Plenty of winter fishing shows to check out
There are plenty of things to do in the coming months, even if you don’t like to practice the art of ice fishing. I mentioned the larger shows last week, but there are many attractions, including shows and meetings that feature something for everyone.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2: The Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show takes place at the Indoor Sports Center in Loves Park. This is a friendly show with plenty to see. A must-see is the Q&A session with an incredible panel of muskie pros at 2:45 p.m. Saturday. Steve Heiting, Spence Petros and Chris Taurisano always cause sparks when they get together. For info, check out www.rockfordboatshow.com.
Jan. 30-Feb. 2: The All-Canada Show returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds on Randall Road in St. Charles. If you are interested in planning a vacation of a lifetime to the Great White North, this is the place to do your research. It’s a great show to meet lodge owners and book your vacation. It’s always a great place to wash down a walleye shore lunch dinner with an ice-cold Labatt’s. For info, please check out www.allcanada.com/all-canada-show/chicago-kane-county.
Feb. 13-16: Check out the Chicago RV & Camping Show. Cousin Eddie from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” won’t be there with his home on wheels, but there will be plenty to see. You’ll be amazed to see the ultimate in luxury in mobile homes as well as plenty of more affordable models. The show is at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont and info is at www.chicagorvshow.com.
Feb. 27-March 2: Boats of every size, shape and color will be on display at the Illinois Boat Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds. More than 30 dealers, representing 60 manufacturers, will be on hand. The dealers will be aggressive, so bring your checkbooks! To get more info, please go to www.illinoisboatshow.com.
March 7-9: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Sports Show happens at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. It saddens me to see the Milwaukee Show only runs for a long weekend when it was one of the last 10-day shows in the country. Oh well! The Milwaukee Show was always packed with great exhibitors and featured wonderful seminar speakers. There is no reason to think this year will be anything different. For info, please go to www.jssportsshow.com.
March 7-9: This is one of the biggest and most exciting shows you’ll see on the books for 2025. It’s Canoecopia! Paddle sports are getting incredibly popular and this show will prove that out. More and more people are using canoes and kayaks for fishing. You can access waters that you otherwise could not, and everyone is figuring that out. There are many fishing enthusiasts chasing muskies from kayaks and some anglers are even using them on Lake Michigan. The modern-day version of the kayaks have pedal drive that make them a dream to propel. No sore arms anymore. It’s amazing. Join the paddling revolution. For more info, please go to www.rutabaga.com/canoecopia.