Mention the word “Daytona” this time of year and you’re likely to conjure up images of The 500 or Bike Week. But there’s another event about to take place, and it has nothing to do with fast cars or motorcycles. It’s the 27th Annual Daytona International Antique Tackle Show, and it’s one of the biggest in the country.
Among the many hundreds attending will be some of the heaviest hitters in the hobby — collectors whose tastes range from the inexpensive to the exorbitant, the ancient to the contemporary.
They’ll come from around the world to gather at the Plaza Resort & Spa on beautiful Daytona Beach, with the hope of making a deal on something obscure … or perhaps something more common. That might include a certain rod, reel, lure or some other type of angling artifact.
Whatever it is they’re searching for, there is a good chance they’ll find it at this show.
Why I go
For me, the Daytona International has special meaning. It’s one of the first antique tackle shows I ever attended, and it’s where I meet up with many of my best friends in the hobby.
The Daytona show also gives me an opportunity to learn more about the tools of my trade, and how and where they originated — especially artificial lures. As I learn more about their origins, I’m able to share that information with those of you who follow my column. Things like the first frog, first swimbait and first jerkbait — lure types with a history much longer than most anglers realize.
Aside from that, there’s the deal making. I love it, and it begins with “room trading” — an activity where participants set up their hotel rooms as personalized boutiques, arranging them with anything and everything they hope to sell or trade. Once ready, they open their doors, allowing other collectors the opportunity to shop or browse. It’s fun, and it can last all day and into the wee hours of morning.
Room trading always precedes the actual show, and it’s when many of the best deals go down. Just like fishing, it pays to be there early.
The showroom experience
After room trading comes the actual show. It’s hosted by the Florida Antique Tackle Collectors (FATC) — one of the largest vintage tackle clubs in the country.
Club members are granted access to the showroom floor early Friday morning for setup. Once registered, they locate their designated tables then begin the process of building their displays — all of which are assembled atop 8-foot tables that are arranged in long rows. Depending on the amount of space needed, an exhibitor can rent just about as many tables as he or she requires.
For me, it’s the quality of displays that sets Daytona apart from other vintage tackle shows. Exhibitors bring phenomenal displays, and they compete for awards in various categories. Among them are incredible Heddon, Creek Chub, Shakespeare and other various companies of historical significance.
Once setup is complete, the action begins. Attendees will scour the showroom, hoping to find some jewel missed during room trading … or perhaps something offered for the first time. It’s a treasure hunt, and it’s every man for himself … when a well-trained eye has the advantage.
A who’s who
Tackle collectors come from all walks of life. Blue collar or white, all find common ground in their pursuit of angling antiquities. It’s just like fishing; it’s competitive and fun, and the rewards can bring a similar feeling of satisfaction.
Among the more notable who have attended are filmmaker Glenn Lau, saltwater legend Flip Pallot, pro golfer Andy Bean and outdoor writer Homer Circle. Even Chuck Heddon, great grandson of James Heddon, attends. It’s a veritable who’s who of fishing and outdoor sports.
Members of the Old Reel Collectors Association (ORCA) also attend. If you’re interested in reels and their evolution, you need to see their displays and talk with them. It’s a history lesson.
On Friday and Saturday after 9 a.m., the general public is allowed access. They can shop freely through the showroom or, if they want to sell something, they can consign it to the Saturday night auction where heavy bidding often drives prices through the roof. The FATC also provides free appraisals to anyone wanting to know the value of older items related to fishing.
Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 12 get in free. It’s a great way to teach a kid about the history and lore of the sport while making new friends in the process. For more information on the Daytona show or about the FATC, visit www.fatc.net.
