The long running World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, better known as "The Suffern Show" by most attendees, opens its doors this Thursday, March 2nd at the SUNY Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY. Running through Sunday, March 5th, the lineup of speakers at this 40th anniversary show is better than ever. Among the most notable are top bass anglers Mike "Ike" Iaconelli and Gerald Swindle. In addition, there will be a full complement of experts teaching tips and techniques for salt and freshwater in seminars throughout the weekend. "We always have an incredible lineup of speakers at the Suffern Show, and this year is no exception with bass fishing’s top competitors," said show manager, Tod Alberto. "Of course Ike and Gerald will be big draws, but we’ll also have a continuous lineup of saltwater experts for Saturday’s Saltwater Superday.
Mike "Ike" Iaconelli is a local hero – he grew up in Pittsgrove, NJ but has made it big on bassfishing’s greatest stages winning both the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year award and the Bassmaster Classic. He’s won numerous bass fishing tournaments including his latest win on the Delaware River in downtown Philadelphia. Gerald Swindle is a great bass angler – but he’s also known as bass fishing’s funniest man. Swindle, often referred to as the "G-Man," is a two-time winner of the Bassmaster Angler of the Year award in 2004 and 2016 and has qualified for the Bassmaster Classic 15 times. His seminars offer great fishing tactics, filled with his constant supply of humorous quips.
Saturday is Saltwater Superday. Captain Brian Bacon, one of the region’s premier charter captains will provide some of the most unique and effective tactics for canyon fishing. Shimano pro, Roy Leyva, will share his knowledge of surf fishing throughout the Northeast. Captain Brian Rice will offer advice on trolling for striped bass, Captain Matthew DeBacco will offer tips for river fishing for stripers, and Captain Pete Myers, who runs charters up and down the East Coast and specializes in getting kids fishing, will offer his tips for fishing the Mid Atlantic and Northeast coast.
In addition to the saltwater anglers, the Suffern Show will feature freshwater seminars including Connecticut’s own Paul Mueller. Mueller, runner up at the 2014 Bassmaster Classic where he set a single day weight record of 32 lb 3 oz, will be talking about new finesse techniques to boat big bass. Tony Ritter, an upper Delaware River fishing guide and an expert on tailwater rivers in the Catskill/Pocono regions of New York and Pennsylvania, will offer fishing and fly tying seminars. If muskies are your target, Calvin Huntzinger, will be presenting his "Muskie – the fish of 10,000 casts" seminar outlining proper gear, lure presentation, fishing techniques, and release tactics.
With this incredible lineup of speakers, opportunities to purchase the latest gear or book the best guides and lodges, and family friendly activities, the World Fishing & Outdoor Expo is worth the extra travel time. Tickets are $13.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 5 to 11. Children under age 5 are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.sportshows.com/suffern.
Show hours are 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Be sure to stop by The Fisherman booth where you can pick up a pair of Star Rods aluminum fishing pliers with any renewal or new subscription.
On a less grander scale but as popular as any of the shows in our region is the 5th Annual Ward Melville High School Fishing Club’s Saltwater Expo slated for this Saturday, March 4th. The show opens at 8:30 a.m. and features numerous seminars by local experts, as well as a panel of local experts giving answers to questions from the audience. More than 125 vendors from the Tri-state region and beyond will be displaying their wares. This has become one of the island’s premier fishing shows and goes to support the club’s activities for the year. It is also the only show with no admission charge. For more info, go to www.wardmelvillefishingclub.com.
And if you are still looking for something to do on Sunday, catch the Babylon Spring Fishing Flea Market at the American Legion Hall, 22 Grove Place in Babylon, NY 11702. A wide variety of salt and freshwater fishing tackle will be on display for anglers looking for great buys. New, used, antique, custom fishing and boating items will be available. Door prizes will be given away every hour, including rods, reels, tackle and much more. Food and refreshments will be available. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5.00 – children 12 and under are free. For more information go to www.fishingfleamarkets.com or call 732-381-2165.
