Despite frigid temperatures, the number of anglers who’ve attended the first two days of the Collinsville show are respectable, and Traveler’s progress talking with them has been refreshingly positive. The folks who attend this show seem to be friendly, and looking for some reminder that warm weather and fishing under a sweltering sun are still possible.

Publisher Emery Styron said he really enjoys the atmosphere at this show, but three days straight of even good things can be tiring. On Saturday, assistant editor Jo Schaper gave him a break for a few hours, accompanied by Rascal, wearing her “My First Fishing Hat” and bringing her fishing pole (actually a radio antenna) baited with a bobber and a plastic crawdad. Rascal claimed she was trolling for subscribers, and did hook a few keepers, but brought home no “airfish” for her own supper.

Traveler added something new this show: continuous video showings of Rascal Takes the Bait, Episode 1, and the ability to look up subscribers’ records on demand.

The Collinsville Show continues through 5 p.m. January 10. Next weekend, Emery and Traveler will be at the Boat Show in St. Charles, Missouri.