Portage’s sixth annual fishing and outdoor show Fish-On drew fishing enthusiasts from all over northern Indiana over the weekend at Woodland Park.
“People like this because of its size,” Barb Lusco, harbor master of the Sammie Maletta Public Marina, said Saturday, the first day of the two-day event. “It’s doable, walkable, not inundated with too many people.”
Lusco’s booth had information to promote all that Portage’s public marina has to offer. “It’s great. We have public fishing areas and slip rentals,” said Lusco. “We are current working on a grant for a fish cleaning station and a public fishing pier.”
Lusco anticipates that all 214 slips will be full again this season. “We have been sold out the last three years.”
The public marina offers seasonal and transient slips, ramps for daily boat launches, picnic areas, public restrooms, and a store with boating supplies and snacks. The marina is also pet-friendly.
Robert Conley of Highland has been fishing his whole life.
“I’m 49, so you could say I have been fishing for 49 years,” said Conley, who was looking at the wide array of fishing lures available from local vendors.
The show had something for all ages including a casting practice area, children’s play area, food and drink, door prizes and seminars.
“They used to have an outdoor show in Hammond and Michigan City, but they stopped doing them,” said Nancy Simpson, executive director of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce. “I knew this was something we should bring to Portage. We have a lot of fishermen, a lot of charter boats and a lot to offer out at the marinas.”
Jim Waltz and Hunter Zdyb have been fishing together every weekend for the last few years. Zdyb, who is 17 and a student at New Prairie High School, said he got interested in fishing after his dad took him fishing with his friend Waltz. “I loved it and it’s become my thing. Fishing will always be something I do in my free time,” said Zdyb.
Waltz and Zdyb fish the ponds in the spring, summer and fall, mostly for bass and, in the winter, they fish the rivers and creeks for steelhead, cohos, and pikes. “I’d say my favorite spot is Wauwasee in Kosciusko County,” said Waltz.
Waltz and Zdyb were headed out fishing after the show and had a pockets full of new lures to try out.
“Going to these shows encourages you, lets to talk to other people who fish, you can always pick up a new lure,” said Waltz.
“Fishing is definitely an addiction,” said Zdyb. “It lures you in, no pun intended.”
Deena Lawley-Dixon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
