Highlights from the 2025 Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show
Another Outstanding PCS Show, 3/6/25 through 3/9/25, at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, California
Walk This Way by Derrek Stewart 3/9/25
The PCS Show, a transformation from California's premier
tackle, boat, travel, and outdoors show into a national benchmark, is
distinguished by its unique features. It's an exceptional outing for the entire
family, offering experiences that set it apart from other shows. In an era
where many shows have declined, the PCS Show has discovered a winning formula
that consistently delivers.
One of the most cherished aspects of this event is the sense
of community, where we reconnect with old friends and forge new relationships.
So, join me as I take you on a partial photo-tour of the
action-packed, well-attended aisles of the PCS Show.
Marina Del Rey Angler’s President Myles Blatt and Captain TJ
Schlick talking shop at the Eldorado Sportfishing booth. Captain Schlick
operates a highly acclaimed Southern California coastal charter sportfishing experience. https://www.eldoradosportfishing.com/
Marina Del Rey Angler’s Ted Cotter. It’s always nice to run
into Ted. It doesn’t matter where the MDRA fish is; Ted is a stick! https://www.mdranglers.com/
Captain Shawn Steward and the Aloha Spirit Sportfishing. I’m
looking forward to MDRA’s Torin Anderson’s upcoming charters on the Aloha
Spirit. Nice to meet you, Captain!https://www.alohaspirit.com/
Robby Gant, Tackle Sales Manager of AFTCO and South LA
Coastal Conservation Association President. Robby works non-stop to improve
Southern California’s recreational angling experience.
Caymas Boat’s perennial professional bass angler contender
and champion, David Valdivia, demonstrates the exceptional attributes of Caymas
Bass Boats.https://www.instagram.com/davidvaldiviafishing/
Shimano, professional staff/equipment field tester and
Owner/Operator of the exceptional Coastal Charters, shares his timeless
knowledge with a young, up-and-coming angler.https://www.fishcoastalcharters.com/
The incomparable father-son duo Philip Friedman and Philip
Friedman Jr. are always on top of the SoCal bite and typically right there in
the action. action. https://www.youtube.com/@FriedmanAdventuresPodcast
Erik Landesfeind and Matt Kotch. These guys are a juggernaut
when it comes to saltwater bass fishing. I’ve admired Erik’s writing talent and
accomplishments since first reading angling articles. I’ve recently discovered Matt’s
exceptional painting talent. It was a pleasure to meet them in person finally!
Sam De La Torre of Island Fishing Tackle has an incredible
tackle shop in Carson, California. Sam is also a long-term supporter of the LA
South CCA. Sam’s commitment to our fishing community is stellar. Take a bow,
Sam!http://islandfishingtackle.com/
The Hookup Baits booth is always a hive of activity, buzzing
with excitement.
Tube baits are not just an illusion lure, but also a realism
bait, and they shine in their deceptive value. They mimic prey such as squid or
baitfish, and their versatility makes them a highly effective lure.
Many fish
species’ first meal is a microscopic Rotifer, which has a tube-shaped body.
This unique shape is imprinted in the memory of juvenile feeding fish,
furthering the enhancement of a tube bait. The fry grew, so how does an adult
fish know that a Rotifer didn’t grow, too? Google Rotifer images or learn more
at https://dstewartfishing.com/do-you-know-what-a-bass-s-first-meal-is/
Pillars of the Coastal Conversation Association California Booth, Tonie Bangos
and Chris Arechaederra.
The CCA Star Tournament is approaching fast. Joining CCA
California and participating in the Star Tournament is an easy avenue to
support your reactional angling rights. You’re already fishing, and winning
this boat takes only one qualifying catch. Learn more and sign up at -https://ccacalifornia.org/star/
Here are two of the
several framed Amadeo Bachar prints I picked up for my office update.
I'm super stocked. I don't know how my wife Perla is going to
feel about fish on the walls (we share the same office), but guess what? I
don't care. This is how it's going to be. Got it?
Amadeo is a super talent whose art includes fish identification
cards, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and much
more.https://www.abachar.com/
Big Bass Dreams, and Big Bass Reality. My man, Oliver Ngy,
and my favorite kick bass lady angler (besides my wife), Riley Kolich! Book
yourself a fantastic charter, fresh or salt, at https://www.bigbassdreams.com/
Dream, it's the first step in reality!
Professor Brian Nguyen at the University of Tady! Brian is a
fantastic educator on multiple levels. If Brian is nearby providing a workshop,
do yourself a favor and attend. You’re going to learn several things. When you
break down the foundation of his teaching, you’ll discover it transcends
multiple disciplines.
Another educator, Scott Manson, presents his second book,
abundant with lure history. Scott has authored two spectacular books: A History
of Tady Lures and A History of Southern California Surface Iron. Both
deep-rooted Southern California technique-specific lure-based portrayals are
rich in chronicle, illustration, images, and behind-the-scenes knowledge.
I’ve shown you a snapshot of my interests from this year’s
PCS Show. These outtakes barely touch what this show offers the sportfishing
community. If you’re an angling outdoor enthusiast and find yourself anywhere
near Costa Mesa this time of year in 2026, a visit is more than worthwhile. And
remember, it's a family-friendly event, so be sure to bring the entire family.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this photo tour and I look forward to seeing you there next year.
