What a season! The 2025 spring trade show circuit was a whirlwind of handshakes, fish tales, and good vibes — and I couldn’t have asked for a better crew to share it with than the team at Great Canadian Fishing Store.
It was a real pleasure working alongside Matt and Adam this year at three incredible events:
- The Toronto Sportsman Show
- CanCast 2025 in Peterborough
- The Made in Canada Tackle Show in Kitchener
Each stop brought a fresh wave of energy from passionate anglers, loyal readers, and the ever-growing community of Canadian bait creators who live and breathe the fishing lifestyle.
Talking Shop and Swapping Stories
One of my favourite parts of these events is getting the chance to talk fishing with fellow enthusiasts. Whether it was deep dives into seasonal tactics, comparing notes on soft plastics, or swapping smallmouth stories, the enthusiasm from everyone was infectious.
A special thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat and share their love for my book, Mighty Smallmouth: Catching Big Bass on Small Water. Hearing your stories and seeing the impact the book has made out on the water makes all the effort worth it.
Reconnecting and Planning Ahead
These shows are more than just product displays and gear hauls — they’re a chance to reconnect with old friends and forge new plans for the upcoming season. I’m already looking forward to some fishing trips and collaborations in 2025, and I know we’ll make some memories that are even better than the ones we shared this spring.
Canadian Craft and Community
It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by fellow small business owners pouring their passion into every jig, spoon, soft plastic bait, and hand-carved lure. The craftsmanship and dedication on display was nothing short of incredible.
What really stands out year after year is the camaraderie. The way we all support each other — from sharing booth space to spreading the word about each other’s work — is something truly special. It’s what makes this community more like a family than an industry.
Thanks again to everyone who made this trade show season such a success. If we met at one of the shows, thank you for the chat — and if we missed you this time around, I hope to see you on the road or on the water in the months ahead.
Until next time, keep your lines tight and your hearts full.
– Adam Merrifield
