'Sportfishing spectacular' returns to Schaumburg Convention Center
Returning to the Midwest this week, the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo will take over the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive.
Show hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 25-26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. Admission is $12; $3 for kids ages 6-11 and free for ages 5 and younger.
Geared toward the novice and experienced angler, or anyone interested in the outdoors, the annual "Sportfishing Spectacular" offers the latest in fishing, outdoor gear, a large selection of outdoor sports travel opportunities, and hands-on family activities.
Meet the masters
An extensive lineup of seminars with local and national fishing professionals are also offered throughout the weekend, including:
• Brandon Palaniuk, Bassmaster Angler of the Year 2017: Palaniuk will present seminars, sign autographs and meet fans Friday, Jan. 26.
• Joe Bucher, Hall of Fame Angler: Bucher will present seminars on musky fishing Friday, Jan. 26.
• Ish Monroe, professional bass angler: Monroe will present seminars and meet with showgoers Saturday, Jan. 27, and Sunday, Jan. 28.
• Seth Feider, professional bass angler from Minnesota: Seth will present seminars and meet with showgoers Thursday, Jan. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 28.
Show highlights
Visitors of the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo are invited to enjoy the following features:
Wings and Talons: Run by Raptor Education, Stewardship, and Conservations, a 501(c) (3) organization run by volunteers, who are stewards of non-releasable, injured or imprinted birds of prey, the Wings and Talons booth will feature live raptors and a trained raptor handler prepared to answer any questions. A great horned owl, barred owl, screech owls, American kestrel and two red-tailed hawks will be showcased at the booth.
Chauncey's Great Outdoors: Chauncey of Chauncey's Great Outdoors Radio program on ESPN Radio brings a plethora of outdoor-themed activities teaching kids and adults about the outdoors, including casting programs, live animals and reptiles, collectible fishing lures from Don Basore, a fishing lure collector, and other interactive fishing and outdoor themed exhibits.
The Hawg Trough: The Hawg Trough is a 5,000 gallon fish aquarium filled with bass and panfish. Visitors can view the fish up close or watch national fishing pro celebrities and local experts present seminars on the tank to help improve fishing skills.
Fly Tying and Entomology: From Friday through Sunday, the DuPage River Fly Tyers (DRiFT) will be teaching kids and adults the fine art of fly tying. Visitors can learn how to tie a fly fishing lure or study a variety of insects under high powered microscopes.
The Casting Pond: At the Casting Pond, visitors can learn the quiet art of fly fishing by casting a fly with one of the experts on hand, or "try before you buy" one of the many fishing rods or reels available at the expo.
Numerous tackle manufacturers: Attendees can shop and visit with major tackle manufacturers to compare and learn about products before buying from one of the many local tackle retailers exhibiting at the show.
The Travel Pavilion: With more than 100 travel booths from around the globe, guests can visit with the lodge, charter, resort or outfitter owners before booking their next fishing or hunting trip. Exhibitors from Canada, Alaska, the upper Midwestern U.S., Florida, Louisiana, South America, Africa and more will be available at the show.
The Fishing Simulator: Guests are invited to The Maple Bassmasters Booth to experience what it feels like to "catch the big one." The fishing simulator, a rod and reel attached to a mechanical machine, allows users to see the fish on the large screen TV chasing the bait and feel when the fish bites. This feature simulates the true feel of catching a fish, including local species such as trout, bass or salmon, or more exotic species like wahoo or marlin.
Musky Madness: On Friday, round-the-clock musky seminars will be concluded with a Musky Panel discussion and two musky tackle packs valued at more than $1,000 each will be given away.
The Fisherman's Boatyard: The Fisherman's Boatyard allows visitors to compare and buy a variety of fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats.
Family Day Sunday: On Sunday, the first 100 kids (ages 11 and younger) will receive a free Plano tackle box, and all kids 11 and younger can participate in a scavenger hunt at the show to receive a fishing related prize.
If you go
What: Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 25-26; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where: Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg
Details: Featuring more than 100 travel-related exhibitors (including guides, lodges, resorts and regional promotion agencies), most of the major fishing tackle manufacturers, local fishing retailers, and a diverse selection of fishing boats.
Admission: $12 adults, $3 for kids ages 6-11, free for children ages 5 and younger
Info: <a href="http://www.sportshows.com/chicago/index.html">www.sportshows.com/chicago</a>.