Sarley: This weekend’s Chicago Muskie Expo is a big deal
The Chicago Muskie Expo comes to our area this weekend. I lovingly call this show the “testosterone show,” because of the army of huge, bearded men you’ll see walking the aisles of the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles this weekend.
The Muskie Expo is packed with big rods and reels, big baits, big tackle, big boats and resorts where you can go to catch big fish. Did I mention that everything is big at the Chicago Muskie Expo?
The show has a great lineup of seminar speakers and some incredible equipment. I love to see the latest in big baits and shake my head at the astronomical prices charged for a few of the most exotic baits.
The show is a great place to meet with an excellent local guide who can put you onto your first muskellunge. There are some local waters that can give up your first muskie. Give it a try.
Muskie Expo Chicago will be at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road in St. Charles. The hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15, $20 for a three-day pass.
Also coming to the Kane County Fairgrounds is the All-Canada Show. The show runs 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 29; 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 30; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 31; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 1.
Admission for the All-Canada Show is $14 for adults, $12 purchased online, with a weekend pass costing $20. Admission for those 17 and under is free. Veterans will be admitted for free on Sunday. There is no charge for parking.
The All-Canada Show has a strong lineup of speakers, including Jim Crowley and Steve Heiting, who will get you geared up to do battle with Canadian Monsters.
You can plan a Canadian adventure for a wide range of prices. You can stay in Spartan lodging or sleep in luxury. You can make sandwiches to share with your buddies, or you can dine on surf and turf prepared and served for you. Your choice of boats can run from a 14-footer to a 21-foot deep-v boat.
You can hire a guide every day of your trip, or you can use your fishing knowledge to figure the fish out on your own. Your transportation can be the family sedan, or you can fly in. The options are limitless.
No matter what choices you make, I am certain you’ll have a good time.
Ice fishing derbies are a lot of fun. Unlike other fishing competitions, ice derbies are usually attended by families looking to get out and enjoy a day of winter sports activity. Although the derbies offer prizes, the participants are there to have fun, not cutthroat competition. You can bring the kids out and let them run around in the ice and snow. Let them enjoy themselves.
Upcoming derbies
Sunday: Hermann’s Rest-A-While Ice Derby, hermannsrestawhile.com
Feb. 1: Wonder Lake, Check Wonder Lake Sportsman’s Club on Facebook for information
Feb. 3: Oak Park Lounge Ice Derby, Pistakee Bay, https://www.townplanner.com/event/707671/
Feb. 7: Island Lake- Check Island Lake Lions Club on Facebook for information
Feb. 14: Northern Illinois Conservation Club, Channel Lake, www.mynicc.org
Feb. 20-21: LVVA Ice Derby, Bangs Lake, waucondaicefishingderby.com
TBD: Gages Lake, https://www.wildwoodparkdistrict.com/event/gages-lake-ice-fishing-derby