Big Buck Night West

Celebrity hosts Jimmy Gretzinger and Jenny Olson of Michigan Out-of-Doors TV Show, along with Tony Gates of WLAV FM, will interview the lucky Michigan hunters who have bagged some of the largest whitetail deer of the season.  Special consideration is given to the hunters who have amazing stories about their trophies.  This show will be filmed for airing on the upcoming television program and is a must-see for every Michigan deer hunter.

BIG BUCK NIGHT WEST - THURSDAY - 7 PM - in the Ballroom at DeVos Place

Great Lakes Duck & Goose Calling Competition

The Allegan and Grand Rapids Chapters of Ducks Unlimited is presenting this competition for the 5th time at the Ultimate Sport Show.  Competitors sign up from far and near to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights on both Duck calling and Goose calling skills.  The judges are among the finest calling experts in North America.  With multiple heats and multiple areas of competition, this is a huge event for waterfowl hunters of all skill levels from junior to professional.

Saturday ONLY!  Located on the 3rd Floor - Grand Gallery Overlook Rooms E & F

Youth (12 and under) Both Duck and Goose - 1pm

Amateur Goose - 2pm

Amateur Duck - 3pm

Open Goose - 4pm

For complete information and to pre-register visit www.callingducks.com

Grand Rapids Sanctioned Turkey Calling Competition

Hosted by the Grand Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation on Saturday evening.  Featuring some of Michigan's top callers as they compete for cash and prizes.  Judges will include some of Michigan's best known writers and call manufacturers.  Top finalists from the competition will be eligible to compete in the National Calling Competition.

ORV Certification Class

The Kent County Sheriff's Department will be conducting an Off Road Vehicle Certification Course on Saturday, March 17.  Certification is required for all children under 16 years old to operate an "ORV" in Michigan.  However, the course is available to older ORV operators as well.  Successful completion of the class will lead to certification as an "ORV Operator by the Michigan DNR."  A test will be administered at the completion of the class and after the class participants will be able to enjoy the show at no charge.  For additional information call 616-632-6223 (pre-registration is NOT required).  Class participants should check in at the main entrance Exhibitor Table located near the Box Office. 

Turkey Hunting Workshop

The National Wild Turkey Federation's annual workshop returns to the Ultimate Sport Show!  Calling, scouting, camouflage, positioning and weaponry tactics are all part of this comprehensive presentation on Saturday morning only.

Fred Abbas

Known for his humble personality and his own innovative hunting tactics, Fred is truly one of the top trophy whitetail hunters to ever come out of Michigan.  He ranks #1 all time in the state of Michigan for trophy buck entries (no small feat when you consider there are nearly 1 million whitetail hunters in Michigan).  He is the only hunter in the state of Michigan to have officially entered 4 record book whitetails in one season (1990, the last year with a 4 buck limit).  For this accomplishment and others, Fred was honored as the “Hunter Of The Decade” by Commemorative Bucks Of Michigan.  Fred has entries in the record books of P&Y, CBM, Buck Masters, and Long Hunter Society (most taken with bow).  He is known for his own developed state of the art hunting tactics that he shares in his many articles, seminars and videos.  Fred is also the inventor of the Bowgrunter Plus, the World's first and most effective “Social” deer call.

Secrets of Mock Scrapes, the Deadliest Tactic of All

Presented by Fred Abbas

Mark Romanack

Mark is a full-time outdoor writer and author of the acclaimed Precision Trolling Depth Guides, Fishing 411 television host, seminar leader and walleye fishing expert with more than 20 years of experience.  He will be on hand all four days of the show.

Open Water Walleyes

Presented by Mark Romanack

The Great Lakes are home to a host of outstanding walleye fishing destinations.  Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, Little Bay de Noc and other big water fisheries harbor amazing numbers of walleye.  Catching walleye requires some specialized trolling presentations including the use of diving planers, crankbaits, spoons and spinners.  This informative multi-media seminar is a must-see presentation for anyone who wants to learn more about targeting walleye in open water.

Dog Gone Dog Training

Presented by Mark Romanack & Mason

Watching a finely tuned hunting dog is an amazing pleasure.  Avid bird hunter, outdoor writer and seminar leader Mark Romanack puts his black lab, Mason, through his paces right on the water.  Covered in this informative demonstration are marked retrieves, blind retrieves, whistle commands, hand signals and a brief discussion on understanding dog behavior.  The goal is to show that with a little effort anyone can effectively train their own dog for waterfowl or upland hunting.

Super Walleye Clinic

Presented by Mark Romanack, Tommy Skarlis and Johnie Candle

It would be hard to find three anglers with more collective walleye fishing experience.  These men are ardent trollers who have spent countless hours fishing the open waters of Lake Erie and the Saginaw Bay for trophy walleye.  This special 2-hour workshop on advanced walleye techniques will cover every new angle for fishermen who want to climb to the next level of catching walleye.  Some of the topics of interest that are sure to be covered in this seminar include crankbait trolling, using planer boards, fishing diving planers, using downriggers, snap weight trolling, techniques for drifting and trolling live bait and much more.

A fee will be collected at the Show Thursday - Saturday morning of $25.  In addition, each attendee will receive a "Free Gift" valued at more than the cost of the seminar and a chance to win one of dozens of door prizes.  Those signing up for the clinic on Thursday & Friday of the Show will be given re-admission passes to enter the show on Saturday for the clinic.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the pros!

$25 Super Walleye Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Mark & Mari Romanack at mark@precisionangling.com OR at the Show at the Precision Angling booth #1355.

Mark Martin

There is no denying walleye are finicky fish, and fishing pro Mark Martin is no stranger to teaching others on how to catch them.  Martin has been giving seminars on the subject since his first tournament win in 1991, during the first-ever Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) Championship - which coined him the title "The Original Champ."  A life-long resident of Michigan, Martin is currently an instructor with the Fishing Vacation / Schools as well as a tournament pro with Anglers Insight Marketing (AIM).  Not to be missed, Martin will be giving seminars on catching walleye using modern-day open-water techniques and giving up his secrets to catching the most fickle of fish through the ice.

Consistently Catch More Walleye

Presented by Mark Martin

Mark will share his two-plus decades of tournament fishing expertise in high-tech multimedia seminars to teach you the methods for catching walleye in everyday conditions.  Tactics include techniques for successfully using electronics to locate fish-holding structure; tips for choosing, storing and fishing live bait; and tournament proven techniques for coaxing walleye to bite even in the toughest conditions.

Best Chance Too

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for the Super Salmon Clinic. They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other team.

Super Salmon & Steelhead Clinic

Presented by Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions

These two superstars of Big Lake Tournaments will share their special techniques and experience garnered over the last 20 years as tournament champions on the Great Lakes.  Whether it's long lining lead core, maximizing Dipsy results, getting the most out of your electronics or selecting your tackle, time spent here will assuredly improve next year's catch. 

The first 100 attendees will pay a fee of $25 for class materials and the presentation.  Included in class materials will be a "goody bag" loaded with their sponsors' equipment.  Plenty of time will be set aside for questions and answers.  The Super Salmon Clinic was one of the most popular features at last year's show.  Don't miss out!

Tickets for the Super Salmon Clinic can be purchased in advance at the Grand Rapids Steelheaders booth #2000

Capt. Bill Bale

Capt. Bill Bale of Best Chance Too from Saugatuck, MI has won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 15 years than any other captain.

Great Lakes Salmon & Trout (Best Chance Too)

Presented by Capt. Bill Bale

Bill's presentation will cover every aspect of his strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using his electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments he has developed for today's big water fishery.  Special presentations will cover every one of the hottest techniques on the Great Lakes.

Don Watts

Don is one of Michigan's most accomplished tournament anglers.  He has won tournaments across the mid-west and throughout Michigan.

Super Bass Clinic ($25 Fee)

NEW this year!  Michigan's own Bass fishing pro Don Watts will be the featured guest speaker at the Super Bass Clinic.  Don is one of Michigan's most accomplished tournament anglers.  Some of the topics that are sure to be covered are Jerkbait Fishing, Bouncing a Darter, Jig Fishing and Crankbaiting in the weeds.  Don will also cover specific lakes such as Muskegon, White Lake, Gun Lake, Burt / Mullet, and Lake St. Clair.  This special 2-hour workshop is intended for anglers who want to climb to the next level in recreational or tournament fishing. 

A fee of $25 will be collected at the NBAA booth Thursday through Saturday morning.  Each attendee will receive a "free gift" valued at more than the cost of the seminar, plus a chance to win the grand prize drawing.  Those signing up on Thursday or Friday will be given free admission passes to enter the Show on Saturday for the Clinic.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn form one of the best the state has to offer!

NBAA Pro-Staff

The top pro-staffers from the National Bass Anglers Association will present several how-to seminars designed to educate anglers on the art of bass fishing and the ins and outs of tournament fishing.

Topics will include Jerkbait Tactics and Drop Shooting for Bass with NBAA National Points Champion Don Watts.  Seasonal Patterns for Catching Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass in all conditions on jerkbaits and dropshots, from early Spring through Fall on Michigan waters.  Inland Lake Secrets with Paul Cowen.  Paul will share his secrets on inland lake bass fishing around the Detroit area.  He runs one of the largest divisions in NBAA and is an expert on bass fishing in the metro area.

John Gore will also be on hand.  His knowledge of fishing reaches well beyond just bass.  John will show you how to catch almost anything that swims.  If John isn't doing a seminar he will be showing anglers of all ages new hot tips and tactics at the Rig-It-Board, which will be located next to the NBAA booth.

Other special seminar leaders scheduled to be on hand are Dan Kimmel, Rich Kelley, Andrew Smith, Pete Lusis, Scott Tyrell, Ben Felton, Andrew Solomon, and other local pros to give tips on the overlooked lakes, secret hotspots and new techniques for catching Michigan's big largemouth and smallmouth bass.

NBAA - Pro Staff Bass Fishing Tips & Tactics

Capt. Chip Cartwright

Capt. Chip is one of the most experienced anglers on the water.  He was born to be a great fisherman, his family owns Wolverine Tackle, maker of the world famous Silver Streak.  He has honed his skills over countless hours on the water perfecting the design and use of fishing tackle and special techniques for maximizing the productivity of lures.  Cartwright is also an accomplished Great Lakes troller for limit catches of Salmon, Steelhead and Trout.

Lake Erie Walleye - All Season

Presented by Capt. Chip Cartwright

Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Wayne has dedicated fifteen years of effort to bringing in fishing information and bait technology to anglers.  The research done over that period resulted in the development of the Combat Fishing Weekly Newsletter, No Secrets on Lake St. Clair volumes 1 and 2, No Secrets On Lake St. Clair DVD, Marked Maps Series 1 and 2, and several websites including www.combat-bassfishing.com, www.basstothefuture.com and www.fishingspotspecs.com.  Wayne has also developed a full line of tournament quality baits by Xtreme Bass Tackle.  He has been recognized as the foremost bass fishing expert on Lake St. Clair through his participation in Michigan's major fishing shows, TV and radio appearances and nationally known product development.

Smallmouth Confidential

Presented by Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Capt. Dan Lipski

Dan is the owner of RiverKat Guide Service and is a professional local guide specializing in channel and flathead catfish, as well as a licensed Coast Gaurd charter captain. 

Tracking Grand River Catfish

Presented by Capt. Dan Lipksi

This seminar will help anglers of all skill level to more successfully catch these often misunderstood gamefish.  Spending the day on the Grand River catching catfish is fun for the whole family!

Tommy Skarlis

Tommy is one of the nation's top professional Walleye Tournament Anglers.  With a World Record weight of Walleyes from Lake Erie, a PWT Tournament win on the Detroit River and numerous Top Ten finishes on Saginaw Bay, the St. Clair River and Bays de Noc, Skarlis' seminar adds up to a Michigan must-see!  Holding nothing back, Skarlis will share all of his secrets and tactics that are guaranteed to increase the fishing success of beginners and advanced walleye anglers.  Skarlis currently holds the active qualifying streak for the Professional Walleye Trail World Championships - 12 in a row - and holds the title of www.walleyes-first.com Iron Man Champion - the number-one angler in the nation that fished all of the Pro/Am Walleye tournaments in 2007.

Walleye Fishing Michigan Lakes

Presented by Tommy Skarlis

Tommy will share all of his secrets and tactics that are guaranteed to increase the fishing success of beginners and advanced walleye anglers.

Capt. Doug Samsal

Doug is a full time Bass Pro Shops Professional Guide, professional fishing educator and owner of Doug Samsal Guide Service.  With thousands of hours experience on Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, St. Clair River and other local bodies of water, Doug is the perfect person to present seminars on muskies and smallmouth.

Spring Smallmouth on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal
Doug's presentation is packed with casting tips and techniques mastered on the water with customers of every skill level and ability. 

Casting for Muskies

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

Doug's presentation is packed with casting tips and techniques mastered on the water with customers of every skill and ability.  Learn how to maximize your efficiency on the water next summer!

Capt. Jerry Lee

One of Michigan's most experienced and beloved professional fishermen, Captain Jerry Lee will be on hand to share his vast knowledge of open water fishing tactics for salmon and steelhead.  Captain Jerry is a member of the Lowrance Electronics, Wolverine Silver Streak, Shimano, Big Jon, Precision Trolling, Offshore Tackle, Pure Fishing, Strong Flys and Maui Jim pro staff with over 30 years of fishing and guiding experience on the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes Salmon & Trout

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Learn the hottest tactics including the use of lead core, rotators, cut bait, in-line boards and the latest downrigger savvy.

Capt. Mike Pittiglio

Mike is a full time Muskie guide on the world renowned Lake St. Clair.  With over 20 years of Muskie fishing under his belt, he spends approximately 120 days per season on the lake fishing for Muskies.  His accomplishments include a 55 1/4", which weighed 41.45 lbs., three muskies over 56", and 39 muskies boated in one day. 

Trolling for Huge Muskie on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Mike Pittiglio

Mike's hard-core multi-media Muskie Trolling presentation will hit the highlights of last season on the lake.  He will highlight what it takes for anglers to find the best water and troll it to maximum effect, including all of the hottest lures, locations and set-ups.  Lake St. Clair is the best Muskie fishery in the world and Mike's presentation will make your time next season on the water more fun and more productive.

Capt. Lance Valentine

As founder of Lance Valentine's Walleye 101 and the "Fishing Education Center," Lance has helped countless anglers catch more fish through seminars, workshops and educational charters.  Over 20 years of walleye fishing experience has gained Lance the knowledge needed to become known as an expert on marine electronics.  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

The Lure is Last

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

Learn the proper way to approach fishing.

Jigging the Detroit River

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

Getting the Most From Your GPS

Presented by Lance Valentine

Lance will teach anglers the secrets the pros use to maximize the use of a GPS unit.  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

Glen Blackwood

Glen Blackwood of the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company of Rockford and host of "Fly Fishing with Glen Blackwood" is one of the State's most knowledgeable anglers.  He will discuss the importance of being mentally tough and focuses on success with the intensity of a professional golfer while on your next fishing trip. 

Making Friends with Fly Fishing

Presented by Glen Blackwood

Capt. Willis Kerridge

Capt. Willis is the owner of Thunderduck Sportfishing Charters and the new Fish ON Bait & Tackle store.  He is one of the most knowledgeable anglers on Lake Michigan.  Willis spends countless hours on the big lake each season consistently providing solid results for his customers.

Trolling Lake Michigan for Salmon & Trout

Presented by Capt. Willis Kerridge

Willis will focus on the best proven tactics to boat your limit of salmon, steelhead and trout trolling Lake Michigan.  With decades of fishing experience, this seminar will improve your catch next summer!

Marianne Huskey

Marianne is known in the professional fishing world as "Walleye Woman."  She is a 12 year veteran to walleye angling.  She has been competing at the professional level of the AIM Pro Walleye Series.  As the only female professional angler who competes in the Pro-AM Circuit, Marianne has been a highly featured angler in magazine, TV, radio and on the internet for the last two years.  She is also the director of the NPAA Youth Clinics for the AIM Tournaments.  Marianne works with other nonprofit organizations such as Fishing Has No Boundaries, Make a Wish Foundation, Anger Young Angler, and Women in the Outdoors.  With the ability to grab the attention of spectators while on stage, at the launch, or while conducting a seminar, she has been recognized as one of the most professional anglers among her peers.

AIM Pro Walleye Tips

Presented by Marianne Huskey

Jim Bedford

He has become one of Michigan's foremost authorities on fishing Michigan Rivers with spinners and other lures.  The retired toxicologist spends over 1,000 hours a year fishing Michigan Rivers and has written three books on the subject.  His most recent book "Spinner Magic!" has been a huge hit with Michigan anglers.

River Fishing with Lures for Steelhead and Trout

Presented by Jim Bedford

Jim's presentation will include hands-on instruction of how to use equipment to your best advantage.  He will teach you how to cover the most water and consistently out-produce other methods by targeting the aggressive fish in a long reach of stream.

Tim Fox

Tim is a professional trainer of pointing dogs for hunting birds.  He is the co-owner and guide at Shoot the Breeze Hunt Club in Mecosta County.  Fox and his wife, Cheryl, are breeders of top-drawer Llewellin Setters.  For more information visit http://www.shootingthebreeze.org

Professional Bird Dog Training Techniques and Tips

Presented by Tim Fox

Fox will teach the basic techniques of getting your dog to heel, to come, to cast for birds, and to whoa without using verbal commands.  This "gentler" method of dog training is winning converts all over the country.  Whether you own a setter or shorthair, wiemriener or wire-haired, these techniques will help pointing dogs live up to their potential.

Johnie Candle

Candle has been Walleye fishing since age 4.  At the age of 18 he began guiding on Lake Erie with his father.  After earning a Marketing Degree, his attention was turned to tournament angling.  Johnie has qualified for 12 National Championships, has several top ten finishes, and in 2010 won the MWC World Walleye Championship.  He currently resides in Devils Lake, ND where he runs one of the lake's premier guide services.  Candle hosts NBC North Dakota's Pro's Pointers and is the creator of Walleye University.  He can be heard on two weekly radio shows, Fishing with Johnie Candle on KFAN and North Country Outdoors Radio on KKAQ.  His seminars are sure to entertain, as well as educate you in the fine points of Walleye angling.

Bass Fishing for Walleye

Presented by Johnie Candle

Dave Mull

Dave grew up around Lake Michigan and started fishing for salmon when the first ones were stocked back in the late 1960s.  As a freelance writer, his stories and photos have appeared in In-Fisherman, Sports Afield, Field & Stream and many other regional and national publications.  He is a passionate Great Lakes troller and has been editor of Great Lakes Angler Magazine for 11 years.  With Capt. Dan Keating, Dave also founded the popular Great Lakes Troller Super Salmon Schools.  He fishes on the Great Lakes from Superior to Ontario every chance he gets.

New Techniques in Great Lakes Trolling

Presented by Dave Mull

"Doc" Paul Morrow

Paul has been featured on Michigan Out-Of-Doors TV and has been experimenting with food plots and habitat for many years.

Back-Forty Habitat Solutions

Presented by "Doc" Paul Morrow

This seminar will offer some unique ideas that can be implemented right on your own back-forty.

Will Shultz

Nearly 30 years ago, his first muskie encounter sparked an obsession with all things muskie, particularly Michigan muskies.  Since that life-changing day, Will has been fortunate enough to catch and release thousands of muskies, including many greater than 50".  Will is a guide, tournament angler, seminar speaker, Muskies Inc. Chapter President and Michigan native.  Through these experiences he has become one of the foremost experts on Michigan muskies.

Michigan Muskie Hunting

Presented by Will Schultz

Denny Geurink

Host of the Outdoor Adventures TV Show.  Denny brings his hunting knowledge to the Sport Show.  A well known book author video producer and published outdoor writer, Geurink's seminars are a must see.  Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a pro.  Denny is one of the top Turkey hunting experts in the nation and will help you bag your next gobbler.

Turkey Hunting in Michigan

Presented by Denny Geurink

Steve Francis of Country Smoke House

Country Smoke House is known for their award-winning wild game sausage and jerky.

Deer Processing Demo

Presented by Steve Francis, Owner of Country Smoke House

Steve will demonstrate how to field dress, handle, butcher and process your next whitetail deer.  Steve starts with a fresh deer and walks through every step of the process.  This is a must-see for every deer hunter and venison lover!

Chase Klinesteker

Klinesteker is a Certified Spoonplugging Instructor and close friend of the late Buck Perry who was one of the most successful fishermen of all time and the "Father of Structure Fishing." 

Spoonplugging for Perch

Presented by Chase Klinesteker

Eight areas of Spoonplugging knowledge help fishermen catch more of all species of fish.  They also target the largest fish of all species and show how they are similar.  Learn these concepts and how they can help you catch more and bigger perch on artificial lures.  Lake Michigan at Holland will be studied in detail with notes on perch behavior and how to find the fish.

Richard Holm

Richard is the owner of Sea Quest Lures in Portage, IN and is an avid fisherman with over 30 years of experience fishing the Great Lakes.  Holm has done extensive research on lure colors and the effects of lighting at different depths.

Great Lakes Perch Fishing

Presented by Richard Holm

Exploring Lure Color Above and Below Water

Presented by Richard Holm

Richard will examine how colors change at increasing depths.  This presentation is a must-see for any Great Lakes troller who wants to maximize their chance of success.

Team Morel Founder Theresa Maybrier

Theresa will be on hand each day of the show to share their tricks of the trade for consistently bagging more mushrooms.  Mushroom hunting is one of the top outdoor family activities in Michigan.  The team's goal is to promote and educate all enthusiasts in the proper ways of hunting and collecting morel mushrooms. 

Morel Hunting

Presented by Theresa Maybrier

Joe Thomas

Joe is a professional bass angler, author and outdoorsman.  He is also host of the "ANGLER ON TOUR" television show on the Outdoor Channel.  Joe also heads up the Ultimate Match Fishing Federation.  The UMF Federation gives grass roots anglers a chance to fish against the big boys.  Now you can fish against fellow UMF Federation members when you want, where you want, for a chance to qualify to fish against the top pros in the nation on the Outdoor Channel for a shot at winning the UMF Title and the $50,000 grand prize.  Joe will be on hand at the NBAA booth answering questions about the UMF program on Sunday from 2-3pm.

How to Book Your Dream Hunt

Presented by Joe Thomas

Modern Bass Techniques from the Tournament Trail

Presented by Joe Thomas