Harper College hosts 15th annual 'world's largest muskie show'

Muskie fishermen, rejoice. The Chicago Muskie Show at Harper College returns this coming weekend for the 15th year, with nearly continuous seminars (see chicagomuskieshow.com for the schedule), tackle manufacturers showing the latest in baits, lures, rods, reels and nets; and retailers, taxidermists, artists, boat dealers, guides, muskie clubs, resorts, muskie camps and lodges. Exhibitors and anglers visit from all over the United States and Canada.

New this year is the opening video presentation by Don Schwartz, who will show never-before seen underwater footage of muskies approaching and attacking baits. Also on Friday author, photographer and fly fisherman Robert Tomes will demonstrate how to catch muskies on the fly - a new, popular way to hunt muskies.

Veteran Luke Ronnestrand will explain how to work the huge double bladed bucktails and what tackle is best suited for them.

On Sunday Mike Keyes and Dave Brown will discuss soft plastics. They say the use of these productive lure types is often misunderstood and will accompany their talk with action videos.

Several exhibitors are new this year: Just Encase, with its line of clear plastic storage systems that really stow and display your muskie baits; H2O Tackle with a line of diving plugs and other baits; and Dutch Fork Lures, a lure refinishing and paint shop that specializes in chrome finishes.

Returning to the show after a year's absence is Joe Bucher Outdoors and their line of muskie baits.

One new resort at the show this year is Rough Rock Lodge on the Minaki Chain, and back after several years is Angle Outpost on Lake of the Woods.