ORV Certification Class

Saturday, March 15th ONLY from 12noon-5pm!

The Kent County Sheriff's Department will be conducting an Off Road Vehicle Certification Course.  Certification is required for all children under 16 years old to operate an "ORV" in Michigan.  However, the course is available to older ORV operators as well.  Successful completion of the class will lead to certification as an "ORV Operator by the Michigan DNR."  A test will be administered at the completion of the class and after the class participants will be able to enjoy the show at no charge.  For additional information call 616-632-6223 (pre-registration is NOT required).  Class participants should check in at the main enterance exhibitor table located near the box office. 

Turkey Hunting Workshop

The National Wild Turkey Federation's annual workshop returns to the Ultimate Sport & RV Show again this year.  Calling, scouting, camouflage, positioning and weaponry tactics are all part of this comprehensive presentation on Saturday  morning only.

Smallmouth Insider

Presented by Wayne Carpenter

This next series of "Smallmouth Insider" seminars will hook you up with the actual research methods used by Wayne in the Lake St. Clair Combat Fishing Newsletter and two No Secrets books!  Track bass movements across every stage of the season.  Discover how to eliminate dead water quickly, raise the average size of your catch and hunt the big ones successfully.  Wayne's research techniques put you in the drivers seat at the top of the field.  Each seminar day covers new material, so come with questions, notebooks and prepare to get on the inside track of smallmouth bass fishing research.

Great Lakes Duck & Goose Calling Competition

The Allegan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is presenting this competition for the first time ever at the Ultimate Sport & RV Show.  Competitors are signed up from far and near to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights on both Duck calling and Goose calling skills.  The judges are among the finest calling experts in North America.  With multiple heats and multiple areas of competition, this is a huge event for waterfowl hunters of all skill levels from junior to professional.

Grand Rapids Open Turkey Calling Competition

Hosted by the Grand Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation on Saturday evening.  Featuring some of Michigan's top callers as they compete for cash and prizes.  Judges will include some of Michigan's best known writers and call manufacturers.  Top finalists from the competition will be eligible to compete in the National Calling Competition.

Capt. Bill Bale

Capt. Bill Bale of Best Chance Too from Saugatuck, MI has won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other captain.

Great Lakes Salmon & Trout (Best Chance Too)

Presented by Capt. Bill Bale

Bill's presentation will cover every aspect of his strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using his electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments he has developed for today's big water fishery.  Special Friday and Saturday presentations will cover every one of the hottest techniques on the Great Lakes.

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

Sunday Only (12:30pm to 2:30pm):  Presented by Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Too

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.  A $20 fee is required and each attendee will receive a "Goodie Bag" loaded with products discussed in the clinic and valued at more than twice the cost. 

Glen Blackwood

Glen Blackwood of the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company of Rockford and host of "Fly Fishing with Glen Blackwood" is one of the State's most knowledgeable anglers.  He will discuss the importance of being mentally tough and focuses on success with the intensity of a professional golfer while on your next fishing trip. 

Mentally Focused Fishing for Maximum Results

Presented by Glen Blackwood

Blackwood will help you formulate a plan which is certain to eliminate mistakes and missed opportunities.  This method of fishing is mentally exhausting and incredibly effective and stimulating.

Dan Donarski

Dan is known to more than a few outdoorsmen as Mr. U.P. for his long tenure in honestly covering the Upper Peninsula for Michigan Out-of-Doors TV.  His love of this Michigan jewel is infectious and he'll be on hand every day to speak about the very best fishing opportunities across this great land.   From the Great Lakes to hidden potholes and big rivers to streams, Dan will help you in your explorations of the U.P as a premier fishing destination.  As Michigan Outdoor News opinionated columnist he's also ready and able to discuss the state of Michigan's natural resources and what he believes are the most critical issues of the day. 

The Best UP Fishing Opportunities

Presented by Dan Donarski

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 Capt. 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, over 100 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!

Denny Geurink

Host of the Outdoor Adventures TV Show.  Denny brings his hunting knowledge to the Sport Show.  A well known book author video producer and published outdoor writer, Geurink's seminars are a must see.  Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a pro.  Denny is one of the top Turkey hunting experts in the nation and will help you bag your next gobbler.

Turkey Hunting in Michigan

Presented by Denny Geurink

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

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.

Tony Hansen

Tony is one of the nation's up-and-coming outdoor personalitites.  Currently, Tony is the editor of Michigan-Out-of-Doors Magazine, the youngest to ever hold the position in the magazine's 60-year history.  Tony is an avid angler and has spent his life chasing all manner of fish across Michigan.  He is an active bass tournament participant, competing in NBAA and FLW events and takes great pride in being a student of the game.  Being a bit younger than your average seminar presenter, Tony will offer advice and tactics for bringing newcomers into the world of fishing.  There are right and wrong ways to introduce kids to fishing.

Family Fishing in Michigan

Presented by Tony Hansen

Turkey Hunting Tips & Tactics

Presented by Tony Hansen

Tony will offer tips on calling for turkeys for beginners and veterans alike.

Chase Klinesteker

Klinesteker is a Certified Spoonplugging Instructor and close friend of the late Buck Perry who was one of the most successful fishermen of all time and the "Father of Structure Fishing." 

Structure: Learning the Lake

Presented by Chase Klinesteker

The most important part of fishing is where the fish are and 90% of the water contains no fish.  Fish relate to structure.  By learning the lake bottom and finding the best structures, we can increase our chances of catching more and larger fish.  This seminar will address effective ways to learn, compare and record structure detail for more consistent fishing success.  Come and hear about a different but very effective approach to fishing.

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 Michigan Salmon Fishing

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

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.

Consistently Catch More Walleye

Presented by Mark Martin

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.  Topics will include Jerkbait Tactics and Drop Shotting for Bass with NBAA National Points Champion Don Watts.  Seasonal Patterns for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass in all conditions on jerkbaits and dropshots, from early spring through fall on Michigan waters.  High Tech Bass with NBAA IT Director, 2005 BFL Event Champion, and Humminbird National Pro Staffer Doug Maurer.  Learn the ins and outs of the latest high-tech equipment that you can use to catch monster Michigan bass.  Featured products include the latest in side-view graphs, underwater cameras, computer-aided log books and much more.  What’s New in Bass Fishing with NBAA Executive Director Jim Sprague.  Get caught up on all the latest news in Michigan bass fishing from new regulations to new products to new techniques.  John Gipson Jr, Paul Cowen, Pete Lusis and other local pros give tips on the overlooked lakes, secret hotspots new techniques for catching Michigan’s big largemouth and smallmouth bass. 

NBAA - Pro Staff Bass Fishing Tips & Tactics