FWC Outdoor Show: Get the gear

Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show offers latest and greatest in bass fishing

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Since 2003, FLW Outdoors has held an outdoor show in conjunction with their year-end bass championship – the Forrest Wood Cup. Each year the event has seen remarkable growth. Located in the heart of bass-fishing country, the 2008 Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show in Columbia, S.C., will be no exception.

Like always, the best companies in the outdoor industry will be displaying a variety of products for fishing fans to see, try and buy. Over 120 vendors have traveled from all over the country to offer great deals on their industry-leading products. Everything from custom crankbaits to hand-poured jigs to specialty swimbaits are available for purchase. Even some of award-winning new equipment unveiled at the recent ICAST show in Las Vegas will be on display.

Other than the surplus of awesome gear, the highlight of the 2008 show is the unveiling of the 2009 model Ranger boats. In particular, the new Z522 Comanche, the new Z21 and the 211 Reata will be on the floor. Ranger staff, pros and even Forrest Wood himself will be in attendance to answer questions about the new boat lineup.

The show, which is held inside the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, opens at 2 p.m. on Aug. 14 and 15. On Aug. 16 and 17, the doors open at 11 a.m. Families interested in attending will want to get there early. The first 500 children visiting the show Aug. 14 will receive free Berkley fishing line. On Aug. 15, the first 500 children through the doors will receive a free tackle kit. On Aug. 16 the first 750 children will receive a free pair of Solar Bat sunglasses and on Aug. 17 the first 1,500 children will receive a free rod and reel.

But kids aren’t the only ones winning free stuff. One lucky fan over 16 attending the final weigh-in Aug. 17 will win a new Ranger Z-Comanche bass boat powered by Yamaha. In addition, show visitors can sign up for the free FLW Fantasy Fishing game at one of the many kiosks located near the show entrance. For the ill-fated fan, there are daily fishing seminars by Hank Parker, Jimmy Houston and other bass-fishing legends.

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is located at 1101 Lincoln St. in Columbia. Daily weigh-ins will be held at the Colonial Center located at 801 Lincoln St. in Columbia each afternoon at 5. Admission to both the outdoor show and weigh-in are absolutely free.

Other show features

FSN (Fox Sports Net) will be taping a segment for the “Best Damn Sports Show Period” Saturday, Aug. 16, starting at noon at the Colonial Center. Guests scheduled to make an appearance are Steve Spurrier, the head football coach of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, William “The Fridge” Perry of the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears and Mike Schmidt, the Hall of Fame third baseman who played his entire 18-year career for the Philadelphia Phillies. Spectators could possibly make an appearance on the show as well, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity.

Country music recording artist Tracy Byrd will be performing a free concert Sunday, Aug. 17 before the tournament’s final weigh-in starting at 4 p.m.