Sportfishing Spectacular opens Jan. 29 in Schaumburg
Whether looking to improve your fishing knowledge through seminars with top-notch local and national fishing professionals, catch up with your fishing buddies, buy the newest equipment, book a trip of a lifetime, or to buy a new fishing boat, it's available Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo in Schaumburg.
The show will have more than 100 travel-related exhibitors including guides, lodges, resorts and regional promotion agencies, plus most major fishing tackle manufacturers, local fishing retailers, and nearly 100 fishing boats.
Seminars covering all species of fish and most of the techniques - fly fishing to conventional - are open to attendees. There you can talk with expert instructors and nationally recognized pro fishing celebrities, learn to fly cast, and talk with some of the best guides and outfitters from around the globe.
Some of the highlights:
Hawg Trough: A 5,000-gallon fish tank loaded with monster large mouth bass, where top pros will demonstrate the latest and tried-and-true lures.
Northern Illinois Raptor Center: The Center will display a live Great Horned Owl, a Barred Owl, a male American kestrel and a Red Tail Hawk, and experts to answer your questions about these magnificent birds.
Fishing Simulator: Watch on a large screen TV as the fish you've just hooked jumps and dives while the pull on the line exactly simulates the action of the fish. Fun for anglers of all ages.
The Fisherman's Boatyard: New models from Lund, Crestliner, G3, Ranger, Skeeter, Prince Craft, Sea Ark, Bass Cat, Alumacraft, Bayliner, Avalon, Sun Tracker, Tahoe, Crest, Smokercraft and more!
Musky Madness Friday: All day musky seminars on Friday, Jan. 30, presented by top musky anglers Joe Bucher, Jim Saric, Mike Hulbert, Chris Taurisano and Duane Serck.
Casting Pond: A 50-foot pond to try out one of the many new rods and reels on display; Orvis will conduct daily Fly Fishing 101 classes geared to the novice or first time fly caster, regardless of age.
Travel Pavilion: Book your next fishing/hunting trip or family vacation, from more than 100 fishing travel/family vacation destinations from Canada, the United States and beyond.
Family Day: On Sunday, children 11 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Special events include a Kid Scavenger Hunt and the national Bassmaster CastingKids competition.
If you go
Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg.
• Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
• Admission: $12; ages 5-11 $3; under 5, free.
• Info: <a href="http://www.sportshows.com/chicago/">www.sportshows.com/chicago/</a>