Mark your calendar as some of the best shows of the season move within range of Long Island and Metro area anglers over the course of the next month and a half. Some will feature numerous tackle manufacturers offering a look at the latest and greatest in tackle innovations. You will also find plenty of retailers offering deals on rods, reels and tackle, making it a great time to gear up for the coming season. And of course, these shows boast impressive lineups of seminars that could open the door to new techniques designed to make you a better fisherman.
First on tap is the 35th Annual New York Sportfishing Federation’s Forum & Auction on the weekend of February 17-18 at the Freeport Recreation Center. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. The auction, featuring numerous trips, including an Alaska Fishing Adventure at Tanaku Lodge begins at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. There is a full slate of seminars both days by local inshore and offshore experts, and some of the area’s best tackle retailers will be offering great deals on all sorts of fishing gear. For more info, call 631-786-8418.
If you’re into offshore fishing, the Canyon Runner Seminar being held at the Huntington Hilton, 598 Broadhollow Rd. in Melville is the place to be on Saturday, February 24th. Their always impressive lineup of expert speakers will deliver all you need to know to become a successful offshore angler. Tickets are $99 for the full day event which includes a continental breakfast, free beer and door prizes valued at over $50,000 dollars. It is always an impressive and educational event. For more info, go to www.canyonrunner.com.
Next on the calendar is a newcomer to the show scene. The AllPro Fishing Expo & Seminar produced by AllPro Charters takes place on Sunday, February 25 at the Huntington Hilton Hotel, 598 Broadhollow Rd. in Melville. This will not be typical fishing show. Expect a party atmosphere with a professional DJ, balloons, celebrity guests and a host of other surprises. The show is divided into the Expo and the seminar.
Tickets for the AllPro Fishing Expo are $15 and the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will take place in the main ballroom and will include tackle manufactures, local tackle shops, custom lure makers and other fishing and boating related vendors. Stop by the AllPro booth for free bottled water and snacks. We’ve also heard rumors, that there will be a shark swimming around. You’ll have to be there to see it! We are also introducing the AllPro 5 Alarm Fire Sale. When you see the red light flashing, the assigned vendor will be selling items at unbelievable prices.
Tickets for the AllPro Seminar are $125. It runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes a continental breakfast, a gift bag and five free raffle tickets. The Seminar ticket also includes entry and all of the benefits of the Fishing Expo. You will have the option of choosing up to 7 seminars and over 14 topics presented by an impressive lineup of speakers. For more info or to purchase your ticket online, go to allproexpo.com. Save 10% by using code: FISH
Also on February 25th, one of the region’s best fishing flea markets, The East Meadow Fishing Flea Market/Show will take place at Temple Emanu-el, located at 123 Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. It features a wide array of new, used, and antique fishing tackle along with nautical items. This is the largest fishing flea market on Long Island with vendors from five states attending. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is $5, with children under 10 free. For more info call 917-312-0506.
If you are an all-around outdoorsman into salt and freshwater fishing, and hunting, the World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition running from March 1 through 4 and located at Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY is worth the drive. Ongoing seminars cover all the outdoor sports, and include an impressive lineup of professional BASS anglers. Show hours are Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $13 for adults, $3 for children under 12, children under 5 admitted free. The box office is cash only or you can purchase tickets online at www.sportshows.com. For more info, visit www.sportshows.com
On Saturday, March 3rd, the Ward Melville High School Fishing Expo, produced by the school’s student fishing club, kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with more than 100 vendors, free seminars and a Panel of Experts covering topics ranging from live baiting striped bass, to surf fishing, to tying teasers and building rods. This extremely popular show has grown in leaps and bounds, and money raised through raffles supports the fishing club. There is no charge for admission. For more info, email [email protected] or call 631-730-4900 and leave voice mail for Bob Wilson.
If you are into fly fishing or want to get into it, you definitely want to attend the 3rd Annual Long Island Fly Fishing Expo on Saturday, March 17th at the Radisson Hotel, 110 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy in Hauppauge. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Expo showcases the art, science and sport behind fly fishing in the area and features some of the best fly tiers in the region showcasing their talents and sharing tips on fly tying. This is a wonderful way to learn about fly fishing for the first time, for experienced fly rod anglers to hone their skills, to learn fly tying, and to hear from professional fly fishermen. For more info, contact [email protected] or call 516-316-3640.
What has become the go-to event for saltwater anglers in the Northeast, the Saltwater Fishing Expo, has moved to the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, NJ, just off Route 287 and New Jersey Turnpike Exit 10. It takes place March 16 to 18. Meet face to face with guides and charters, compare and buy saltwater fishing boats and kayaks, and learn the latest techniques from local experts. The show features many major tackle manufacturers previewing some of the some of the newest gear for 2018. Show hours are Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $3 for kids age 5-11, and children under 5 are admitted free.
The address of the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center is 97 Sunfield Avenue in Edison, NJ. For more information about the Saltwater Fishing Expo and $2 off your weekday admission price, visit www.sportshows.com.