FISH FOR FUN: WATER OPTIONAL

Young Winter Tripp of Cape Girardeau dipped her fishing rod into the trout tank Saturday, angling for a bite. To her delight, the youngster pulled out her first catch ever, a Rainbow Trout.

The trout tank is among features at this year's Sports Show at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. The show continues today from noon to 5 p.m.

Tripp is among some 1,000 youngsters who will try their hand at catching a fish during the show, explained Steve Nicholas, promoter of the show.

Some 8,000 to 9,000 adults are expected over the three days of the event.

"We have lots of parents in here with their kids, and a few big kids too," Nicholas said. "Everyone is trying to catch a fish." The fish are released back into the tank, with assistance from Nicholas and others.

"We have a lot of youngsters come in here and catch their first fish. It's a lot of fun," he said.

The Show Me Center is filled with john boats, bass boats, ski boats, campers and RVs.

"You can take a look at fishing, hunting and camping supplies," explained Kathy Nicholas, who helps promote the show with her husband.

The Bud Girls will be on hand today, along with a nine-hole miniature golf course.

And across the arena from the trout tank, fishermen can match their skills with a computer

Garry Sperry owns Ozark Virtual Entertainment and offers a virtual fishing experience, thanks to two computers and a specially designed rod and reel.

"You can't tell you're not out on the water reeling in the big one," Sperry said.

The line physically runs into the computer. Tension and pull on the reel coordinate with a video of a fighting fish on a television screen.

Nine different species are available for virtual fishing contests, ranging from a sailfish to a rainbow trout.

Tension can be adjusted so even the youngest anglers can reel in a big one, Sperry explained.

A pre-teen landed a large-mouth bass, set the hook and reeled it in with all his might. "My arms are tired," he said, as he and his father walked away.

"We lease these out for special events like sports shows and grand openings," he said. "It's very new, and people seem to enjoy it."