By Louie Stout

When Michiana Boat & Sport Show visitors walk the floor of the South Bend Century Center Jan. 27-29, they will see bigger boats displays, more vendors and a full seminar agenda.

This marks the fifth year of the unique show sponsored by area boat dealers and the Michiana Walleye Association (MWA). Show hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9-9 Saturday and 9-4 Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and free to kids under age 12. It’s $5 to park in the Century lot but free on Sunday.

As always, the walleye club will provide some of the manpower and the proceeds go to the club for fish stocking and youth programs.

The biggest growth is in the boat exhibits as Michiana marinas are expanding their show exposure and newcomers have joined the exhibitor list.

“Although I can probably squeeze in a couple more small booths, we’re pretty well maxed out,” said show promoter Dale Brindley. Last minute exhibitors can call him, 574-286-6311.

New boat dealer exhibiting include Erie Marina of Sheffield, O. and L&R Marina from Shipshewana, Ind. You can get an up-close look at new models in fishing boats, pontoons and pleasure rigs as well as take advantage of special show pricing.

There will be other exhibits as well, to include all terrain vehicles (ATVs), tackle retailers, Lake Erie and Michigan charter captains, fishing clubs, conservation groups and Indiana DNR representatives. You can shoot in an indoor archery range at the Michiana Archery booth or utilize a Firearms Training Simulator at the PDK Firearms Training booth.

The ever-popular trout fishing pond for kids returns and with a new twist – a $2,500 scholarship opportunity. Any youngster age 18 and below can fish for live trout swimming in a pool. Those who register for the scholarship have a chance to catch a trout and have their names entered for a scholarship drawing.

An extensive seminar lineup has been added, headlined by TV show host and walleye and trout/salmon expert, Mark Romanack.

Lake Erie walleye charter captain Juls Davis will present a program about Lake Erie fishing at 6 p.m. Friday. Jake Romanack of the Rapala Ice Team will offer a hard-water lesson at 7.

Saturday, the St. Joseph Valley Bassmasters kick of seminars at 11 with a discussion about fishing local waters and tournament fishing followed at noon by the South Bend Power Squadron’s talk on boating safety and Coast Guard inspection requirements. The Indiana DNR enforcement division will be on at 12:30 to cover laws and regulations.

At 1 p.m. Saturday, the MWA will discuss local panfishing followed by an in-depth, two-hour seminar by the Romanacks and Davis.

Lowrance pro staffer Kendall Ulsh will devote an hour program to bass fishing and the use of electronics at 5 p.m.

Romanack will be back on the agenda Sunday at 1 to cover Lake Michigan fishing for trout and salmon. Davis will follow up with a 2 p.m. program about her experiences as a Lake Erie charter captain.