For Immediate Release:
Contact: Adam Starr, Show Manager (616) 447-2860, (800) 328-6550
Henri Boucher, Show Producer (616) 447-2860, (800) 328-6550
He’s back! Kevin VanDam to headline Michigan’s
biggest fishing show January 7 to 10 in Novi
Improved fishing license sales could increase crowds at The Ultimate Fishing Show — Detroit
NOVI — Want to start the new year with a bang? Check out the Ultimate Fishing Show – Detroit, January 7 to 10 at Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi. It’s Michigan’s biggest all-fishing show, and it occurs in North America’s largest freshwater angling market.
More than 400,000 licensed anglers live in southeastern Michigan, within an hour’s drive from the venue. And because license sales are up nearly 8 percent year-to-date over 2008 in a national sampling that included Indiana and Minnesota -- reversing a downward trend in recent years -- show managers expect record crowds at Novi.
Kevin VanDam, America’s best bass fisherman with more than $2 million in earnings, returns for specialty seminars Friday and Saturday on 110,000-gallon Lake Ultimate. VanDam, who lives in Kalamazoo and recently gained Angler of the Year honors for an unprecedented fifth time, leads an all-star cast of experts offering more than 75 seminars on four stages
Wilson Marine, Wonderland Marine—West, Anderson Boat Sales and Freeway Sport Center in Fenton are among a dozen of the biggest downstate dealers bringing more than 200 new fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats to the show. Other major dealers include Bee’s Sports in St. Johns and Chapman’s Boat Sales in Lapeer. The dealers will take the wraps off boat/motor/trailer packages designed for catching bass, walleye, steelhead, salmon, panfish and other popular Michigan species. The fleet of new boats includes pontoons, offshore trolling craft, canoes and kayaks—more than 40 brands in all.
The huge show always occurs early in the new year when major boat and motor manufacturers announce their annual rebate programs, special discounts and other buying incentives. Factory experts will be on hand to answer technical questions and help anglers compare prices and features.
The Ultimate Fishing Show – Detroit offers 4 acres of boats, tackle, gear, and specialized fishing equipment, a veritable supermarket for buyers looking for new product selection and value. Frank’s Great Outdoors, Lakeside Fishing Shop, KD Outdoors and other key Michigan retailers are among the 150 tackle exhibitors. More than ever before, these include traveling vendors. Many are one-of-a-kind lure makers that often live out of state and specialize in tackle components, cutting-edge electronics, fishing-boat accessories, and the newest offerings in downriggers, rods, reels, nets, lines and other gear.
Because of its sheer size, the show attracts representatives from major manufacturers such as Stren, Berkley, Fenwick, Lowrance, Okuma, Offshore Tackle and Bert’s Custom Tackle.
Many guides, outfitters, lodges, charter fishing captains and other destination vendors have reserved space. “Outfitters Expo” is a show within the show that offers fishing and family vacations throughout Michigan, the Great Lakes, and Canada and beyond. Patrons can compare costs and services by speaking directly to lodge owners, fishing guides and even bush plane pilots.
The nonstop seminars, which are free with admission, cover the latest tips and techniques for catching bass, walleye, salmon, steelhead, muskie, pike and panfish. Joining Kevin VanDam for bass seminars are several experts from the National Bass Anglers Association. Other top speakers include Mark Martin, Mark Romanack and Lance Valentine on walleye; Mike Pittiglio and Don Miller on muskie; Chip Cartwright on salmon; Bob Brunner on pike and muskie; and David Rose on panfish.
New specialty seminars on ice fishing, jigging for muskie in the Detroit River, and selecting lure colors for steelhead will be offered.
Lake Ultimate will be stocked with big rainbow trout for speakers to catch using flyfishing, vertical jigging, boat control and precision casting from fully rigged boats. No other venue in North America offers an indoor lake for such real-time seminars.
Fee-based weekend Super Clinics for walleye and salmon/steelhead are limited to 100 students each who can register right at the show. Registrants receive a free “goody bag” worth at least twice the $25 instructional fee.
Colton Bay Outfitters in Ann Arbor will present free “hands-on” flyfishing and flytying demonstrations all four days of the show.
A Shore Lunch Fish Fry occurs daily.
The show appeals to anglers of all ages and levels of experience. The Trout Pond will have live rainbows for kids to catch, and they can try their skills on the Virtual Fishing Simulator. A free Michigan B.A.S.S Casting Kids Contest occurs on the weekend.
The first 500 attendees on Thursday and Friday receive a $6.95 commemorative Dardevle fishing spoon, compliments of Eppinger Manufacturing in Dearborn. The first 500 kids on Saturday and Sunday claim a free bobber from Carlisle Float Company.
Admission is free on Thursday for patrons who bring 6 cans/boxes or 4 pounds of non-perishable food items to donate to the annual Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger food drive.
It’s the Ultimate Fishing Show – Detroit, and it comes only once each year. The 2010 dates again are January 7 to 10 at Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.
Show hours are Thursday, 2 to 9:30; Friday, Noon to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 10 to 5. Admission is $10 for adults and $4 for children 6 to 14. There is no charge for children 5 and under. For more information, go to www.UltimateFishingShow.com or call 800-328-6550.
Media Note: High-resolution photos and a suggested listing can be downloaded from the website. Click on “For the Media”