The Wisconsin Fishing Expo (WFE), will be held February 22-24, at the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, in Madison, WI. The Expo has expanded again, with the addition of more booths on the main and second level. The Expo will also kick-off at 3pm on Friday, an hour earlier than previous years.

“Consumers told us they wanted to beat the beltline traffic on Friday so we’re opening up an hour earlier to make it easier for them,” said Jeff Bast, one of the WFE owners. “We’ll also close the doors on Friday at 8:00 p.m., as the Expo naturally slows down by then and it gives our vendors time to rest up for the huge weekend days.”

Already more than double, and sometimes even quadruple the size of any other fishing expo in the state, the WFE offers over 150,000 square feet of fishing equipment, boats, and seminars-all under one roof!

“Last year the big addition was the kayak corridor and we’re bringing it back again,” said Dan Durbin, one of the owners of the Expo. “We’re also adding booths to the main floor and the second level up by the Fish/Wildlife Gallery and lure display.”

Several new seminar speakers will be adding to the wide variety of topics on most freshwater species. Attendees can expect to see Jonathan VanDam, Jason Miller, Mark Menendez, Jason Przekurat, Max Wilson, Lee Tauchen, Tom Dietz, Tyler Thiede, Garret Svir, Kendall Kamke, Adam Nickel, Gene Jesen “The Flukemaster”, Dave Roew, Pete Jopke, Alan Wiedmeyer, and Nichole Stone.

“It’s really a great mix from World Champion bass and walleye pros, to local guides, to panfish guides and muskie authorities,” Durbin said. “One totally new concept this year are two seminars from DNR Fish Biologists on rules and regulation changes, as well as, lake health on the Madison Chain, Winnebago, Koshkonong, and the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. We wanted anglers to get information on health and rule changes on some major lakes and rivers they fish here in Wisconsin. We’ll also talk about some hot fishing topics coming up at the Spring Hearings.”

The “Kidz Zone” is back and offers: free face painting and balloon animals, casting competitions, the trout pond, minnow races, and bowfishing. Greg Karch will provide three youth seminars that offer over 225 free rods, reels, and t-shirts (while supplies last, must attend full seminar). Our Prize Patrol will also being walking around the expo giving away free gear!

“We will also have a raffle for an awesome fishing Kayak, Mercury Motor, and other prizes,” Durbin said.

Looking for a new rig has never been easier with over 20 brands of boats on hand from 18 different dealers. There are literally hundreds to choose from.

There will also be over 300 booths with hard to find lures, major manufacturers like Daiwa and St. Croix, and several popular local bait shops on hand with great deals on tackle.

WFE has always prided itself on giving back to the community.

“Last year we cut a check for $10,000 to the non-profit Madison Fishing Expo that was distributed to nonprofit fishing groups and a veterans fishing camp,” Bast said. “We also let in dozens of nonprofit fishing groups so they can grow their membership and help continue to grow our sport. In reality, we’re giving much more back to the community than the $10,000 check – we like to think we’re helping the sport grow.”

As always, kids $12 and under are free. Current and inactive military will receive $3 off the price of a ticket.

Go to www.wifishingexpo.com for details.

Sponsored by: Crestliner, Subway, Don’s Marine, Wisconsin Outdoor News, The Big 1070, Outdoor Wisconsin, Lucas Oil, the National Professional Angler’s Association, Future Angler’s Foundation, and Mercury Marine.