Ontario Fishing Network
Newsletter
www.ontariofishing.net
Volume 5,  Issue 2 -  Feb 2005

The 13th Annual Spring Fishing Show: It's the reel thing.

Plenty of consumer shows claim to represent the sport of fishing. Some do it well; others don't even come close. But not one can match the Spring Fishing Show when it comes to presenting the reel thing.

Brought to you by the folks at Ontario Out of Doors (OOD) magazine, The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), and the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, the Show, in its 13th exciting year, just keeps getting better.

If it has to do with fishing, we've got it.

Is this the year you plan on buying that dream boat? Well, we've got a great line up of tried and true boat and motor packages that'll suit any angling need. From canoe to cruiser, it'll be there, with some exciting show specials too.

Meet friendly and knowledgeable factory reps and nationally recognized fishing pros. They'd love to help upgrade your tackle box or direct you to our 2005 New Products Showcase so you can see exactly where the sport is headed.

Dreaming of big water adventure? Captain Art Gaetan of Nova Scotia's Blue Shark Fishing Charters will regale you with tales and advice about chasing fish that might bite back. Book a trip with him or any one of the 75 other outfitters from across the country, each of whom promises to make your next fishing trip your most memorable ever.

With more than 200 exhibitors displaying a multitude of products devoted to fishing, camping, hunting and the great outdoors too, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better selection under just one roof.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) will unveil the new 2-year fishing regulations and their new publication, "Emily's Guide to Eating  Sportfish." Conservation Officers will be on site to answer your regulatory questions and licence issuers will ensure that you're ready for the season. And since Youth and Urban Fishing is this year's theme, they'll be plenty of great information for the whole family.

Learn to fly cast or try out that new fly rod in our casting lanes. Take in free seminars by some of Ontario's best-known anglers. OOD Associate Publisher Burt Myers and Fishing Editor Gord Ellis will team up with some of Ontario's best muskie hunters to present exciting and informative seminars on how to catch these elusive water wolves. Angling Pro Rocky Crawford will share his secrets of catching shield country smallmouth bass. And just in case you've forgotten how good fish can taste, OOD Cooking Editor Sue Kane will remind you with a delectable in-house shore lunch and great cooking tips. Other well-known expert anglers including Dave Mercer, Leo Stakos and Charlie Wray will be presenting tips and techniques around the clock so you can start the open water season with a whole new bag of proven fish-catching tricks.

The Ontario Tourism booth will be manned by angling superstars Bob and Wayne  Izumi, Reno and Angelo Viola, Italo Labignan and Darryl Choronzey. These Team  Ontario anglers will reveal the where's and how's of catching fish in this great province.

While you're at it, why not bring some of that old tackle for expert appraisal? You might have a treasure in your tackle box. Then there's world-class taxidermy that'll make you rethink home decoration.

As always, this is a family show. The kids will have a great time in our 7,500 square foot "Get Outdoors" youth activity centre brought to you by Fishing Forever, and Kids, Cops, and Canadian Tire. Featuring 10 thrilling interactive activities the area is sure to please your young anglers - children get to fish for free in our ever-popular trout pond (adults pay $3.) Our Ontario Out of Doors Freshwater Aquarium, loaded up with some of this province's most popular game fish, will provide you with some of the best fish watching you'll ever do without having to hold your breath.

All this is in conjunction with the 77th Annual OFAH Wildlife Conference and General Meeting, Ontario's premier conservation gathering. (See OFAH.org for details.)

So come on down to the International Centre at 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga and find out what all the fuss is about. We're sure you'll love the show - for reel, and a whole lot more.

Show Hours:

Thursday, February 17, 1 pm to 9 pm
Friday, February 18, 1 pm to 9 pm
Saturday, February 19, 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday, February 20, 9 am to 5 pm.

For more information visit www.FishOntario.com  or contact:
Heather Albanese
Show Co-ordinator
One Mount Pleasant Rd. 7th fl.
Toronto ON
M4Y 2Y5
Tel: 416-764-1642
Fax: 416-764-1751


Adults $12
Seniors $9
Youth 17 and under free
OFAH members save $2 when presenting membership cards.