Fishing shows of interest to all anglers
A lengthy slate of vendors and timely seminars will highlight the Butler Fishing Show, to be held Feb. 9 and 10 at Butler High School.
According to Harry Marfin, one of the show's promoters, a broad spectrum of attractions will make the event attractive to anglers of all ages and tastes.
"This show was set up to include fishing for all species," said Marfin, who has acquired a well-deserved reputation as a skilled and successful muskie angler. "We thought the show would be more beneficial and more interesting for everyonethis way."
Co-promoter Howard Wagner said the show will feature more than 50 vendor booths, and charter captains, fishing guides, lodges and tackle and lure makers will be represented.
Marfin said seven educational seminars will take place over the course of the weekend.
One of the featured speakers will be Bob Brunner, a.k.a. "Michigan Muskie Bob." Brunner, a guide and lure maker, is a 2005 Freshwater Hall of Fame Legendary Guide.
I'll be presenting a seminar on fishing the Allegheny River for smallmouth bass and walleye. Other seminars will focus on casting and trolling for muskies and fly fishing for bass and carp.
"This show focuses on the small lure makers," said Marfin. "There will be some new products and some local lure makers who are just getting started. Youwill not find these guys at the bigger shows."
Nonprofit groups will be on hand, including the Butler County Humane Society, complete with puppies and kittens looking for a home.
Raffles will take place, with prizes including fishing tackle and a fishing trip to Mountain Muskie Lodge at Kentucky's Cave Run Lake.
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb 9 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10. Admission is $5, while youngsters 12 and under will be admitted free.
Additional information is available at www.butlerfishingshow.com.
Another upcoming show to be held in the region is the Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show. Now in its 23rd year, this favorite will take place Feb. 13 to 17 at the ExpoMart in Monroeville.
The many attractions of the Allegheny Sport Show include seminars on walleye fishing by Keith Eshbaugh, turkey hunting by Greg Neumann of Penn's Woods Products, tournament bass fishing by Doug Strickland and trophy whitetail hunting by Joe Kelly.
For information, visit www.sportandtravel.com/pittsburgh.
The Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show, held each winter at the Harrisburg Farm Show complex, takes place Feb. 2 to 10.
New this year is an expanded Fishing Hall, which includes more tackle and demonstrations than ever.
For information, visit www.easternsportshow.com.
