Tackle Vendor Instructions Participants – RFC Fishing Tackle Sale
Welcome to the 2026 Tackle Sale Vendor Instructions page. Table numbers will be emailed and sent via a text for those without email – Two Days Prior to the Event.
For News, Notes and Updates, please follow and share our event from our Riverside Fishing Club Facebook page:
We will also have your table number at the doors and be able to direct you.
DRIVE IN THE ALLEY AND BE PREPARED TO DROP OFF TUBS, BINS – WE WILL HAVE CARTS AND HELPERS TO UNLOAD AND GET YOUR GEAR UNDER YOUR TABLE.
The day of the fishing tackle sale there will be SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ONLY IN THE ALLEY. IF YOU ARE DRIVING NORTHBOUND – you will be sent to the back of the line. One way traffic only in alley with passenger side of your vehicle towards the landing door. There will be 3 unloading spots in the alley. We have security in side and no one without a wristband will be allowed in until the doors open.
Important Tackle Sale Vendor Instructions
As a vendor you are expected to follow ALL Tackle Sale Vendor Instructions
These are voted on by the board of directors and developed from years of experience to help have a smooth fishing tackle sale event. This is one of Chicago’s Biggest Fishing Tackle Sales and the morning of can be busy at first – follow these tackle sale vendor instructions.
- ARRIVE
- Before you start moving in – check in at the front door off Harlem.
- Pick up wrist band or wrist bands for any helpers before entering event. One wristband with each paid table. Helpers are $5 (this is a fundraiser).
We will have them on Harlem and at front, East door ramp. Walk up and check in. - After picking up wrist band(s) – then you may load into the event front or back alley
(2 alley doors). Head North on Harlem to 36th Street, Turn right and turn right at alley. - Wait to move up to 3 (THREE) unloading spaces where we will have helper teams unloading and moving gear into the Moose Lodge Hall with carts.
- You may drop your crates, tubs a the back doors (alley) and members, boy scouts will help get your tubs to your tables from the back. At the back – give your name and table number – table number lists at the doors – and your items will be moved to under your table!!
- With your wrist band attached – because you picked up your wrist band first, you can then enter the venue. No exceptions. Extra helper – park on Harlem and go inside to purchase a wrist band at the South West ramp door.
- Have a great day – sell to Noon. Alley doors open up at 12 noon only after event closes.
- Reserve your table for 2026. Table rates will be increasing, but will remain the same for early reservations. The board will be deciding on the amount as well as moving the sale date to earlier in the season.
- Sign up on the 2026 wait list below. When you get the notice, get your payments in to save $$.
RFC Fishing Tackle Sale Dates:
• RESERVE YOUR TABLE TODAY– Event Open for Reservations
• January 15th – Tables Released to Paid Wait List
• Paid Table Wait List Notified / Refunds Given
• February 1st – Table Prices Increase to $30
• March 19th – Table Assignments Sent Out (on or before this date)
• March 20st – Friday Night Early Move-in (9:45 pm after bingo)
• March 21st – 6 am – Move-in Alley Side East. Unload Help Available!
We will have assistants to help you move in. Table maps at door with your table numbers.
• March 21st – 8 am Fishing Tackle Sale – Swap Meet Opens – no early entry without wristbands. All helpers must have a wristband.
• Sellers must sell until noon.
Vendors leaving early may be subject to table cancellation or $10 penalty for 2027 event.
Fishing Tackle Sale Move In Information
March 20th Friday Evening Move In Option – Have Your Table Setup
(Evening Setup Time TBD, but approximately 9:45 pm on Friday night after tables are set. Watch the space for details on moving in Friday evening and an email will also be sent.)
ALL Vendors Pick up Vendor Wristbands Friday Night or Saturday morning admission to the sales hall will only be allowed to those who are wearing their wrist bands.
Each table is given one wrist band and can purchase additional wrist bands for $5. Helpers and move-in assistants must have a wristband for the event – no exceptions. We had a few people crash the event last year and want all on the floor to have this wristband for entrance. This will assure everyone has passed through and not snuck in. We saw you sneak in – no wrist band, you will be sent to the front immediately this year. No exceptions. Note we did not increase the table costs this year like other sales. The $5 addition is per table so if you have two tables- you will receive two wrist band passes.
EARLY FRIDAY NIGHT MOVE IN -NEW
March 20th – you have the opportunity to move in at night. Approximately 9:45 pm. We will be moving in vendors who which to set up the night before and beat the lines. Once event tables are arranged – we will be getting vendors wrist bands and also getting their items onto the floor. You are welcome to stage your items next to the doors at 9:45 pm as we set up the event layout. Move in will be from approximately 9:45 pm and will close at 11 pm that night. You can meet us in the front or back doors – alley to drop off your items. We have carts inside the door to load your items. You may also move in on Saturday morning.
March 21st 6:30 am. – Loading Dock Doors Open (East Side of Moose Lodge for Loading)
ONE WAY TRAFFIC IN ALLEY – SOUTHBOUND ONLY!!
ONLY ENTER ON 36TH STREET
ARRIVE NORTHBOUND ON HARLEM.
Stop at front of DOOR (Harlem).
Check in and return to your car or truck. At Check in – pick up or purchase for any additional wristbands (helpers need to have wrist band $5 to enter hall).
Drive to 36th Street turn right and right into alley.
3 Unloading spots available. Front 2 spots we will have assistance for you.
1st spot you may unload in alley and then park your car – truck after.
LOADING INSTRUCTIONS – Fishing Tackle Sale
Loading will be from back alley – or you are welcome to carry bins n the front door (( ONLY WITH A WRISTBAND)).
While Harlem Drop-Off and move-in is available – we prefer you use the alley to the East. ONCE YOU LOAD – you need to hit a side street as there will be no vendors parking in our small parking lot. The parking lot will be reserved for attendees only.
Enter on 36th street off of Harlem and then take the first right hand turn into alley. You can stage your items inside the door and we will have “holder signs” so you can park your car and get items to table. Recommend you have tubs with lids for ease of movement. Bring rods or large items in with you.
NO VENDOR PARKING IN THE LOT.
This is a small lot and if you want to encourage people to come into the sale, we need to reserve the lot for walk-in traffic. We need your help with that. Any vendor in the lot will be asked to move so please observe this rule and do not park within 1 block of the Moose Lodge entrance. Leave the front of the street open for parking and event signs to attract more walk-in traffic.
NOTE – park only on North side of side streets!! South side of streets will be ticketed. Look for signs and do not park on South side of streets or in lots that are not ours.
Violators may not be asked back next year – we appreciate your assistance in improving the walk-in traffic.
Doors Open at 8 am – no exceptions. Wristband only for admittance.
Doors Close at 12 noon – loading doors will not open sooner – no early tear-downs. If you begin unloading your table early – you may lose it for next year or have to pay the $10 fine for early packing up.
Fill out this form and indicate if you had a table in 2025 and if you are a member or non-member. Priority given to club members and previous vendors.
Payment received and confirmation with table number will mean you are reserved.
Only when you hear from Johnny Wilkins and payment is made, is your space truly reserved.
Payment button above is the most sure way to be first in line for tables that would open up. All tables for past vendor year will be made available on January 15th. Past vendor has right to last year’s table and first refusal. 2026 vendors may pre-pay deposit to assure first position for these open tables. Refunds will be sent out January 19th if all tables are sold out and paid for. You will be notified of your table reservation or sent a refund as of January 19th.