoned catfish anglers willing and able to help anyone that will ask. Sharing of information is a pleasing characteristic of the catfish community. If you have questions, you can get them answered, all you have to do is ask.
New to the Catfish Conference for 2019 is the First Annual Anglers Choice Awards. Vendors will enter their catfish products in the competition and guest anglers will vote on their favorites. Top products will be named in several different categories. The products must be currently on the market to be eligible for the competition.
Those guests that vote in the Anglers Choice Awards will have their name in the hat for a drawing that will distribute the products at the end of the competition. Guests do have to be present to win, so be sure and ask when the drawing will be.
The much anticipated event revolves around the idea of promoting the sport of catfishing in a positive way and helping to grow the catfishing community. Now in its fourth year, it is an event the whole catfish community looks forward to. The Catfish Conference is a place to visit with friends, shop, and learn about the sport of catfishing.
For more information visit the Catfish Conference website at www.catfishconference.com and be sure to follow and like their Facebook page.
