Ready to hit the water SI Boat and Fishing Show draws thousands

MARION - Steve Vercellino says he's seen it all at the Southern Illinois Boat and Fishing Show, which was featured at The Pavilion in Marion over the weekend.

"I've been here since Day One, and there's always something new to see," Vercellino, who up until recently owned Rend Lake Marina, said.

Now in its 13th year, the boat and fishing show features the latest in boating and fishing. Plus, this year's show featured several RVs and travel trailers are shown for those looking for a home away from home while visiting area lakes and rivers.

"Some years have been a little better than others, which is directly tied to the local and the national economy," Vercellino said. "I remember when we had the recession, which had started about 2007. Then there was the market crash in 2008. You didn't have nearly as many dealers bring boats those years. But, some of us always have been here. Sometimes there are new dealers and sometimes dealers who haven't been come back."

Consumer interest, though, ensures people will visit the boat and fishing show, he said.

"There's a lot of people who want to stop by," he said.

Unlike Vercellino, Gordon O'Neal of Carbondale was a vendor at the show for the first time.

O'Neal, who owns Thunderworm T's and More, showcased his handmade crappie lure with a unique design, the Thunder Guppy.

"It's reminiscent of a tadpole, and it really entices fish to bite," O'Neal said. "It's a very natural-looking lure."

Southern Illinois University Carbondale's bass fishing team also was featured at the show. Friday evening, team members spoke with fellow anglers browsing the fishing section of the show.

The growing use of tungsten as a fishing weight was on fully display at the show as well. Several vendors sold tungsten lures and weights, popular because tungsten is nearly twice as dense as lead. Anglers tout the superior performance of tungsten as an advantage when fishing.

Bruce West, of Centralia, owns Jig Shack Custom Lures, and says demand for his product is a full-time job.

"I've got the biggest selection of lures in southern Illinois, and one of the biggest in the U.S.," West said. "It keeps me busy."

West said tungsten has become a game-changer in fishing tournaments, which help drives his business.

"If you're not fishing with tungsten, you're fishing for second place," he said.