By LOUIE STOUT
Michiana Boat and Sport Show opens Friday with more exhibitsNine area boat dealers, Canadian lodges, charter captains, fishing seminars and local club exhibits highlight the Michiana Boat and Sports Show that opens next weekend at the South Bend Century Center.
It runs Friday (3-9 p.m.), Saturday (9-9) and Sunday (10-3). Admission is $3 for adults and free to kids under 12. Parking fees (45) at the Century Center will be waived on Sunday.
The event is sponsored by the Michiana Walleye Club with all proceeds (after expenses) going to the clubs fish stocking fund and other club projects.
This is the second year for MWAs outdoors show at the Century Center and it promises to be considerably bigger.
Weve added the lower floor (another 16,000 square feet) in addition to the upper level we had last year, and weve filled it with exhibitors, said show promoter Dale Brindley. Were just about sold out.
Area fishing experts will share tips in seminars for bass and walleye fishing and modern day electronics use.
Bass angler Andy Buss will cover summer and fall techniques for Michiana waters at 10 a.m.; Humminbird Pro Staffer Mike Elkins will demonstrate how to use electronics at 11 a.m.; Lake Erie charter captains Craig Adams and Rick Kohl will cover spring walleye and night fishing techniques at noon; pro bass angler Chip Harrison will outline cold-water inland lake strategies at 1 p.m.; pro walleye angler Mark Brumbaugh will discuss big water trolling at 2; Harrison will return for a bass cranking seminar at 3 and Elkins will repeat his electronics program at 4:00.
In addition, a random drawing for a $100 door prize will be awarded after each seminar.
Brindley said last years show raised nearly $8,000 for the club and he hopes to double that this year. The MWA, while working with the Indiana DNR, has been instrumental in reviving the St. Joseph River as a viable walleye fishery.
The free, catch-and release trout fishing pond returns for kids and an indoor archery range will be offered for show goers to test their archery skills.
In addition to several small vendors displaying wares, two new boat dealers have been added, including Lake Drive Marine from Coldwater, Mich. (Phoenix and Skeeter bass boats) and Eagle Lake Marine (pontoons and Polar Kraft fishing boats) of Edwardsburg. Michiana Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram will have trucks and SUVs on display.