As the only saltwater fishing show on the East Coast, The Saltwater Fishing Expo will kick off March 15-17 at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ.
While other outdoor shows attempt to mix in saltwater angling, this show has the purest and largest gamut of saltwater tackle, seminars, boats and equipment that other shows don’t cater to.
You’ll find tackle here that is generally only available unless you visit a New Jersey or Cape Hatteras tackle shop, or online. Seminar presenters too are local and are able to converse about local saltwater pursuits.
Among the experts on the subject, Mike Laptew will present his multi-media “World’s Most Amazing Fishing Video’s” and from his footage, offer tips on how you can make them. I have one of his tapes and they are amazing.
Laptew is known as the “Diving Fisherman” since he don’s scuba gear to get his footage that has been shown on National Geographic shows. Laptew will show how to use everything from Smartphones to GoPro Hero cameras to high-end digital cameras like Canon’s DSLR. Showgoers can also pick up tips on trophy fish hunting from captains who target monster fish.
Joining Laptew is Ron Arra, a five-time U.S. Surfcasting Champion, professional casting instructor and author who hails from Cape Cod, MA. Arra has been surfcasting for more than 50 years and is a design consultant for several major fishing tackle makers. His seminars are destined to improve fish-catching for novice and veteran surfcasters alike.
Captain Al Ristori, a familiar saltwater name and editor of NJ’s Star Ledger and regional editor for Salt Water Sportsman magazine, runs a 35-foot charter boat out of Highlands, NJ and specializes in striped bass and school tuna.
Also on tap is Captain Pete Meyer who holds a 100-ton master’s license and charters “The Run Off” year-round in New Jersey and North Carolina. His gives seminars and loves to introduce kids to fishing.
Then there’s Capt. John Kolias, of Reel Fun Sportfishing in Sandy Hook, NJ. He too gives seminars with emphasis on bucktailing for fluke and striped bass.
Rounding out the speaker line-up is Greg Myerson who has the notoriety for landing a fish not once, but twice. In 2011, Myerson caught an All-Tackle World Record Striper weighing 81.88 pounds. Then in 2012, set an All-Tackle Length Record for a striper he caught and released. The 3.7-foot striper is the longest one every caught and released to set a new IGFA record.
Some of the seminar topics include: Raritan Bay from March-December; Party Boat Tuna Fishing; Cast Net Demo’s; Advanced Surf and Jetty Tactics; Artificial Lure Fishing Technique for Bottom Fishing; Diamond Jigging for Stripers and Blues, Proper Tackle for Distance Casting; Fishing Barnegat Bay; Surfcasting With Less Effort and more.
Show hours are Friday, Mar. 15, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, Mar. 16, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for kids ages 5-11. Children under five are free. A portion of all ticket sales goes toward “Keep Fishing America” campaign dedicated to keeping our nation’s waters open, clean and abundant with fish. To avoid standing in long lines, tickets may be purchased online at www.sportshows.com.
The Garden State Expo Center can be reached by taking I-287 and Exit 10.
CABELA’S GREAT OUTDOOR DAYS
Cabela’s in Hamburg is hosting their Spring Outdoor Days Events that include a free Introduction to Fly Fishing and Casting course on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3 at 12-noon. The two-hour course is intended for those interested in getting into fly-fishing and will cover equipment, basic entomology, basic casting and knot tying. The course will be taught by experienced instructors from the Federation of Fly Fishers.
In addition, Cabela’s is also offering free clinics on both of the above days on: Trout and smallmouth bass fishing tactics on small streams and rivers; 12 little tricks to catch more bass; tips and techniques for monster catfish; and getting started in kayaking.
The weekend event will include several local guides and experts to help plan your upcoming fishing trip. To register check www.cabelas.com/Hamburg.
LEHIGH VALLEY SPORTMAN’S SHOW
As a last minute reminder, don’t forget about this weekend’s Lehigh Valley Sportsman’s Show (March 2 and 3) being held at the Agri-Plex Expo Center (Ag Hall) at the Allentown Fairgrounds.
Cabela’s has pledged numerous door prizes throughout both days of the show and there will be a long list of vendors, seminar presenters, local sportsman’s organizations and even live mules.
Also on tap is Butch Mellinger, a Horton Crossbow Pro Staff member who will show movies of African hunts he was on and where he was able to use a crossbow to take Africa’s Big 5 Grand Slam.
Show hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Mar. 2 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Mar. 3. Admission is $10 with children under 12 free. And of course, parking is free. For updated information check www.lehighvalleysportmanshow.com.
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