I was also proud to introduce my boy to Gary Simpson, the well known and well respected Central Florida tournament veteran who has forgotten more about catching bass than most of us will ever learn.

It’s his name on the building and his expertise behind the counter. Want to know where they’re biting, what they’re biting? Gary can tell you. Need a rod or reel repaired or respooled with quality line? Gary’s Tackle Box is a full service pro shop.

And today Gary’s Tackle Box had Blue Water Bay cater a heck of a BBQ feast for all of us who would rather swap fishing stories with legendary anglers and film makers than fight shopping crowds at big stores.

We ate well.  Kevin from Jethro Baits handed me a couple of interesting product samples that I’ll tell y’all about later. And my boy won a door prize – a gallon bag stuffed with Zoom product.

So what has the cut rate online lure retailer done for you lately?

We had better keep Main Street America in business.