Long Island, Metro New York anglers have the opportunity to attend two very good shows this week. Kicking off on Thursday, March 1 and running through Sunday, March 4, is the Progressive® Insurance World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition – aka the “Suffern Show.” It takes place at the SUNY Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY. The show is rich in fishing and outdoor seminars, making this an ideal show for the outdoorsman who does it all – salt and freshwater fishing, and hunting. This year’s seminar lineup includes 2017 BASS Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk, 2017 Bassmaster Classic winner Jordan Lee, and surf casting expert Roy Leyva. To help satisfy the hunting urge, there is Peter “The Deer Doctor” Fiduccia, hunting dog demonstrations and seminars on deer and upland hunting. The comprehensive seminar schedule also features many regional fishing and hunting experts who share their local expertise.
If saltwater fishing is your game, Saturday is “Saltwater Superday,” with a great lineup of saltwater experts. Captain Brian Bacon, one of the region’s premier charter captains, along with his Big Game Sport Fishing colleagues Capt. Peter Bacon and Captain Shamus Mara will share the unique tactics that make them so successful at canyon fishing. Shimano pro Roy Leyva will share his knowledge of surf fishing throughout the Northeast. Shore Catch’s Captain Gene Quigley is renowned for his fly and light tackle fishing as well as his inshore and offshore expertise. Captain Brian Rice will offer advice on trolling for striped bass, and Captain Jimmy Gahm of the Jenny Lee out of Manasquan, NJ will offer tips for river fishing for stripers. Captain Pete Myers, who runs charters up and down the East Coast and specializes in getting kids fishing, will offer his tips for fishing from North Carolina to New York. In addition, Garmin’s Mark McQuown will teach anglers how to make the most of their fishing electronics.
In addition to the never ending lineup of seminar speakers, the show floor features an impressive list of vendors including national tackle manufacturers, local tackle retailers, numerous guides and lodges, the Hog Trough and other family friendly activities.
Show hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 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 are available onsite or can be purchased online at www.sportshows.com/suffern.
Ward Melville High school Fishing Expo
The Ward Melville High School Saltwater Seminar & Fundraiser has become a must attend show for Long Island anglers. It takes place this Saturday at the high school, located at 380 Old Town Road, East Setauket, NY 11733. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and admission is free – yes, you read that write. You will find a show floor jammed with more than 125 vendors offering everything you could possibly need for a successful fishing season. With the free admission comes an impressive lineup of seminars by some of Long Island’s best captains and anglers, along with a Panel of Experts ready to answer any fishing related questions you come up with. The show is produced by the student members of the school’s fishing club and its director, Bob Wilson. The proceeds from a major raffle featuring charter trips, custom rods, tackle, maritime art and more benefits the Ward Melville High School Fishing Club. For more info, go to wardmelvillefishingclub.com, email [email protected] or call 631-730-4900 and leave a voice mail for Bob Wilson.
Fisherman staffers will be manning booths at both of these shows. Be sure to stop by and say hello. While you’re there, renew your current subscription or sign up at the show and go home with a pair of Star Rods Aluminum Fishing Pliers or Dry Bag.