The shows just keep on coming. This week features Muskie Expo Chicago at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. I call this one the “Testosterone Show” because the aisles are packed with a lot of huge guys who use huge rods and reels fishing from huge boats looking for huge fish.
The dates and hours are 1:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, but there is a three-day pass available for $30. Children 16 and under will be admitted free. Parking is free.
The expo has a hall full of displays featuring all of the tackle you’ll need to chase those toothy monsters, as well as boats, guides, outfitters, resorts, clubs and taxidermists.
Sunday is “Paint a Lure Day” for kids, and door prizes will be distributed every day to the first 600 paid entrants.
Muskie Expo Chicago is heavy on seminars and workshops and the stage will be manned by experts during most of the show’s open hours. Some of my favorites are Mike Hulbert, Jim Saric, Steve Herbeck, our own Chris Taurisano and Gregg Thomas.
The following weekend brings the star attraction to our area. Chicago's ultimate indoor fishing event, the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo comes to the Schaumburg Convention Center.
The show hours are noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27. The price of admission is $13 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 11. Youngsters 5 and under will be admitted for free. A portion of all proceeds will go to the “Keep America Fishing” initiative. Parking is free.
This show is a fisherman’s dream. The aisles are packed with all things fishing. Resorts and lodges from great fishing locations all over North America are represented. Dealers showing off the latest in fishing boats and motors will be there. Many of the major rod, reel and tackle manufacturers will be at the show to present their latest innovations. Retailers will be on hand to sell you the latest and greatest tackle items.
The expo has a full slate of incredible speakers manning the main stage. You’ll be able to see many top pros and TV fishing celebrities such has Bassmaster champion Brandon Palaniuk, Mark Zona from “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show,” the legendary Joe Bucher, the “Musky Hunter” Jim Saric and bass favorite Seth Feider.
One thing the show does well is that it mixes the national fishing celebrities in with some of the best local pros and speakers that our area has to offer. The Schaumburg show truly promotes teaching people to fish on waters close to home and become more successful day in and day out.
Some of the local talent taking the stage at the show will be our own Dave Kranz from Dave’s Bait, Tackle and Taxidermy, Steve Everetts from Finseekers Guide Service, Shabbona Lake expert Denny Sands, Lowrance pro Mark O’Neill and Lake Michigan superstar captain Ralph Steiger.
The show has numerous features and attractions, including a kid’s casting area, the Hawg Trough, a fly-casting lesson area, a ”Wings and Talons” raptor exhibit and so much more. The one problem I find with the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo is that it is almost impossible to make it through the entire floor and seminar stage and see everything you’d like to see in only one day. This is a show that is quite easy to spend two days in attendance. I know I’ll be there for at least two of the days. I hope to see you there.
FISHING REPORT
Local ice maven Trevor James reports, “At last the ice is back. Anglers throughout the ice belt have been itching to stay local and get on some fish, have we not? Well, our St. Croix rods have been putting a whupping on the panfish in the channels. The “T" Channel in Fox Lake has been hot, with a mixed bag of crappies and bluegills. Some perch, bass and even a bonus walleye can be had in this great early ice spot. While Nielsen’s Channel has been producing bluegills and crappies, as well. A solid mix of waxworms, spikes and Maki plastics have all produced fish. With minnows on a dead stick or a tip-up is always worth putting out, even when in the shallow depths. The lakes are locked up and making ice. It should be any day now we will be out on the lakes. Be safe. Always fish with a buddy, take your spud bar, and let us all keep drilling.”
Dave Kranz from Dave’s Bait, Tackle and Taxidermy in Crystal Lake writes: "This has been a very off-and-on year for ice fishing in northern Illinois. It looks like winter is about to set in with the coldest weather we have seen. Always remember to be safe first. Some channels and bays will be able to be fished this weekend and more a few days later. Use waxworms or spikes on a tungsten jig for panfish. Tip-ups should work well with a golden roach minnow. Call 815-455-2040 for an updated report."
NEWS AND NOTES
Lowrance Electronics: Our friend, Lowrance Electronics expert Mark O'Neill (www.structure-fishing.com) sends word: "Well, we are right smack in the middle of the boat and sport show season, so here we go with a few upcoming events: I will be at the Hoffman Estates Cabela's on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I will have the new 18.3 updates with me, as well as the others for Lowrance units, and can install those for individuals who don't want to do it themselves. Keep in mind, if you need to update the 3D StructureScan software, that must be done on the boat. The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo is coming up Jan. 24 to 27 at the Schaumburg Convention Center, and I will be doing two seminars, one at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 and the second at 1 p.m. Jan. 26. These seminars will include information on the new technologies coming out and how they can aid in fishing Geneva Lake. In addition, I will be spending some time in the Cabela's booth, where there will be a new Ranger rigged with a dual Lowrance Elite-Ti setup. There is currently only one open seat left for the first of the Lowrance University at Cabela's classes, the Basic Class on Feb. 2. One would think this will be filled soon. The Advanced Class has a few seats left, but my guess is both classes will be full. If you have any interest in attending, I would suggest registering soon. Registration information can be found at: structure-fishing.com/Lowrance_University_.html.
Kid's Camp: Musky Tales, a specialty bait and tackle shop on Channel Lake in Antioch, has announced that it is hosting a "Kid's Camp" from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday for youth ice fishermen. Free food will be available for anyone under 18. Kids will learn how to catch fish through interactive workshop education The Antioch Fire Department will be on hand to give an ice safety presentation. Kids will be able to meet "YETI & The Elf Wrangler." There will be giveaways and prizes will be awarded. Musky Tales is located at 25855 W. Route 173 in Antioch. Call Kurt at 847-456-9806 to reserve your spot or for more information.
• Steve Sarley writes about the outdoors for Shaw Media. Write to him at sarfishing@yahoo.com. Steve does a weekly podcast about fishing called “WeFishASA.” You can find it at www.wefishasa.com.