Chicagoland outdoors show returns to Schaumburg

The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo returns to Schaumburg this weekend featuring seminars from pro anglers, the latest fishing and outdoor gear, and a 5,000-gallon fish tank loaded with largemouth bass.

The show opens Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, 1551 North Thoreau Drive, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 29.

Among the featured guests and expert instructors giving seminars are pro fisherman Mike Iaconelli, winner of both the Bassmaster Classic and Angler of the Year title; four-time Bassmaster winner Ish Monroe; and Seth Feider, winner of the Mille Lacs Angler of the Year tournament. A full listing of seminars can be found at www.sportshows.com/chicago/seminar.html.

The show also will host more than 100 travel-related exhibitors, including guides, lodges, resorts and regional promotion agencies, as well as major fishing tackle manufacturers, local fishing retailers, and a diverse selection of fishing boats.

The Northern Illinois Raptor Center's Outdoor Birds of Prey exhibit also will return, with live raptors, including an owl and a hawk. Sunday is Family Day, featuring free tackle boxes to the first 100 kids and a free scavenger hunt for all kids ages 11 and younger.

Other highlights include the Abu Garcia Reel Services Team, on hand all four days to clean and service your Abu Garcia Round Reel or Low Profile Musky Reel; a fishing simulator; a 50-foot casting pond to test some of the rods and reels on display or learn fly fishing; and the Youth Fly Tying Program.

The show will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $12 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-11, and free for children younger than 5. Tickets are available online at www.sportshows.com/chicago/buy-tickets.html.