Opening day of Connecticut’s fishing season is coming, and so is the 22nd annual Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show on Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford.
Visit The Fisherman Magazine at booth #104!
“This family event is designed for longtime enthusiasts as well as anyone who wants to learn more about outdoor adventure and is deliberately held right before start of the fishing season that is two weeks after,” says Kristie Gonsalves, President of North East Expos and the show’s longtime organizer. “Hundreds of booths will feature the latest fishing gear and merchandise by some of the nation’s top manufacturers. Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Boat Works of South Windsor, Diamond Marine of East Haven, and Atlantic Outboard Sales of Westbrook will showcase the hottest new fishing boats. Attendees can attend 50 hours of free seminars by national and regional experts, speak with charter boat captains, watch expert fishing and casting shows, see fly-tyers and wooden plug/lure makers demonstrate their skills, and enjoy entertaining hands-on activities for all ages.”
New this year is a large Kayak Pond for special demonstrations including Introduction to Kayak Fishing by Three Belles Outfitters and 247 Lures; and Float & Fly Techniques by fishing guide and bait designer T.J. DeFelice. Returning are the popular 4,000-gallon Hawg Trough Bass-Filled Tank where experts will host casting and fishing presentations, and a row of booths where fly-tyers and wooden plug/lure makers will show their skills.
Throughout the three-day event, hands-on activities will include: Live fishing at Catch & Release Trout Pond for prizes; a Black Hawk virtual fishing fighting chair simulator, NRA Laser Shot Range, a Sportsmen’s Outpost’s archery range, Tactical Airsoft CT’s shooting sports; and Connecticut Bass Nation’s Kids’ Casting Competition.
Daily live presentations will include:
Training Your “Bird Dog” to Point by Dusty W German Shorthaired Pointers of Palmerton, Pa., and Principles of Duck Hunting by the Connecticut Delta Waterfowl Association. Bully Breed trainers will offer sessions on firearms safety and education. As in past years, fisherman Paul Narducci will give away a range of free fishing items daily.
Show admission includes 50 hours of seminars by international, national and regional fishing and hunting experts including:
- Alberto Knie (a/k/a “Crazy Alberto”), World-class extreme trophy game fish hunter and writer/fishing product designer who specializes in the art of Trophy Fishing and Conservation;
- Toby Lapinski of The Fisherman Magazine;
- Ralph Wilkins of National Geographic Channel’s “Wicked Tuna”;
- Tom Nelson of Outdoor Channel’s “American Archer”;
- Bobby Uhrig, Professional fisherman and master lure designer;
- Del DelMastro, International bow hunter;
- Paul Mueller, winner of 2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier (on Friday only);
- Mike DelVisco, Professional angler and bassmaster;
- Mike Laptew, a/k/a The Diving Fisherman;
- Joe Diorio, Saltwater fishing guide;
- Greg Myerson of Wallingford, holds four World Records for stripers including the World Record at 81.88 pounds caught in Westbrook;
- Al Gag, Custom lure designer;
- Ron Arra, Surf fisherman.
Attendees can meet and schedule tours with charter boat fishing captains who include Greg Dubrule, TJ Karbowski, Mike Roy, Mel True, Leo Croisetiere, and Andrew Mazzitelli.
Show Hours:
Friday from 12 noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Show Admission:
Cash only: $12 adults; $4 Children 5 to 12; Free under age 5.
Saturday, March 30 is Veterans Appreciation Day and the first 200 veterans in line get in free with military/veterans ID. Also on Saturday, the first 200 children in line receive a Kids Cane Pole and Texas Roadhouse meal.
Connecticut’s State Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) booths will feature mounted fish and animals and a tank of live fish. DEEP experts will provide consumer education on numerous topics and present the latest fishing and hunting rules and regulations. On Saturday, March 30 at 12 noon, DEEP’s Trophy Fish Awards Ceremony will recognize the state’s top anglers. Every day, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Mobile VetCenter Bus will be staffed by outreach representatives.
Sponsors include: Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen; The Fisherman Magazine; Renewals by Anderson; VA Healthcare; Hummingbird; Country 92.5 WWYZ; WFSB Channel 3; Bedard Enterprises; and North East Expos; Inc.