VanDams a big draw at D&R Sports Center's Spring Fishingand Boat Show

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Allegan resident Mike Pierce was one of many vendors on hand Friday for thefirst day of the 26th annual Spring Fishing and Boat Show at D&R Sports Center in Kalamazoo.

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eatured products from some of the top brands such as Quantum and Berkley, and also allowed forlocal residents like Pierce to feature their own custom made gear.

Pierce was selling his hand-painted custom lures, items that he said he started crafting 20 years agoas a hobby. Barbecues shouldn?t be used

on boats - hot charcoal offers off

dangerous levels of CO along with

blown embers could set your current boat

alight.

? Preserve cabinventilation obviousfor you to

prevent a construct-up of toxichttp://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26382 CO.

? try to help keepfabrics away from

cooking hobs toavoid all of them

from catching fire.

? check your fluesregarding coalalong with wood

burning stovesregarding indications of leaks

and blockages.

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by the particular heater manufacturer.

Other kinds could burn up as well hot.

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cause a fire or perhaps build-up associated with CO.

? Ensure just about all hobs have got shut-off

or isolation valvesOver the past few years he has turned his passion into a small business called M.Pierce Custom Lures.

"Had a lot of customers today," he said. "Getting a lot of interest."

Pierce said each lure is a two-day process between painting and applying coats of epoxy, but theresponse has been great.

"Pros have complimented me on my stuff," he said. "It's a real passion."

Drawing the biggest crowds Friday were the free fishing seminars that featured some of the world'sbest anglers, including bass fishing stars and Kalamazoo natives Kevin VanDam and his nephewJonathon VanDam.

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ssmaster Classic champion, offered tips of the trade to all who attended two seminar sessionsFriday, talking about the skills he has learned throughout his 24-year career.

"You always experiment until you get positive reactions," said VanDam. "Think of all the instincts afish has and try and build that into your presentation."

VanDam also touched on the fact even he still has a lot to learn in the world of. When you fancysaltwater fishing tackle Dungeness and District, welcome to Fishing tackle Tackle. Our company islocated at Greatstone-on-Sea a few minutes down the bay from ..The house of Okuma Deep seafishing tackle Tackle, manufacturer of Free Fishing Games rods a and reels.has among the bestdisplays of sea fishing gear tackle in britain. We stock a lot of Sea fishing tackle, Coarse saltwaterfishing tackle tackle, Match fishing tackle ...Since 1958, The American Fishing tackle TackleCompany has experienced one goal: produce quality offshore saltwater fishing tackle tackle andpremium sea fishing tackle gear. What started over ..Quantum Performance Tuned fishing tackle.The best choice for freshwater or saltwater deep sea fishing tackle reels and rods. Offering goodquality apparel, reels and rods for ....bass fishing.

"Bass fishing is a science that's far from exact," VanDam said. "I've been bass fishing for 24 yearsand I'm still figuring it all out."

The Spring Fishing and Boat Show opens Saturday at 9 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. at D&R SportsCenter, with pro anglers Ish Monroe speaking at 12:30 p.m. and Kevin VanDam speaking at 2:00p.m. during free Saturday seminars.