Events
+ Demos
TACKLETOWN
Fishing is America’s most popular recreational pastime, and your angling passion is the inspiration behind TackleTown – the 70,000 square-foot all-things-angling marketplace greeting all visitors as they enter the Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show.
Remember the huge boxes you like to rummage through at the back of your local tackle shop? You never know what little gems may be waiting for you in there until you’ve made it all the way to the bottom. We’re kind of like that – but with a handy exhibitor list and directory. Like your neighborhood bait shop on steroids, TackleTown shows visitors over 100 unique exhibitors offering cutting edge, hard-to-find fishing tackle, gear and accessories at special show prices.
Of course, there’s more than fishing tackle at TackleTown. You’ll also find boating accessories and fiberglass repair and restoration. Learn the latest tricks and techniques from the nation’s top fishing pros at daily seminars conducted atop the 4,000-gallon Hawg Trough – a massive aquarium loaded with all manner of lunker gamefish. Need more angling intel? You control the topics of discussion at our innovative, Fishing Camp: Ask the Pros interactive seminar series.
TackleTown has everything for the fisherman or fishing family, including charter fishing captains and guides who can take you to the big ones, the Kids’ Zone, and an incredible array of other interesting events and attractions. Aisles and aisles of unique fishing tackle that you won’t find anywhere else!
Kayak Fishing Showcase
The Kayak Fishing Showcase provides an opportunity to experience the latest innovations in fishing kayak technology. The top manufacturers in the industry will be showing off their latest products. The demo pool is available to try out the newest kayaks on the spot, and will feature some great kayak and other pro fishing seminars. Find the perfect kayak for fishing, hunting, or recreation!
Travel & Tourism Pavilion
The lure of the great outdoors tugs on visitors throughout the entire Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, but the undeniable force may be greatest inside the 50,000 square-foot Travel and Tourism Pavilion – the definitive place to plan your next family vacation, fishing trip, wilderness hunt or other unique outdoor excursion.
What makes the Travel and Tourism Pavilion truly unique is the fact that so many of the exhibitors are actual owners or operators of the lodges, resorts, camps or facilities they represent. When you plop down your hard-earned dollars for any kind of trip, it is extra-nice to meet and chat with the actual folks in charge. And the fact that you’re dealing direct means more of your money stays in your pocket.
“You’re going where? You’re doing what?” We can hear your jealous buddies now.
With private, local, state and even national travel professionals representing exciting destinations throughout the US, various Canadian provinces and even as far as South Africa! No matter what kind of travel experience you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it for a super price at the Travel & Tourism Pavilion.
Boat Pavilion
Being boaters ourselves, we don’t think there’s any other single item a family can spend its money on that yields more smiles, enjoyment and great memories. That’s why we’ve dedicated an entire 180,000 square-foot building at the Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show to boats, boating-lifestyle products and accessories.
K9 X Games Presented by K9 U
For more information, go to alphak9u.com/events.html
TWIGGY THE WATER SKIING SQUIRREL RETURNS!
Powersports
Don’t miss our selection of powersports off-road vehicles and accessories throughout the show!
RV Pavilion
These rolling beauties aren’t your Papaw’s RV’s. From motor homes to tent campers, today’s state-of-the-art, mobile getaways are engineered and constructed to be lighter, more durable, more comfortable and easier to use and own than ever before.
Indiana is the RV world’s cradle of life. We make ‘em, and we love ‘em. The Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show celebrates these facts by dedicating two massive, buildings to showcase and honor the finest selection of top brand motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and tent campers we could possibly assemble. With over 180,000 square feet of RV’s, you are sure to find one that suits you best!
Ask the Pros Fishing SeminarS
Ask the Pros Seminar Series
The Ask the Pros Fishing Seminar Series provides a unique seminar format that puts show goers into direct contact with the seminar speakers. It is an interactive forum, providing invaluable opportunities for seminar attendees to ask the questions most important to them. Our Ask the Pro’s Panel on the first weekend features Crappie fishermen, and our Ask the Pro’s second weekend panel is all about Forward Facing Sonar! These are panels you won’t want to miss!
Fishing Seminar Series
Hawg Trough Large Seminar Stage
From atop the Hawg Trough, our nationally known anglers thrill large audiences with the latest techniques and seminars full of tips and pro tricks for catching the best fish. The Hawg Trough, a 4,000 gallon aquarium measuring an astounding 40’ long, 4’ wide and 8’ deep, is one of the show’s leading attractions and fits nicely in the heart of TackleTown. Watch in amazement as the best anglers in the country share their secrets and catch fish right before your eyes!
Don’t forget to check out our speakers page for this year’s lineup!
Indy Sport Show Travel Cafe
Want to experience something different? This is a great area to grab a bite to eat , listen and interact with our panel seminar speakers. Take some time and visit!
Antique Outboard and Motor Display
If you’ve ever wondered how far the outboard motor industry has come, you won’t want to miss the Antique Outboard Motor and Boat Display presented by Jay Walls and Rick Eichrodt.
This collection contains over 70 motors (several over 100 years old) and a few factory racing models from the great HP race in the 1930’s. Rick and Jay are both local members of the Antique Outboard Motor Club which is an International organization whose fundamental purpose is to provide a means of communication for those who are interested in research and exchange of knowledge pertaining to the history and preservation of antique outboard boat motors. The Antique Outboard Motor and Boat Display will be staffed with knowledgeable club members who can answer your questions about motors or the hobby. Come see this blast from the past.
Kids Trout Fishing in Tackle Town
No need to leave the kids at home. Bring the kids to the Kid’s Trout Fishing Pond to try their hand at fishing in TackleTown.
Kids' Day
Kid’s Day Giveaway!
Kids love coming to our show!! And on Saturday, February 22nd they’ll love it even more! It’s one of the things we most look forward to – getting kids started on their love for the outdoors. The first 500 kids (age 12 & under) will receive a SouthBend Ready2Fish Fishing Reel!
Kids’ Fishing Fun
Dan Armitage presents an interactive program for beginning anglers of all ages. Topics include how to select and use basic tackle, bobbers and cane poles.
Click Here to Learn More about Dan Armitage
The Indiana Hunter Education Program continues to promote “Safe Hunting”
The Treestand Safety seminar demonstrates the safest way to hunt from an elevated position. Topics include proper use of a Fall Arrest System and a Full Body Harness, types of elevated hunting platforms (treestands), and suspension relief, as well as, self-rescue and other safety tips. The demonstration will be presented by certified Master Treestand Safety Instructors, Indiana Conservation Officer Tony Mann and Hunter Education Instructor Stephan Spencer.
The Hunter Education Program is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division. This event will take place at the Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo.
Youth Archery Range
This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce young ones to the great sport of archery. The professional staff of the Indiana Bow Hunter’s Association instruct kids on bow safety and proper shooting techniques! Visit the Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo to help your kids learn more!2nd
DNR Programs
One of the most popular programs with showgoers, DNR returns by popular demand a a favorite of showgoers. Be sure to check out their series of educational programs designed to teach about local birds, snakes and wildlife. You won’t want to miss these great displays!
Snakes – Saturday 2/15 10am – 4pm:
Meet the staff of O’Bannon Woods State Park and their showcase of “Snakes Alive, Snake Buffet”; which features a dozen native species of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous to look at in a safe, but close, environment. From large to small, these snakes provoke intrigue and lots of stories for kids and parents alike. Whether you are young or old, you can get the opportunity to see these unusual animals up close and maybe even touch a non-venomous one.
Birds – Saturday 2/22 10am – 2pm:
The education raptors from Hardy Lake’s Dwight Chamberlain Raptor center are non-releasable birds of prey that travel throughout the State as education ambassadors. The Chamberlain Raptor Center also serves as one of Indiana DNR’s State-owned birds of prey rehabilitation center and takes in, on average, 100 injured or orphaned birds each year. The center is run through a cooperative effort between the DNR Division of State Parks and the non-profit group Friends of Hardy Lake.
Canines – Saturday 2/22 10am-2pm:
Members of the Indiana Conservation Officers K-9 team will be here with their K-9 partners. Showgoers will have the opportunity to interact with both the officers and their K-9 partners.
If you have a question about Indiana’s natural resources, properties or hunting/fishing regulations, stop by the DNR booth to speak to a DNR biologist, interpretive naturalist or conservation officer. Showgoers can also purchase select 2025 licenses, state park passes, lake permits and subscriptions to Outdoor Indiana Magazine, and pick up the 2025 Fishing Regulations Guide, 2025 Recreation Guide and other publications.
