Speakers & Events

PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2009 Ultimate Fishing Show - Detroit.

The Latest in Outboard Technology

Presented by Evinrude

Kevin VanDam

2001 BassMaster Classic Champion and 1994,1996 & 1999 B.A.S.S. Angler Of The Year!  Kevin is one of the most accomplished fishermen of all time.  VanDam's list of national level accomplishments is incredible. This Kalamazoo native not only out-fishes most top bass anglers, but also could do it on walleye, pike, bluegill, steelhead or any Michigan gamefish.  This is a special appearance!  Kevin is called by many in the Bass Fishing community as the "Best in the World!"

Ultimate Bass Fishing

Presented by Kevin VanDam

Babe Winkleman

Sunday only special appearance, presented by Evinrude!  Come meet Babe and learn about the latest in Evinrude technology.

Fishing with the Latest in Evinrude Technology

Presented by Babe Winkelman

Mark Romanack

Mark Romanack is a full-time outdoor writer, Fishing 411 Television Host, seminar leader and fishing expert with more than 20 years of experience.  He will be on hand all four days of the show.

Saginaw Bay's Amazing Walleye Bonanza

Presented by Mark Romanack

Across the Great Lakes region there are a host of outstanding walleye fishing destinations, but none that can match the fishing success Saginaw Bay is currently enjoying.  The story of this fishery is fascinating.  Only a couple decades ago, Saginaw Bay had no walleyes.  Today, this fishery is among the richest in North America.  Outdoor writer and Fishing 411 Television Host Mark Romanack has fished the Saginaw Bay from the beginning.  Mark's video presentation zeroes in on the most productive fishing methods, ports and times of year.  No matter if you've never fished Saginaw Bay or if you fish it often, this informative multi-media seminar is a must see presentation.

Super Walleye Clinic

Presented by Mark Romanack & a Special Guest Host - $25 Fee

Imagine tapping into the collective brains of not one, but two of the nation's leading authorities on the subject of walleye fishing. The floor is open to any topic relating to walleye fishing and you've got a front row seat. Now imagine each guest is awarded a "goodie bag" full of fishing merchandise worth more than double the admission fee. On top of all this are door prizes and a grand prize drawing for a guided fishing trip on Lake Erie!  The Super Walleye Clinic brought to you by walleye expert Mark Romanack is a crash course in walleye fishing savvy and knowhow. Join Mark and his special guest speaker for a special two hour workshop that covers all aspects of walleye fishing from crankbait to live bait and beyond. From open water trolling to river jigging, you name it and the wisdom to master these fishing techniques is provided. A fee of $25 will be collected at the show Friday and Saturday morning.  In addition, each attendee will receive a "Free Gift" valued at more than the cost of the clinic and a chance to win one of dozens of door prizes.  Those signing up for the Clinic on Friday of the Show will also be given free admission passes to enter the show on Saturday for the Clinic.  Don¹t miss this opportunity to learn from the pros.

Mark Martin

Michigan's own Mr. Walleye and Professional Tournament Angler!  Martin will share his two-plus decades of tournament-fishing expertise in high-tech multimedia seminars to teach you the methods for catching walleye in everyday conditions.  Tactics include techniques for successfully using electronics to locate fish-holding structure; tips for choosing, storing and fishing live bait; and tournament proven techniques for coaxing walleye to bite even in the toughest conditions.  Mark has qualified for 19 Professional Walleye Trail World Championships to date.  He is the only person to qualify for that many PWT Championships and fish 101 out of 102 PWT Tournaments, achieving over 37 top ten finishes in his professional walleye career.

Walleye Fishing

Presented by Mark Martin

Best Chance Promotions

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for the Super Salmon Clinic. They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other team.

Super Salmon Clinic

Presented by Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions - $25 Fee

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for this must see presentation.  They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other team.  The presentation will cover every aspect of their proven strategy for fishing the great lakes, from using electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments they have developed for today’s big water fishery.  The 2-hour mega seminar will have plenty of time for question and answer.  The Ultimate Fishing Show congratulates Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale for being the top money winners on the great lakes last season.  A $25 fee is required and each attendee will receive a "Goodie Bag" loaded with products discussed in the clinic and valued at than more than twice the cost.  Tickets will be sold at the Tournament Trail booth.

NBAA Pro-Staff

The Top Pro-staffers from the National Bass Anglers Association will present several how-to seminars designed to educate anglers on the art of bass fishing and the ins and outs of tournament fishing.

National Bass Angler's Association Seminar Series

David A. Rose

As an outdoor writer, photographer and fishing guide (www.wildfishing.com), David has spent countless hours on the waters of Michigan and around the country, fishing for a multitude of species including the family of panfish. 

In Search of Perch

Presented by David Rose

David will share his inland and Great Lakes techniques for catching one of Michigan's most sought-after game fish - the yellow perch.

Pan Fishing In-Depth

Presented by David Rose

Dave's seminar will help you catch more bluegills and crappies on the open water during the heat of the summer when other anglers are calling it quits, along with other seasonal tips and tricks.  From dabbling live bait, to casting artificials, this seminar will cover it all.

Colton Bay Outfitters

They are a full service fly shop offering the latest and best equipment and gear.

Fly Fishing Demo

Presented by Colton Bay Outfitters

Captain Joe Raymer

Joe is an expert angler with special knowledge on his favorite fish, the Michigan Walleye.  Capt. Joe is the owner of Looney Toon Charters and is a full-time charter captain spending hundreds of hours on the water every year. 

Ice Fishing for Michigan Walleye

Presented by Capt. Joe Raymer

Joe will touch on the latest tips and tactics for consistently bagging your limit even in tough conditions.  Whether you focus on Saginaw Bay or your favorite northern Michigan clear water inland lake, time spent at this seminar will surely increase your catch on the ice this winter.

Capt. Chip Cartwright

Capt. Chip is one of the most experienced anglers on the water.  He was born to be a great fisherman, his family owns Wolverine Tackle, maker of the world famous Silver Streak.  He has honed his skills over countless hours on the water perfecting the design and use of fishing tackle and special techniques for maximizing the productivity of lures.

Early Season Lake Erie Walleye

Presented by Capt. Chip Cartwright

Lucian Gizel

Lucian is a kayak-angling fanatic and is the regional Great Lakes editor for a twice-annual web newsletter called KayakAngerOnline.com.

Kayak Fishing Michigan Lakes

Presented by Lucian Gizel

Lucian will be bringing a 15 ft., 5 inch Ocean Kayak to the show for brand new specialty seminars on Lake Ultimate.  He'll cover how to choose a kayak for Great Lakes and inland lake fishing.  What features are needed, what accessories manufacturers offer, and the pros and cons of selective rigging.  He'll offer hands-on fly fishing techniques for catching live rainbows in Lake Ultimate.

Captain Wayne Carpenter

Marked Map Series 2009

Presented by Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Smallmouth Confidential

Presented by Wayne Carpenter

This seminar series is based on the new book by Capt. Wayne Carpenter, Smallmouth Confidential.  Research techniques used to create the Combat Bass Fishing Newsletter, No Secrets on Lake St. Clair books, the Marked Map Series and tournament winning baits like St. Clair Crayfish are now available to you.  Get in on the action with techniques about eliminating dead water, identifying spots and areas that hold the most bass, using high-percentage baits and how to collect and analyze data.  Each seminar covers a new topic, so don't miss a single opportunity to get these new tools and experience the best bass fishing season you've ever had.

Marcel Veenstra

Marcel is an avid tournament pro with over 6 years experience touring with the FLW.  The 2002 Stren Series Midwest Angler of the Year and BFL All American Qualifier from Brighton, MI will be discussing specific tactics for winning tournaments.  Veenstra is also on the pro-staff for Wonderland Marine West, one of the finest boat dealerships in the Mid-West.

Soft Stick Bait Fishing

Presented by Marcel Veenstra

Fishing Lipless Crankbaits

Presented by Marcel Veenstra

Jason Przekurat

Jason grew up fishing the Wisconsin River at a very young age.  Those early days have now payed off into achieving a fishing resume that many would only dream about.  Jason says that every day on the water is a learning experience.  In 2000 he earned his first title winning the MWC World Walleye Championship.  He then started competing in the FLW Walleye Tour and has become the only person to have won the "Angler of the Year Award" twice - once in 2003 and again in 2007.  His first tournament win came in 2007 by winning $100,000 during the Mississippi River Tournament by over 20 pounds, which is the largest margin of victory in tour history.  Jason has 9 Top 10 finishes and 3 consecutive Top 10 finishes. He is well on his way to becoming a successful fisherman in the world of competitive walleye tournaments. 

Walleye Fishing Tactics

Presented by Jason Przekurat

Captain Doug Samsal

Doug is a full time professional guide, charter captain and power of Doug Samsal Guide Service.  With thousands of hours experience on Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, St. Clair River and other local bodies of water, Doug is the perfect person to present seminars on "Multi-Species Fishing on Lake St. Clair."

Multi Species Fishing on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

With his specific knowledge on targeting and catching monster smallmouth, muskie, walleye and anything else that swims, Doug's seminar will help you maximize your efficiency on the water next summer.

Dixie Dave

Dixie Dave Minar is a Certified Executive Chef and owner of the Old Dixie Inn located in Birch Run.  He has been preparing delicious fish recipes for most of his life and will be at the show daily.

Ultimate Fish Cooking Demo

Presented by Dixie Dave

Dave will demonstrate how to prepare one of his favorites "Walleye New Orleans."  Come see for yourself how to prepare your next catch of fresh walleye and take a copy of the recipe home with you to try.

Captain Jay Frolenko

Captain Jay Frolenko is a television personality, professional guide, certified instructor and outdoor writer.  He has spent over 20 years on the Great Lakes educating anglers.  As the owner of Strike Zone Charters, also partnered with the National School of Fishing, Captain Jay's considerable experience lends itself well to continued angler education.  Nicked named one of the Great Lakes "Young Guns", is attribute to his ability and skill in catching large numbers of Salmon and Trout. 

Great Lakes Deep Water Trolling

Presented by Captain Jay Frolenko

The mystery and allure surround this new and not often talked about Great Lakes technique in catching large salmon and trout.  Trolling deep, fishing past 175 feet is highly productive, but comes with some strings attached.  Unravel those strings with Capt. Jay and find out how to catch large Salmon and Trout at depths not often fished.  You will be amazed and shocked at the results!

Gerry Gostenik

Gerry is a Professional Bass Fisherman and a full time guide specializing in Great Lakes Smallmouth Bass Fishing.  He is one of a handful of anglers from the Midwest that has qualified to compete on the prestigious Bassmaster Tour. 

Lake St. Clair Smallmouth Fishing

Presented by Gerry Gostenik

Gostenik shares his tips and techniques for coaxing huge smallmouth bass to strike, methods which he has fine-tuned over thousands of hours fishing the big lake.

Captain Jerry Lee

One of Michigan's most experienced and beloved professional fishermen, Captain Jerry Lee will be on hand to share his vast knowledge of open water fishing tactics for salmon and steelhead.  Captain Jerry is a member of the Lowrance Electronics, Wolverine Silver Streak, Shimano and Cabela's pro staff with over 30 years of fishing and guiding experience on the Great Lakes.

Lake Erie Walleye

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Capt. Jerry will share his insight on fishing for Walleye on Lake Erie.  This presentation will include the tips and tactics it takes to consistently boat limits of fish for his customers day after day.

Great Lakes Salmon & Steelhead

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Seminar visitors will learn the hottest tactics, including the use of lead core, rotators, cut bait, in-line boards and the latest downrigger savvy.  This presentation will include the tips and tactics it takes to consistently boat limits of fish for his customers day after day.

Don Miller

Captain Don Miller has become one of Lake St. Clair's most popular charter captains.  Captain Don's first-hand knowledge of the fish's seasonal movements and their habits has spanned three decades on the lake.  He has successfully boated over 5,000 muskies, with multiple numbers in a day and size up to 40 lbs. Well-known muskie fisherman, author, educator, and seminar conductor, Miller has authored many articles, and has been a guest speaker at many fishing clubs, outfitters, and organizations throughout the Midwest.

Open Water Trolling for Muskie

Presented by Capt. Don Miller

Don's seminar includes streaming videos of live action on the boat while under operation fishing for muskies.  It is current and up to date with not only the latest, but also proven techniques of Great Lakes trolling for muskies.  Don't miss the complete seminar that shows everything from fishing rod placement and types of baits to catch-and-release.

Mike Pittiglio

Mike Pittiglio of Muskie Mania Sport Fishing Charters is one of the hottest young professional charter operators on Lake St. Clair.  

Fall Muskes on Lake St. Clair - Trolling

Presented by Mike Pittiglio   

Mike's hard-core multi-media Musky Trolling presentation will hit the highlights of last season on the lake.  He will highlight what it takes for anglers to find the best water and troll it to maximum effect.  Lake St. Clair is the best Musky fishery in the world and Mike's presentation will make your time next season on the water more fun and more productive.

Bob Brunner

Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Legendary Guide

Bob will show you how to make Buck Tails from scratch and different ways to change body baits to make them help you take more fish. He will also relate some of his vast experiences over the last 76 years.  He has fished hundreds of lakes and rivers as well as 2 oceans plus he has guided on Lake St Clair for nearly 40 years. He caught his fist Bass and Pike in 1929 and the first Muskie in 1931. He will teach you how to rig for fish so you have the best chance to get into one.  Will answer any question he can about fishing that he can and if he doesn’t know he may know where you can get an answer.

Casting for Muskie and Pike

Presented by Bob Brunner

Lance Valentine

Almost 10 years of experience as a Charter Captain in Michigan has gained Lance the knowledge needed to become known as an expert on marine electronics!  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

Jigging the Detroit River

Presented by Lance Valentine

Learn how to maximize your catch!

Sonar: The Basics and Beyond

Presented by Lance Valentine

Lance helps you understand, tune and interpret the most important and least understood piece of fishing equipment - the sonar unit. 

Getting the Most from your GPS

Presented by Lance Valentine

This seminar teaches you the secrets the pros use to mazimize the use of a GPS unit.