The New York Sportfishing Federation will be hosting their 37th Annual Forum & Auction at the Freeport Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, with a giant auction with over 100 fishing related items kicking off at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Among the many items up for bid will be custom rods, reels, lures, books and videos, photos, apparel, and charter and party boat trips. The show is a good source for gearing up for the upcoming season with more than 50 exhibitors offering great deals on rods, reels, lures and accessories.
A door raffle will be held at the NYSF booth, located in the main forum area, for a “fishing trip of a lifetime” to the famed Tanaku Lodge in Alaska. This is a 3 day/3 night all inclusive trip. Tickets are $10 with a limited amount of 500 sold. The drawing will be held on Sunday, February 16th before the auction and you do not have to be present to win.
The show features over 20 free ongoing seminars by local inshore and offshore experts including captains Tom Mikoleski, Phil Kess, Bob Rocchetta, John Paduano, Ken Hejducek, John Capuano, Marco DeStefano, Jerry McGrath and Joe Paradiso. Local sharpies sharing their knowledge include Matt Broderick, Chris Paparo, Tom Schlichter and custom rod builder Al Goldberg.
Admission is $12, $10 for kids and seniors, and children under 12 are free. The Freeport Recreation Center is located at 130 E. Merrick Road in Freeport, less than a half mile west of Exit M9W off of Meadowbrook Parkway. Parking is free. For more info, contact Capt. Joe Paradiso at 631-786-8418.