Chicago outdoors show returning to Arlington in March

Mark the date, March 22-25, because you will want to experience a "happening" at Arlington International Racecourse.

And no, you won't be betting on the ponies, but you will receive enough of an early spring jolt to send those fishing juices into high gear.

Even though the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont has long been a tradition for anglers and hunters during the ultracold months, that time has passed, and Arlington Racecourse is picking up the reins.

Exhibitors at Rosemont would show their products and lodges could sing the praises of the great fishing found on their lakes and rivers. And show-goers would roam the aisles with cash and credit cards in hand while drooling over the colorful posters and stuffed fish.

And we would park our cars and trucks in the village-owned garage, pay an exorbitant fee, and then walk the long distance through the enclosed tunnel to reach the exhibitors.

Now times have changed.

Rick Rosalina, the show producer for the organization behind the new Chicago Sports Show, has moved the entire package to the Arlington International Race Course, as well as changing the show dates to March 22-25. It's also a hunting show as well, with guides and gear on display.

You'll be able to hear professional anglers such as Bob Mehsikomer talk about his life on the water and his encounters with trophy muskies. The same holds true for Matt Firestein of Whopper Stopper and guide service on Lake St. Clair in Michigan. Lake Geneva guide Billy Heim is ready to take clients out for trophy smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Over 50 years of angling experience will be laid out by Hall of Fame fisherman Spence Petros. And Lincoln Buchanan, top walleye guide, will conduct his fish-catching seminar as well. FLW pro Billy McDonald will be on hand along with Chicago guide Pat Harrison, one of the upfront guides who pushes anglers to fish the Chicago River.

There are lots more of the famous "real fishermen" cadre that will be on hand but space in the column is limited. More details are available at chicagosportsshow.com.

What's really interesting is the 40,000-square-foot boat and RV hall, which is dedicated to strictly marine associated products.

And when you bring the kids along, make sure you have them try their luck at the famous trout pond. Also take them to the "Kidz Zone" as well as the bird displays.

Tradition also continues with "Tackle Time Pavilion," the place where attendees can purchase a wide variety of fishing tackle and gear.

Did I mention Lake Illinois?

Here's where the pros demonstrate their casting ability while demonstrating new gear for 2019. You'll see boat and kayak demonstrations as well.

Parking is FREE and tickets are $10. A discount is available if you purchase tickets online at chicagosportshow.com and sign up for their e-coupon.

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, catch his radio show 7-9 a.m. Sundays on WGCO 1590-AM (live-streamed at www.1590WCGO.com) and get more content at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.