If you enjoy “how to” and “where to” fishing seminars with your paid admission to the winter shows, then you’ve got some tough choices for the President’s Day Weekend ahead.
The Fisherman Magazine has once again partnered with show organizers at both the New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo and the Philadelphia Fishing Show to present 60 seminars over the course of four days in two different states.
The New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo kicks off first on Thursday, February 17 and runs through Sunday, February 20 at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center (Raritan Center) at 97 Sunfield Avenue in Edison, NJ. Show hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Adult admission is $15, with kids 16 and younger admitted free (when accompanied by an adult). Discount tickets can be purchased online at JerseyBoatExpo.com.
The following seminars presented by The Fisherman and the Recreational Fishing Alliance are slated for Edison, NJ.
Thursday, February 17, 2022
2 p.m. Jim Hutchinson The Fisherman Magazine
Circle Hooks & Stripers – Tactical approach to targeting striped bass around bunker schools in the spring and fall, with a focus on the use of circle hooks now required when fishing natural baits on the Striper Coast.
3:30 p.m. Capt. Tony Dilernia NYSERDA
Offshore Wind Energy: What, When and Where – Got offshore wind questions? New York State Energy Research Development Authority’s Recreational Fisheries Liaison provides an update on the windmills projected to be built in the waters offshore of NY Bight.
5 p.m. Aaron Held Octopus Yachts
Trolling Motors – Layout & Installation – A trolling motor is the new “game-changer” in northeast fishing, whether locking onto a prime tautog snag, sneaking up on shallow water stripers or eliminating “wind against tide” in fluking. So what does it take to add this tool to your arsenal?
Friday, February 18, 2022
2 p.m. Aaron Held Octopus Yachts
Trolling Motors – Layout & Installation – A trolling motor is the new “game-changer” in northeast fishing, whether locking onto a prime tautog snag, sneaking up on shallow water stripers or eliminating “wind against tide” in fluking. So what does it take to add this tool to your arsenal?
3:30 p.m. Capt. Kevin Fahey Curlew Charters
Fluke, Sea Bass, Stripers & Lobster – Yes, lobster fishing in New Jersey is a real thing, a big thing – and this Point Pleasant skipper does combo trips which include tending lobster traps. Half-day bottomfishing, and experience working a lobster boat. Get the details on how it’s done!
5 p.m. Charlie Kay East Coast Nets
How To – Castnetting 101 – With new circle hook regulations in place for striped bass fishing using natural baits, learning to master a cast-net has never been as important. Join this custom net builder as we clear the seminar room and teach you how to throw pancakes!
Saturday, February 19, 2022
11 a.m. Capt. Brett Taylor Reel Reaction Sportfishing
Trolling Motor Tactics – Join noted Barnegat Inlet captain for a tactical look at fishing for fluke, striped bass, and tautog using a Minn Kota trolling motor. A look at popular local species and how the trolling motor can be used strategically to up your score in 2022
Noon Capt. Dan Bias Reelmusic Sportfishing
Pro Tips for Doormats – For a charter captain, putting a limit catch of fluke together can make or break a day at the office. Pick up some tactical advice on maximizing your fluke success with a Belmar-based skipper.
1:30 p.m. Capt. Brian Rice Jersey Devil Charters Striped Bass
Advanced Trolling for Jumbos – With the coastwide slot in place on striped bass, adjusting your trolling tactics for a “personal best” CPR fish (catch, photo & release) and also those “between the slot” fish requires a little plan. For a successful, tournament-winning charter boat captain, that tactical choice is key to success!
3 p.m. Tommy Freda Shore Catch Sportfishing
Bluefin: A Tuna for all Seasons – How to catch bluefin tuna from May through December using light tackle tactics both inshore and offshore. Whether you like trolling, chunking, jigging, or casting stickbaits and poppers at surface busting tuna this seminar has it all.
4 p.m. Joe & Gerry Zagorski NJFishing.com
Blackfish Strategy & Tactics – Join the NJFishing.com team for a tactical look at one of the most challenging inshore species along the Atlantic Coast. What’s it take to gear up for and grapple with a 20-pound plus trophy of the wrecks?
Sunday, February 20, 2022
11 a.m. Capt. Rob Crocitto & Capt. Ramez Hawileh Bunker Box Charters
NY & NJ Fishing Raritan Bay – Join the Staten Island crew of Bunker Box Sportfishing as they cover deep water fluking, trophy stripers, shallow water plugging, bucktailing for weakfish, and every other tested tactic you’ll need to score in 2022 on either side of the demarcation line.
Noon Matt Sorrentino NJFishingClub.com
Bucktailing Doormat Fluke – Get tournament winning fluke tactics from statewide tournament organizer and his crew of bucktailing experts. Tips for personal bests, contest winners and cooler fillers.
1 p.m. Jim Donofrio RFA Founder
Issues Affecting Saltwater Anglers in 2022 – All those confusing seasons, sizes & bag limits – there are so many fluking questions! Longtime advocate and recently retired lobbyist for the Recreational Fishing Alliance gives an analysis and answers your questions.
The Philadelphia Fishing Show gets underway on Friday, February 18 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at 100 Station Avenue in Oaks, PA and also runs through Sunday, February 20 . Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12, and kids 5 and under are as free as the parking. The show is open Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For details visit PhillyFishingShow.com.
The following seminars are slated for Oaks, PA in three different seminar halls presented exclusively by The Fisherman.
Friday, February 18, 2022
12:30 p.m. Capt. Kevin Elbohn Blue Line Charters & Chatter Lures
Inshore & Midrange Tuna Trolling – It’s been a bluefin bonanza in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic in recent years, with “sidetrackers” becoming one of the most effective methods of scoring along the inshore and midrange grounds. Learn how! ROOM 3
1 p.m. Geoff Cerrelli M3 Tackle
Doormat Fluke Tips – There are a number of different ways to increase your summer flounder score, now get a few tips and tactics for putting bigger, chunkier ‘doormat’ fluke on deck for the summer of 2022. ROOM 1
1 p.m. Jim Price Kayak Anglers Eastern PA
Kayak Fishing – Kayak fishing rivers and lakes with the 2019 Eastern and Central PA Kayak Angler of the year. A mixed bag of targeted species with an emphasis on smallmouth. ROOM 2
1:30 p.m. Capt. Erwin Heinrich Scales n’ Tales Charters
Live Bait Stripers – Fishing live bunker for jumbo stripers is a timeless method for scoring a personal best – but with new circle hook regulations for fishing natural baits on the Striper Coast, what new tricks do you need for success? ROOM 3
2 p.m. Capt. Dieter Scheel Big D River Guide
Delaware River: A Multispecies Approach – The Delaware River span offers a variety of targets, from American shad to walleye and everything in between. Learn about setups, techniques and baits used by one of the top guides in Pennsylvania. ROOM 1
2 p.m. Rod Bates Koinonia Guide Sevice
Targeting Catfish – Tactics and gear for catching channel and flathead catfish. Catching your own bait and how to keep it. ROOM 2
3 p.m. Nick Honachefsky Saltwater Underground
Jersey Surf Exotics – Sheepshead, bonito, black and red drum, Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, speckled trout, pompano and cobia, all in the Jersey Shore surf from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Join Saltwater Underground TV host as he shares his secrets. ROOM 3
3 p.m. Anthony Awgul Menace Baits
Northeast Bass Fishing – A seasonal approach to catching more and bigger bass in the Northeast from a tournament angler’s perspective. ROOM 2
3:30 p.m. Cody Melton Jersey Nutz Charters
Targeting Bigeye Tuna – Bigeye tuna are about the toughest brawlers you’ll find on the Mid-Atlantic offshore grounds, but calling one out from the wolf pack – and then the others – sometimes requires very specific tools and tactics. Learn from the pros! ROOM 1
4 p.m. Capt. Tom Daffin / Frank Mihalic Fishin Fever & Century Rods
Catching Jumbo Blackfish – A new state record blackfish (25.8 pounds) aboard Fishin Fever out of Cape May eclipsed the previous state record (25.37 pouds) caught 6 years prior on the same boat. Join the skipper with tautog expert Frank Mihalic to learn how. ROOM 3
4 p.m. Ken Krott Lip Ripper Charters
Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon – Trolling for trout and salmon on Lake Ontario. Lures, presentations, and techniques to put fish in the boat by one of the lake’s top captains. ROOM 2
4:30 p.m. Chris Gorsuch Reel River Adventures
River Smallmouth and Walleye Tactics – There are over a thousand miles of rivers in the tri-state region, most of which are loaded with bass and walleye. Join professional guide and writer Chris Gorsuch as he shares seasonal tactics for Susqhehanna and Delaware River bass and walleye. ROOM 1
5 p.m. Capt. Fred Gamboa Andrea’s Toy
An Offshore “Multispecies” Approach – A multispecies look at how to up your offshore score with one of the top captains at the Jersey Shore. Hop aboard the Andrea’s Toy as the skipper pushes his Contender to the edge in search of a box full of canyon goodies. ROOM 3
5 p.m. Keith Yaddaw Grim Reaper Lures
Northern Pike & Other Freshwater Monsters – Common largemouth bass tactics for targeting jumbo pike and other freshwater trophies throughout the northeast region. ROOM 2
5:30 p.m. Capt. Eric Kerber On A Mission Fishing Charters
Northern Snakeheads – Trash or Treasure? – The invasive Northern snakehead is hard-fighting new target for urban and suburban anglers throughout the Northeast, offering fly and light tackle action with fish now growing in excess of 20 pounds. ROOM 1
Saturday, February 19, 2022
11 a.m. Capt. Eric Kerber On A Mission Fishing Charters
Pot Hopping Mahi – During the last few seasons mahi (aka dolphin and dorado) have invaded inshore waters where savvy captains are loading up around the pots, markers and buoys. Gear up for some offshore excitement close to port. ROOM 3
11 a.m. Keith Yaddaw Grim Reaper Lures
Northern Pike & Other Freshwater Monsters – Common largemouth bass tactics for targeting jumbo pike and other freshwater trophies throughout the northeast region. ROOM 2
11 a.m. Chris Gorsuch Reel River Adventures
River Smallmouth and Walleye Tactics – There are over a thousand miles of rivers in the tri-state region, most of which are loaded with bass and walleye. Join professional guide and writer Chris Gorsuch as he shares seasonal tactics for Susqhehanna and Delaware River bass and walleye. ROOM 1
NOON Capt. Tom Daffin / Frank Mihalic Fishin Fever & Century Rods
Catching Jumbo Blackfish – A new state record blackfish (25.8 pounds) aboard Fishin Fever out of Cape May eclipsed the previous state record (25.37 pounds) caught 6 years prior on the same boat. Join the skipper with tautog expert Frank Mihalic to learn how. ROOM 3
NOON Michael DiGuiseppe Muskies Inc. Chapter 50
Chasing Muskies – A look inside the arsenal of an avid muskie angler. Learn about equipment, strategies, and how to change with the seasons. Safe release techniques are also covered. ROOM 2
12:30 p.m. Capt. Dieter Scheel Big D River Guide
Delaware River Shad – Get a unique perspective on the Delaware River shad run, with population overview and tactics for targeting “America’s fish” with one of the top guides on the Big D ROOM 1
1 p.m. Capt. Pete Sykes Parker Pete’s Sportfishing
Bucktailing Doormat Fluke – Whether you’re fishing the sandy bottom or the really sticky stuff, get the lowdown on bucktailing trophy fluke from this professional crew out of Belmar, NJ. ROOM 3
1 p.m. Ericka Rizzotte iBass 360
Gearing Up for the Fly – Join noted outdoor personality, hunter and angler Ericka Rizzote from iBass 360 as she helps folks make the leap over to flyfishing tri-state waters to help another weapon in the quiver. ROOM 2
1:30 p.m. George Bucci Cape-Atlantic Striper Club & Century Rods
Cape-Atlantic Surcasting Tips & Tactics – Keep this one a secret, as this hardcore South Jersey surfcaster shares his tips and tactics to finding striper success from shore in Atlantic and Cape May counties. ROOM 1
2 p.m. Capt. Erwin Heinrich Scales n’ Tales Charters
Live Bait Stripers – Fishing live bunker for jumbo stripers is a timeless method for scoring a personal best – but with new circle hook regulations for fishing natural baits on the Striper Coast, what new tricks do you need for success? ROOM 3
2 p.m. Butch Kross Costa Rica Dream Planner
A Bucket List Trip to Los Suenos in Costa Rica – Fish some of the most legendary waters throughout the entire world, a trip to Los Suenos along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is easier and more affordable than you might have thought. ROOM 2
2:30 p.m. Capt. Nick Perello Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association
White Marlin at the Jersey Shore – A graduate of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association’s “Junior Mates” program, Capt. Nick Perello has since made a name for himself at the helm – and in the cockpit – for white marlin tournament success. ROOM 1
3 p.m. Capt. Tom Daffin Fishin Fever
Deepdropping Swordfish – For years offshore fishermen working the overnight chunk would hope for a swordfish to appear in slick with the yellowfin; but deepdrop swordfishing is a whole new game, targeting these gladiators specifically during daylight hours. ROOM 3
3 p.m. Anthony Awgul Menace Baits
Northeast Bass Fishing – A seasonal approach to catching more and bigger bass in the Northeast from a tournament angler’s perspective. ROOM 2
3:30 p.m. Anthony “Maja” Acrabascio Tony Maja Tackle
Striped Bass Trolling – Spoons and Mojos – You hear “MAJA spoon” on the radio a lot during the striper season, for good reason When it comes to trolling up trophy stripers, the MAJA system gets it done day after day. Whether spoons or mojos, this presentation has you covered! ROOM 1
4 p.m. Capt. Fred Gamboa Andrea’s Toy
An Offshore “Multispecies” Approach – A multispecies look at how to up your offshore score with one of the top captains at the Jersey Shore. Hop aboard the Andrea’s Toy as the skipper pushes his Contender to the edge in search of a box full of canyon goodies. ROOM 3
4 p.m. Dustin Theobald Kayak Anglers Eastern PA
Kayak Fishing – This competitive kayak angler spends much of his time chasing largemouth and smallmouth bass, but he also hits the inshore waters fluke and bluefish as well. Join Dustin for look at kayak fishing, from intro and basics all the way to tournament tactics. ROOM 2
4:30 p.m. Nick Honachefsky Saltwater Underground
Jersey Surf Exotics – Sheepshead, bonito, black and red drum, Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, speckled trout, pompano and cobia, all in the Jersey Shore surf from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Join Saltwater Underground TV host as he shares his secrets. ROOM 1
Sunday, February 20, 2022
11 a.m. Capt. Eric Kerber On A Mission Fishing Charters
Run & Gun Albies and Bonito – Light tackle speedsters show up along the inshore and midrange grounds in late summer into the fall and provide drag-screaming, rod-bending excitement relatively close to home. If you’re looking for a tuna-style fight but with the lighter tackle you already have at home, run and gun it. ROOM 3
11 a.m. Ken Krott Lip Ripper Charters
Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon – Trolling for trout and salmon on Lake Ontario. Lures, presentations, and techniques to put fish in the boat by one of the lake’s top captains. ROOM 2
11:30 a.m. Anthony “Maja” Acrabascio Tony Maja Tackle
Striped Bass Trolling – Spoons and Mojos – You hear “MAJA spoon” on the radio a lot during the striper season, for good reason When it comes to trolling up trophy stripers, the MAJA system gets it done day after day. Whether spoons or mojos, this presentation has you covered! ROOM 1
NOON Cody Melton Jersey Nutz Charters
Canyon Tuna Fishing – The yellowfin bite off the Jersey Coast has been simply off the hook in recent years. If you’re looking to get into the yellowfin game, hop aboard with the Jersey Nutz crew for a deep dive into yellowfin tuna fishing. ROOM 3
NOON Butch Kross Costa Rica Dream Planner
A Bucket List Trip to Los Suenos in Costa Rica – Fish some of the most legendary waters throughout the entire world, a trip to Los Suenos along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is easier and more affordable than you might have thought. ROOM 2
12:30 p.m. Geoff Cerrelli M3 Tackle
NJ Wreck Fishing – Black sea bass, porgies, and jumbo fluke love hanging around the snags, and with an incredible artificial reef complex along the New Jersey and Delaware coast, there’s a lot of structure to choose from. Hit them where they live, and arrive home with a box full of goodies. ROOM 1
1 p.m. Capt. Mike Rothman Bonanza II
Delaware Bay Drum – When the dogwoods bloom, the drum will boom! Prepare for the arrival of black drum in May by joining noted Fortescue, NJ party boat captain in the hunt for “boomers” on Delaware Bay. ROOM 3
1 p.m. Michael DiGuiseppe Muskies Inc. Chapter 50
Chasing Muskies – A look inside the arsenal of an avid muskie angler. Learn about equipment, strategies, and how to change with the seasons. Safe release techniques are also covered. ROOM 2
1:30 p.m. Capt. Darren Dorris Good Chemistry II
Targeting Wahoo – New Jersey’s Fastest Fish – If you always thought that wahoo were just an incidental catch along the Jersey offshore grounds, think again! Join an experienced Jersey ‘hoo hunter for the ins and outs of high speed trolling for these fast, delicious speedsters that inhabit our midrange and offshore waters every summer. ROOM 1
2 p.m. Capt. Tom Daffin /Frank Mihalic Fishin Fever & Century Rods
Catching Jumbo Blackfish – A new state record blackfish (25.8 pounds) aboard Fishin Fever out of Cape May eclipsed the previous state record (25.37 pounds) caught 6 years prior on the same boat. Join the skipper with tautog expert Frank Mihalic to learn how. ROOM 3
2 p.m. Chris Santoro iBass 360
Freshwater Kayak Fishing – Breaking down big water in a kayak to make the most of your successes during the 2022 fishing season. ROOM 2
2:30 p.m. Capt. Alan Lee Mushin Sportfishing
Troll, Jig, Chunk, & Pop Goes the Yellowfin – New advancements in tackle design on the rod and reel side has made tuna fishing less cumbersome and more effective – learn about these advanced techniques for working the midrange and offshore grounds to up your yellowfin tuna score. ROOM 1
3 p.m. Anthony Awgul Menace Baits
Northeast Bass Fishing – A seasonal approach to catching more and bigger bass in the Northeast from a tournament angler’s perspective. ROOM 2
