Suffern Saltwater Sportsmens Show

[blitzhunter]

Looks like it might be a bit more interesting this year, I hope.



The 34th Annual World Fishing and Outdoor Exposition opens Thursday at the SUNY Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, N.Y., and runs through Sunday. Presented by STIHL, the producer of outdoor power tools, the Expo hosts hundreds of exhibitors showcasing tackle and equipment as well as guides, charter boat captains and travel lodges. The Expo is the only sport show in the metro New York area that has all of the major fishing tackle retailers on one show floor.
"In addition to the many exhibitors who will occupy the show floor, the World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition has a multitude of events, activities and seminars targeted to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels," said Show Director Jonathan Sauers. "Whether you're an angler or hunter looking to improve your skills or a parent looking to share your love of the outdoors with your children, the Expo has something for everyone."
Exclusive to the Suffern show is an appearance by Grizzly bear expert Casey Anderson – the host of the National Geographic Channel's Expedition Grizzly. Anderson also looks after a Grizzly bear named Brutus who he rescued from an overcrowded wildlife park. On the show, Anderson and Brutus set off on a yearlong mission to chronicle the lives of grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park. Anderson will be on hand to talk about his experiences and answer questions on Saturday and Sunday.
Brody the 1,400 pound Kodiak bear and his handler Jeff Watson will be at the Expo where they will be joined by a Grizzly cub named Max. You also don't want to miss the Talons! demonstration in which master falconer Lorrie Schumacher will show off her live hawks, falcons and owls and explain their interaction with environmental conservation. For the dog lovers in everyone, Ducks Unlimited will also present their very popular dog training demonstrations on Thursday and Friday.
Children take to the outdoors like ducks to water and the Expo is a great place to open their eyes to everything the great outdoors has to offer. Sunday, March 6, is Family Fun Day presented by Plano, one of the world's premier tackle box manufacturers. On Sunday, the first 200 children 11 and under accompanied by a paying adult will receive a Plano tackle box. Kids and parents alike can explore the show floor with fun activities such a scavenger hunt with prizes, a virtual fishing simulator, a gemstone and fossil hunting exhibit and the "Reel Kids" Casting Event hosted by the New Jersey Bass Federation that teaches children about fishing and basic casting techniques. Also, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is bringing is ever-popular Velcro Fishing "pond." Children who land and identify their "catch" will receive a prize.
If you fish for bass, then you will want to check out the American Sportfishing Association's (ASA) Bass Academy presented by BoatUS Angler, Humminbird and Plano. The Academy is a concentrated classroom program with experts Shaw Grigsby, Zell Rowland, Danny Correia and the 2008 Professional Anglers Association Lifetime Achievement award recipient Gene "The Fishing Machine" Elllison. This great opportunity to learn from pros will take place Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The $50 registration fee includes one Academy registration, course materials and one four-day pass to the Expo. In addition, the Hawg Trough – a 5,000 gallon tank loaded with monster largemouth bass – will be on display for pro anglers to demonstrate their lures.
Bass fishing aficionados will want to see presentations by Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series emcee Dave Mercer. Presented by Shimano, Mercer is a fishing funnyman who will have his audience rolling in the aisles as he humorously yet effectively gives expert bass fishing advice. Mercer is scheduled to speak at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Saltwater anglers will enjoy Saltwater Superday on Saturday, sponsored by Costa. This day features a continuous series of seminars by some of the region's top saltwater experts including downrigger guru Captain Dave Chieffo, gamefish photographer Mike Laptew and surfcasting legend Alberto "Crazy Al" Knie.
The Expo also has plenty for hunters. Sunday is Whitetail Superday and includes deer hunting seminars by the "Deer Doctor" Peter Fiduccia, the Deer City USA team of Tim Andrus, Steve Gruber and Mark Millis, and Adirondack Mountain specialists Pat and Tony Salerno. You definitely don't want to miss Fiduccia's Sunday seminar where he will give away a BowTech Sentinel FLX RH # 60 compound bow.
KeepAmericaFishing™, the sportfishing industry's new campaign to engage anglers in advocating for their right to fish, will have a booth on the show floor. Expo attendees automatically make a $1 donation to KeepAmericaFishing when they purchase an adult ticket. People are encouraged to stop by the KeepAmericaFishing both to learn more about the campaign and to register for the grand prize giveaway of a trip for two to Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica. Check out www.KeepAmericaFishing.org for more information.

Show hours are Thursday 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $13.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12. Children under five are admitted free. For more information, including a full seminar schedule, please visit www.sportshows.com.

[strikezone31]

I'm going tomorrow, $3 for children under 12 is a good deal.

[gjb1969]

i was not going but i got some extra money so i am taking the train up not looking to buy just a day out of the house

[nitestrikes]

I went, it was ok. I didn't see anything spectacular, though we did get one of the tackle boxes for the kids they were giving out. I like to see who is there from year to year and check out some of the Canadian outfitters. I didn't see Ace Baits there, which seemed unusual, as he has been there the last 4 years at least. Oh well guess this recession is hurting everyone.

[gjb1969]

so how was the show i just stayed home did not get to go

[nitestrikes]

Like I said, gjb, I just thought it was ok. The nicest thing about that show is they have the kids discount, but it seems every year it gets a little more generic with the vendors.