Being a major metropolitan area has its advantages. For treating cabin fever, we have the most shows available almost anywhere in the country. Read through these outdoor shows, you might find one or two you forgot about. We think you’ll find at least one that will cure your “fishing or camping fever”.
The 9th Annual Chicago Muskie Show has grown to be the largest show for muskie anglers in the country. It will be held January 9-11th at Harper College on Roselle & Algonquin Roads in Palatine, Illinois. Present will be retailers, guides and lodges, but the highlight will be the free seminars. This year, as in years past, there will be the poolside demo Lake Tri-Esox. Demonstrations will be held there, as well as the Shimano sponsored new rod/reel testing. On Sunday the 11th from noon to 3pm at Lake Tri-Esox, show attendees can cast the new ’04 Shimano equipment, and see the features of the new combinations up close. Trust me when I tell you to sign up and test for yourself those new Shimano musky rigs. (If you don’t, you’ll wish you had). Also at this years show will be onsite meetings for the Illinois Musky Association (IMA), and an awards ceremony for the Musky Tour Trail. Pros such as Joe Bucher, Jim Saric, Spence Petros and Jim Linder will be onsite for the 3-day event. For seminar schedules check the show website (Chicago Muskie Show).
Also the weekend of January 8-11th is the All Canada Show, which is being held at Pheasant Run in St Charles, Ill. Present at the show will be many resorts from above the border. This show displays at all the major markets in the Midwest from Omaha to Indianapolis. If you are interested in fishing Canada, but still undecided from past shows, make time to attend this one. You’ll find a resort to fit your species, time and budget. Show website: (All Canada).
The Chicagoland Fishing, Hunting, Travel & Outdoors Show is the largest consumer event of its kind in the Midwest. It will be held January 14-18th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. Major fishing tackle representatives, as well as travel destinations will be in attendance to display and talk about what’s new for 2004. Also planned will be Stage shows, seminars and contests for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. I know many folks that head right for the fishing tacklehall, or the travel hall to meet resort friends and to book trips. Show website: (Chicagoland Fishing, Hunting, Travel & Outdoors Show).
Still have cabin fever after attending the previous shows? Then you need to really eliminate your fever by attending the Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show being held at McCormick Place from January 21-25th. The show will feature over 600 boats, and hundreds of RV’s and booths for travel destinations. Fishing equipment, guides and lodges will also be present, but the focus is “Summer Fun”. In addition to the hundreds of boats and RV’s, main events for the show will be the National Casting Championships, (which include spinning, casting and several flycasting events), Extreme Zone (rock climbing), wakeboard and water ski clinic, fishing seminars, and Boating Resource Center. If you don’t own an RV, but are interested in renting, attend this show. You’ll see rigs, meet companies, and find out more regarding the RV lifestyle. What better way to spend a weekend than to go fishing and camping. At this show, you’ll find different companies, but also locations to travel to in your RV. For information regarding RV representatives, fishing resorts or show schedules, check their website at: (Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show).
The Tinley Park Fishing and Outdoor Show to be held on February 7 and 8th at Tinley Park High School. Each year this show gets bigger and better due to devotion of the show manager Rich Komar. I’ve attended many times over the years, the best part is the accessibility and comfort with attending a local show. Tinley Park Fishing and Outdoor Show.
To finish off that Cabin fever, try attending the Outside Travel Expo being held at Navy Pier on February 20-22, 2004. This show premiers resorts from around the world including representatives for fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking and general travel. Check the show website for seminar schedules and specific vendor information at Outside Travel Expo.
The difference between the big shows and the local suburban shows is understandably size, but also pride in community resources. Majority of the trip and talk locales are within a few hours of the show. There is also a good chance that you might know a speaker at the local show, or have exchanged emails of fishing locations.
Present at all of these shows will be resorts, guides, tackle reps and manufacturers. Pick up some tackle, book a trip, or try a shore lunch at one of these shows this winter.
We live in a great area which has many outdoor events planned. Anyone of these will get you out of the winter blues and into “spring fever”. Special thanks to Joe Danzl ChicagoFishingLinks for providing show dates and information. See ya at the shows!