Tackle manufacturers, fishing celebrities highlight Chicago Outdoor Expo

The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo is slated for January 28-31, 2016 at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.

Presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Expo packs 100,000 square feet with fishing tackle manufacturers, local retailers, custom rod and tackle builders, charter boat captains, fishing guides and camps from across North America and beyond, as well as a diverse selection of the latest in fishing boats.

Highlights of the show include:

• An All-Star lineup of the finest tackle manufacturers in the world. Be the first to explore these exciting new products for the 2016 season.
• Smaller custom tackle makers who offer products not found in mail-order catalogues or big box stores.
• The Boatyard--bigger and better than ever before! Not only an expanded array of fishing boats, but an extensive line of kayaks is also featured.
• The Travel Pavilion with more than 100 exhibitors from throughout the United States, Canada and beyond. Guides, lodges, resorts, charters and special regional promoters from around the globe can help you book the escape of a lifetime.
• Expertise from the nation's topnotch anglers. Already scheduled are superstars such as Michael "Ike" Iaconelli, Brandon Palaniuk, Tommy Skarlis, Jim Saric, and Joe Bucher, to name a few, plus numerous regional experts.
• Musky Madness Returns! On Friday, January 29th, it's Musky Madness at the Expo with musky seminars presented all day by some of the best musky pros in the business. That evening, the pros will attend a roundtable, hosted by Jim Saric. Two lucky attendees will win a musky tackle package--valued at more than $1,000!--including a St. Croix rod, Daiwa reel, Stormr Strykr jacket, Plano Tackle Management Pack, Frabill net, and Joe Bucher Outdoors lures.
• The Hawg Trough, a 5,000-gallon fish tank loaded with largemouth bass, is not to be missed. At the Trough, expert anglers will demonstrate the latest and greatest lures and the best techniques for using them.
• The Fishing Simulator lets visitors test their skills in landing the "big one;" they can also experience the new rods and reels at our 50-foot casting pond, also home to "Fly Fishing 101" demonstrations designed to teach the novice fly .
• Giveaways including Costa Sunglasses, Daiwa Baitcasting Reels, Berkley lures, Cabela's Multi-purpose Tools and more.

Directions: The Schaumburg Convention Center is easy to reach and has abundant FREE parking. Take I-90 to Route 53 North to East Algonquin Road (Route 62) West to North Thoreau Drive to the Convention Center. (The GPS address is 1551 North Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173.)

Tickets: Box office admission is $12 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 11. Children under age five are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets may be purchased online at www.sportshows.com. At the door is cash only.

Show Hours: Thursday, noon to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, noon to 8:00 p.m.;

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.sportshows.com