CULLMAN, Ala. – The inaugural Alabama’s Ultimate Fishing Expo drew large crowds and widespread praise as anglers and outdoor enthusiasts filled the Cullman OmniPlex from Friday, Jan.16, through Sunday, Jan.18, for what organizers are calling the largest fishing expo ever held in Alabama.
Vendors from across the country shared positive feedback following the three-day event. In a Facebook comment following the event, Pourman Lures, a Texas-based vendor, complimented both the turnout and the organization of the expo.
“As a vendor from Texas, we were extremely happy with the crowd and how great everyone was,” the company shared. “The compliments were all positive on our baits and the show. Jeff and his crew did an awesome job putting this show together and running it. For their first one, I think they knocked it out of the park. We are definitely coming back to Alabama.”
According to event organizer Jeff Shelton, approximately 8,000 people attended the expo, traveling from as far away as Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Louisiana and Florida to take part in the expo’s wide-ranging offerings.
“The first-ever Alabama’s Ultimate Fishing Expo was a huge success,” Shelton said. “Everyone seemed to love seeing this much fishing stuff under one roof. We have not heard any negative comments.”
The expo featured hundreds of vendors representing nearly every corner of the fishing industry, including custom hand-painted lures, rods and reels, tackle, boats, marine accessories and apparel, as well as specialty food vendors offering gourmet apples and desserts. Throughout the weekend, attendees also attended live seminars and demonstrations led by industry experts and professional anglers, who shared insider tips, techniques and product knowledge.
Shelton noted that the event’s impact extended beyond the show floor from the packed weekend, with local restaurants and hotels filled throughout the weekend by vendors and out-of-town visitors from across the country, providing local businesses with a weekend full of welcome patrons.
In addition to serving the fishing community, the expo also doubled as a food drive directly benefiting Cullman Caring for Kids, reinforcing Shelton’s vision of giving back locally.
“We collected over 1,000 canned food items and other products. Kids 12 and under got in free with a donation,” Shelton shared. “We believe in giving back to the Cullman community. This is where I was raised, went to school and retired from, so I always want to give back.”
Buoyed by the huge turnout and positive feedback, Shelton said plans are already underway to bring the event back.
“Since Rock the South left, I believe Cullman can now be known as the home of the largest fishing expo in Alabama history,” he said. “I want to thank everyone for coming, and we will release the dates of the 2027 expo as soon as we get all the details worked out.”
Shelton said he plans to meet with City of Cullman officials in the coming weeks to discuss making Alabama’s Ultimate Fishing Expo an annual event, with hopes of continuing to grow both its reach and its impact in the years ahead.
For future updates on next year’s Alabama’s Ultimate Fishing Expo, follow the official Facebook page or email Jeff Shelton at ultimatefishingexpo@yahoo.com.
