By Haley Rodriguez
Puyallup Washington Sportsmen’s Show: Angling Expertise and a Commitment to Share
The Puyallup Washington Sportsmen’s Show is one of those events you circle on your calendar each year if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, especially if you’re passionate about fishing. Every year, this show in Puyallup, WA, draws a huge crowd—fishermen, hunters, adventurers, and families all come together to celebrate everything from the latest outdoor gear to fishing tips that could change your next trip.
With Bobby Loomis and the Mack’s Lures Pro Staff leading the way, the Mack’s Lures booth wasn’t just a stop to check out new products—it felt like a mini fishing workshop, filled with personal stories, expert tips, and a shared love for the sport.
Bobby Loomis is a name that most anglers have come across at some point, but meeting him in person at the booth was a different experience altogether. Bobby’s decades of experience aren’t just a matter of time—they reflect a deep, unwavering passion for fishing that shows in everything he does. His love for the sport isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about understanding it, refining techniques, and helping others experience that same thrill.
At the show, Bobby was the kind of person you’d want to sit down with and listen to for hours. His advice wasn’t delivered like a sales pitch—it was like chatting with a lifelong friend who happened to know all the secrets to fishing success.
He takes the time to break down Mack’s Lures products in a way that made them feel approachable, from the Wiggle Hoochies to the Smile Blades. Bobby’s ability to connect with anglers, regardless of skill level, made his presence at the booth invaluable. He wasn’t just showing us gear—he was sharing his journey with us, making sure that each visitor walked away with a better understanding of how to improve their fishing experience.
Mack’s Lures also brought a powerhouse of pro staff anglers to the Puyallup show, each specializing in a different fishing discipline. This diverse team of experts was on hand to answer questions, share their experiences, and offer tips tailored to different types of fisheries and fishing methods.
Jim Davis, an avid kayak fisherman, brought his expertise to the booth with his unique perspective on fishing from a kayak. Kayak fishing has exploded in popularity in recent years, and Jim’s insights into how to fish from a kayak—along with the necessary gear, techniques, and safety tips—were particularly valuable for those looking to explore this thrilling form of fishing. Whether it’s navigating tight spots, reaching hard-to-reach fish, or using Mack’s Lures to increase catch rates from a kayak, Jim’s advice was as practical as it was informative.
For anglers who enjoy the challenge of fishing through the ice, Eric Magnuson’s experience in ice fishing was a highlight at the booth. Eric’s passion for ice fishing is evident in his extensive knowledge of the sport, and he offered valuable guidance on the techniques, tools, and lures that make all the difference during winter fishing trips. From his approach to locating fish beneath the ice to his use of Mack’s Lures to entice fish in cold, low-visibility conditions, Eric’s tips provided both new and seasoned ice anglers with the tools they needed to succeed on the ice.
When it comes to walleye fishing, two names stood out at the Mack’s Lures booth: Shelby Ross and Jaime Rodriguez “J Rod Angling”. Both expert walleye guides,
Shelby and Jaime have spent countless hours on the water, perfecting their techniques for catching this elusive fish. Their knowledge of walleye behavior, feeding patterns, and the best fishing practices for different seasons and conditions helped guide visitors on how to target walleye more effectively.
Shelby Ross, with his years of guiding experience, whose expertise lies in walleye fishing on diverse bodies of water, offered tips for anglers looking to fish from different boats, shorelines, and even during tough weather conditions. Meanwhile, Jaime Rodriguez shared his go-to techniques and how Mack’s Lures’ products, like the Smile Blade Super Slow Death, were a game-changer when it comes to hooking trophy walleye.
Eric Braaten, another talented walleye fisherman, added another layer of insight into walleye fishing at the booth. Known for his ability to locate walleye in both shallow and deep water, Eric’s tips on tackle presentation, lure choices, and seasonal strategies were particularly valuable to attendees. His ability to break down advanced fishing concepts for those new to walleye fishing helped make the experience accessible and rewarding for everyone, from seasoned anglers to beginners.
Eric Arnold, as a member of the Mack’s Lures Pro Staff, brought his years of fishing expertise to the table. Eric’s deep knowledge of fishing techniques and his ability to troubleshoot common problems made him a favorite among visitors.
Having anglers who fish across various environments and for different species adds a level of versatility and depth to the booth that many other exhibits lacked. It highlighted the importance of adapting to different fishing conditions and the role that the right equipment—like Mack’s Lure—can play in each type of fishery. Whether it’s finding the right lure for deepwater walleye or figuring out how to fish a spinner in a kayak, the collective knowledge and experience shared by these experts proved invaluable for everyone in attendance.
The Puyallup Washington Sportsmen’s Show was an outstanding event for anglers, thanks in no small part to the expertise and dedication of Bobby Loomis and the Mack’s Lure Pro Staff.
With their combined knowledge, attendees were able to gain valuable insights into the world of fishing, no matter what type of water or fish they were targeting. The diverse skill set represented by the pro staff—from kayak fishing to ice fishing to walleye guiding—underscored the importance of learning from experts who fish in different conditions and environments. Whether new to the sport or a seasoned angler, everyone left the Mack’s Lure booth better equipped and inspired to take their fishing to the next level.
The success of this year’s show is a testament to the power of collaboration and the valuable knowledge that comes from having anglers who fish across various disciplines.
We can only look forward to what next year’s Puyallup show will bring, but one thing is certain—the Mack’s Lure Team will be there, ready to share their wisdom and help anglers reel in their best catches yet.
For more content from Mack’s Lures Pro Staff:
Bobby Loomis: https://www.facebook.com/bob.loomis.37?
Jim Davis: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000000822337
Eric Magnuson: https://www.facebook.com/eric.magnuson.1675?
Jaime Rodriguez: https://www.facebook.com/fishingwiththeRODS?
Shelby Ross: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057311176362
Eric Braaten: https://www.facebook.com/eric.braaten?
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