After the snow is done falling this week and temps start heading back up into the upper 40’s by Friday, you may find the open blacktop more appealing than the snow-covered river banks – the Saltwater Fishing Expo in Somerset, NJ this week may be just what you need!
Held this Friday through Sunday at the Garden State Exhibition Center in Somerset and presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Saltwater Fishing Expo is the largest show dedicated to saltwater sportfishing north of Miami. Visitors will find fantastic deals on tackle, boats, and trips, plus a bevy of saltwater superstars will be on hand to share their secrets. It’s your chance to reel in great deals and gather excellent advice from the top saltwater fishing pros in the region.
Friday, March 17
1 p.m. High Speed Wahoo Trolling; Yes in NJ w/ Capt. Darren Dorris
1:30 p.m. Early Season Kayak Fishing for Stripers w/Gary Ward
2 p.m. Deep Water Jigging for Fluke w/ Capt. Erwin Heinrich (Courtesy of Shimano)
2:30 p.m. Vertical Jigging for Striped Bass w/ Jack Houghton
2:45 p.m. Cast Net Demo w/ Capt. Anthony Grassi and Capt. Frank Crescitelli
3 p.m. Surf Fishing the Northeast w/ Roy Leyva (Courtesy of Shimano)
3:30 p.m. How To Target and Catch Big Blackfish w/ Capt. Pete Meyers
4 p.m. Inshore Tuna: Topwater and Jigging w/ Capt. Gene Quigley
4:30 p.m. Fishing Raritan Bay w/ Capt. Frank Tenore
5 p.m. Offshore Canyon Fishing w/ Capt. RJ Melton & Cody Melton
5:30 p.m. Bucktail Doormat Fluke w/ Keefe Vallaro
6 p.m. Catching Big Tuna w/ Wicked Tuna’s Paul Hebert (Courtesy of Maui Jim)
6:30 p.m. Maximizing your Fishing Electronics w/ Humminbird’s Bill Carson
Saturday, March 18
10:30 a.m. Maximizing your Fishing Electronics w/ Humminbird’s Bill Carson
11 a.m. How To Target and Catch Big Blackfish w/ Capt. Pete Meyers
11:30 a.m. Tips for Catching Big Stripers w/ Capt. Al Ristori
Noon Spearfishing the Atlantic w/ Rick Stamm
12:30 p.m. Surf Fishing the Northeast w/ Roy Leyva (Courtesy of Shimano)
1 p.m. Top Water Tuna w/ Capt. Jimmy Gahm (Courtesy of Shimano)
1:30 p.m. Advanced Surf & Jetty Tactics: How to Find Success! w/ Shell Caris
1:45 p.m. Cast Net Demo w/ Capt. Anthony Grassi and Capt. Frank Crescitellii
2 p.m. Bucktail Doormat Fluke w/ Keefe Vallaro
2:30 p.m. Advanced Tactics for Big Spring Stripers w/ Capt. Gene Quigley
3 p.m. Fishing Raritan Bay w/ Capt. Frank Tenore
3:30 p.m. Catching Big Tuna w/ Wicked Tuna’s Paul Hebert (Courtesy of Maui Jim)
4 p.m. Jersey Bluefin, A Tuna for All Seasons w/ Capt. Jim Freda
Sunday, March 19
10:30 a.m. Maximizing your Fishing Electronics w/ Humminbird’s Bill Carson
11 a.m. Catching Big Tuna w/ Wicked Tuna’s Paul Hebert (Courtesy of Maui Jim)
11:30 a.m. Epic Fall Blitzes Along the Jersey Shore w/ Capt. Jim Freda
Noon Inshore Tuna Techniques w/ Capt. Brian Rice (Courtesy of Shimano)
12:15 p.m. Cast Net Demo w/ Capt. Anthony Grassi and Capt. Frank Crescitelli
12:30 p.m. Offshore Canyon Fishing w/ Capt. RJ Melton & Cody Melton
1 p.m. Spearfishing the Atlantic w/ Rick Stamm
1:30 p.m. Fishing Raritan Bay w/ Capt. Frank Tenore
2 p.m. Vertical Jigging for Striped Bass w/ Jack Houghton
2:30 p.m. Early Season Kayak Fishing for Stripers w/ Gary Ward
3 p.m. Advanced Surf & Jetty Tactics: How to Find Success! w/ Shell Caris.
“From stripers to bluefin to bluefish, and everything in between, the saltwater angler will find what they need to catch their dream fish,’” says Tod Alberto, show manager. “We’re also featuring incredible products that are not available in retail stores, catalogues or web sites. These are produced by small custom tackle makers who only exhibit at specialized shows. The Expo is your chance to uncover these unique products and unique deals.”
The Saltwater Fishing Expo runs March 17-19, at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ. Hours are Friday, March 17, noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Garden State Exhibit Center is easy to reach from throughout New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic. Take Interstate 287 and Exit 10. Once you arrive, be sure to stop by The Fisherman Magazine’s booth (#401) to get your subscription renewal and a set of Star pliers to go with it! Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 11 (cash only at the door). Children under age five are admitted free.
Expo tickets may also be purchased online at www.sportshows.com.
