Recently, I drove down to Edgewater to spend some time with Rick Kayholm and the good folks of Grandslam Baits.

Upon arrival, I was happy to see Rick and the ladies working away to turn out the soft baits needed to keep the local tackle shops stocked.

Of course, that in turn, keeps us the dedicated anglers, smiling. Grandslam Baits has proven to be a valuable resource in the short time it has been open. Whenever I visit it's always fun to see the latest creations and learn what the company is working on for our fishing future. By the time I left I had a bag of new lures to test.

I suppose the most interesting was the new white shrimp tails and paddle tail minnows that are infused with a glow in the dark additive. At first glance, these look like average white soft baits, but when you charge them with a bright light they will take on a soft green glow. Of course, I couldn't wait to try that and the very next morning I went to the dock at the end of my street. I held the plastic bag of lures in front of my truck headlight and sure enough they began to glow like a radium watch dial. Out on the dock I brought along a flashlight for an occasional recharge. I can tell you, looking out into the dark night and seeing my jig glowing is a trip.

As it turned out nothing was hitting that morning on anything that I threw, but I can't wait to take those baits up to High Bridge where the big snook and trout feed in the pre-dawn.

Of the other baits I took, I really liked the apple cider shrimp tail. That is a clear three-and-a-half inch tail with a rosy hue and gold fleck. They say the first job of an artificial bait is to catch a fisherman and this one had me from the get go. I will be very surprised if it does not turn out to be a winner.

If you would like to ask Rick questions about any of his Grandslam Baits, you will have an opportunity Saturday, Jan. 26. This weekend the Flagler Sports Fishing Club will be presenting all sorts of fishing seminars at the Flagler Home Show. The fun will begin at 10 a. m. with a class on throwing a cast net. You don't want to miss Captain Mike Vickers' seminar on inshore fishing at 11 a. m. Mike is a longtime local guide who knows the inshore as well as anyone. At noon Captain Leo Hiles will talk about the proper use of artificial baits and Rick from Grandslam will be assisting. He will be glad to hear what type of soft baits you would like his company to produce and any input you have about their present products.

Of course, you can't lose by spending a little time with Capt. Leo. His wealth of knowledge is amazing. I would imagine he will have copies of his great redfish book along, too. There will be a class on night shrimp dipping by Capt. Lee Noga that will keep you up to date on all the latest methods.

The fun will continue on Sunday and the highlight will be a class on fly-fishing with Ormond Beach Guide Captain Kent Gibbens. If you have never picked up a fly rod you are in for lots of fun. Learn all about it from master angler Kent. Call (386) 441-8411 for more info.

The Flagler Home Show is at Flagler-Palm Coast High School on State Road 100 near the Flagler airport. Don't miss it.

Dan Smith has fished the waters of Volusia County for more than 40 years. Email questions and comments to fishwdan@att.net. His book, "I Swear the Snook Drowned," is available for $10.95 at (386) 441-7793.