Casting a Vision: Behind the Florida Saltwater Fishing Expo
Blackwater Branding Co. sits down with Capitan Eric Lee, the visionary behind The Saltwater Fishing Expo to talk passion, purpose, and bringing the fishing community together.
Background and Inspiration
What inspired you to create The Florida Saltwater Fishing Expo?
“The inspiration came from a lifelong love of saltwater fishing and the realization that there wasn’t a dedicated platform to celebrate Florida’s unique fishing culture. We wanted to create an event that celebrated fishing and brought together anglers, vendors, and the community to share their passion and knowledge. We have an incredible fishery here and I want to promote it.”
Can you share your journey as an angler and how it shaped your vision for this event?
“I was raised in a home with a single parent, so my mom would take me to as many outdoor community activities or events as she could to get me involved in something. I immediately took to fishing and decided to make it into a career. Over the years, I’ve seen how it brings people together, whether it’s families bonding over their first catch or seasoned pros trading tips. I wanted to create a space that captured the camaraderie that fishing provides.”
Why did you choose Daytona Beach and the Ocean Center as the location for the expo?
“Volusia County is my home. This is where I started my career in fishing. So it’s appropriate the first expo is here, too. Not to mention, how close it is to the water and is centrally located for anglers across the state. The Ocean Center is the perfect venue—it offers a fantastic space and is just steps away from the beautiful Florida shoreline.”
How does this event reflect your personal connection to Florida’s saltwater fishing heritage?
“This expo is a way to give back to the community that has really shaped me. Which is why were going to be honoring our local elites and local legends. More to come on that.”
Event Purpose and Goals
What makes The Florida Saltwater Fishing Expo unique compared to other fishing expos?
“This expo is about more than just showcasing products—it’s about honoring our community. We’ve created a space that combines education, innovation, and fun, catering to everyone from novice anglers to seasoned professionals. When it comes down to nuts and bolts, I wanted a place for everyone to be able to attend. Where attendees can stock up on anything and everything they need for the upcoming season, where vendors can have a platform to speak to their audience first hand - its a place where everyone is welcome.”
What is the ultimate goal of the event? What do you hope attendees will take away from it?
“Our immediate goal is to inspire and connect the fishing community. I hope attendees will take away a new skill, a new friend, a new product. Our long-term, larger-scale goal is to get recognition that Volusia County is a fishing destination and provides so much more than racing, motorcycles, and beaches.”
How are you planning to balance supporting local businesses and attracting major industry sponsors?
“It goes so much deeper than just providing big box products, we want to boost our local economy and promote shopping local. For that reason, we’re prioritizing local vendors to showcase their incredible talent and products. At the same time, major sponsors bring known products, credibility, and resources, which help elevate the event for everyone. It’s about creating a balance that benefits the entire community.”
Why is it important to you to include family-friendly elements, like the Junior Anglers Zone?
“Fishing is a 40,000+ year old practice. It’s a skill that has been passed down through generations. By including family-friendly elements, like our Junior Anglers experience, we’re ensuring that our kids and their kids continue to fish and have fun while learning the importance of safety, life skills, conservation, and so much more. We carefully and thoughtfully choose Southern States Fishin’ and Huntin’ Magazine alongside Halifax Sport Fishing Club to sponsor this section because they care about the continuation of education programs for these kids. Programs like theirs is what got me started in fishing and now I feel as though I have a duty to give back.”
Challenges and Triumphs
What have been some of the biggest challenges in organizing the expo, and how have you overcome them?
“The biggest challenge has been building awareness and trust for a first-time event. We’ve worked hard to connect with the community, build partnerships, and create an event that stands out. We see the need and we’re looking to fill it - it’s worth the hard work and hours put in to make it successful.”
Can you share a moment in the planning process that made you feel especially proud or excited?
“Seeing the response from local vendors and sponsors has been incredible. The moment I realized we had their trust and support was when I knew we were onto something special. My favorite moment, though, was when the idea turned into reality.”
Vendors, Sponsors, and Attendees
How do you choose the vendors and sponsors for the expo?
“There are so many factors to consider when choosing vendors and sponsors for our event. However, we look for companies that align with our mission to support Florida’s saltwater fishing heritage. Whether they’re local artisans or established brands, they all share a passion for what we do. We look for the best balance of quantity in each category. We have everything from lures to apparel to boating accessories to jewelry - all are important. We want to be able to put the best of the best products and services in front of people so they have the best gear possible.”
What type of experiences can attendees expect at the event?
“Attendees can expect to be able to purchase products, have hands-on demos, try out a fishing simulator, the chance to meet industry leaders, and so much more. It’s an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical fishing expo format. We have worked really hard to bring attendees an impressive line-up of activities at this event.”
Can you share a sneak peek of any standout features or workshops that will be offered?
“Yes, we’re excited to let you in on a secret we’ve had to keep for a while - we’re going to have two incredible brand-new products that will be debuting at our event that have not been released to the mass market yet. Our attendees will get to see them before anyone else. We’re also very excited about the Captain’s Quarters, a space for networking with charter captains, and our interactive Junior Anglers Zone, which is designed to inspire the next generation.”
Looking Ahead
Where do you see the expo in five years? How do you hope it will grow?
“In five years, we hope to be the go-to event for the saltwater fishing community, expanding to include even more vendors, educational opportunities, and partnerships. I’d love to shape The Florida Saltwater Expo into a larger-scale event that can be shared with more people. I’m hoping our expo continues to provide a platform for new and developing companies to market their products.”
What’s next for you after this event? Are there other projects or events in the works?
“This expo is just the beginning. We’re exploring ideas for smaller workshops, online resources, and ways to further support the community year-round. We’re already planning 2026’s event so that’s in the works, too. Immediately after this event though, I’m going straight to the water to test out my new gear!”
Personal Perspective
What does saltwater fishing mean to you on a personal level?
“It’s more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. It’s naturally therapeutic. It teaches patience, respect for nature, and the value of life and our community. I’m one of the few people that are lucky enough to build a career out of fishing and I am grateful every opportunity I get to be out on the water.”
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring anglers or business owners, what would it be?
“Stay passionate and authentic. Whether you’re fishing or building a business, the key is to stay true to your values and keep learning.”
At the end of the day, what makes this event worthwhile for you?
“Seeing the community come together, share stories, and make lasting connections makes all the hard work worth it. I feel blessed to be able to curate an event that runs parallel to my deepest passion - fishing.”
Final thoughts?
“At the end of the day, we’re all just good ol’ boys who love to fish and be out on the water. This expo is about coming together to celebrate that lifestyle—and I couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life in March.”
Stay tuned for more updates on The Saltwater Fishing Expo, happening March 29th, 2025 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. To become a vendor or sponsor, contact us!
