Every fishing show promises something—new gear, a chance to see the latest tackle, and maybe even a good deal or two. But what makes The Fisherman’s 2025 Fishing Show stand out is the lineup of speakers and the knowledge they’re bringing to the stage. For many, the seminars are the heartbeat of the event, where ideas, techniques, and strategies are passed from some of the most respected names in the sport directly to the audience.
Take Bill Wetzel, for example. As one of New York’s most recognized surf guides, his talk on October and November run strategies is bound to draw a crowd. Wetzel has guided countless anglers through the peaks and valleys of the fall run, and his practical approach—built from long nights on the sand—can save anglers years of trial and error. For surfcasters who live for that autumn rush, this is insider knowledge you can’t find in a video or catalog.
Then there’s Bryce Poyer of White Water Outfitters, who will be covering one of the hottest offshore topics: kicking off the tuna season. Bryce has been at the forefront of the explosive tuna fishery, and his session promises to cover not just the where, but the how—what tackle works, how to set up spreads, and when to shift tactics as conditions change. For any angler dreaming of yellowfin or bluefin or bigeye next season, this talk could be the difference between long boat rides and loaded coolers.
John Skinner hardly needs an introduction. As an author and one of the most respected voices in the inshore fishing world, his seminar on light tackle fall tog jigging is perfectly timed. Tog fishing is booming in popularity, and Skinner has been one of the leaders in refining the light-tackle, jigging-focused approach that’s become a game-changer for blackfish anglers. His seminar won’t just be about gear—it’s about the subtle techniques that turn pick-bites into full-on hookups, the kind of knowledge that elevates togging from luck to skill.
In the Banfi Room, Dave Anderson will be unpacking his “Surf Spot Schematics,” and that alone is reason to grab a seat. As the editor of The Fisherman’s New England edition, Anderson has long focused on the nuances of surfcasting. His ability to break down how structure, tide, and bait intersect along different kinds of beaches helps anglers not only understand where to fish, but why. If you’ve ever looked at a stretch of water and wondered how to fish it more effectively, this talk is for you.
Another highlight is Captain John Paduano, the innovator behind the Snap Jigging technique. Paduano not only developed this method, but has spent years teaching and refining it on the water. His seminar and Q&A session offer a rare opportunity to learn directly from the source. Whether you’re brand new to snap jigging or looking to refine your skills, his insight into lure choices, presentations, and applications is second to none.
I will be giving a practical session on shore togging—setups to spots. As more anglers are discovering the fun of targeting blackfish from shorelines, bridges, and jetties, my knowledge of rigs, bait choices, and specific approaches to structure will resonate. For those who don’t always have access to a boat, this talk proves there’s still a way to get in on one of the Northeast’s most exciting fisheries.
Offshore fans will want to check out the guys from Canyon Runner, who will be providing a 2026 offshore fishing forecast. They has been at the cutting edge of canyon fishing for years, and this forecasting sessions combine science, seasonal patterns, and firsthand experience. They’ll cover how weather, water temperature, and bait movements will likely shape the offshore season ahead—information that could directly influence how you plan your long-range trips in the year to come.
Finally, Pete Utschig rounds out the schedule with a surf-focused talk on “Little Changes for Big Results.” Utschig’s strength is his ability to connect small tweaks—whether in presentation, rigging, or approach—to real improvements in results. For surfcasters looking to take their game to the next level, this seminar emphasizes how small adjustments can make a massive difference when chasing striped bass in the wash.
All together, this lineup represents decades of experience across surf, inshore, and offshore fisheries. These are anglers who don’t just write or talk about fishing—they live it. And at this show, they’ll be handing you the tools, tactics, and strategies that they use themselves.
If you’re serious about fishing, this is the event that should be circled on your calendar. You’ll leave with new techniques, new strategies, and a renewed drive for the season ahead. Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best, and to join a community of anglers just as passionate as you are.
