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djkimmel
2026-02-16, 12:16:52Stop by Booth 5715 at Outdoorama this week starting Thursday, February 19 in Novi! You know where!
djkimmel
2026-01-18, 11:50:18Great to see quite a few of you at the 2026 Ultimate Fishing Show. Now, on to Outdoorama Feb. 19-22.
djkimmel
2026-01-08, 07:22:54Stop by Booth 3054 right next door to Xtreme Bass Tackle and say hello today January 8 through January 11.
djkimmel
2026-01-01, 13:07:42Thanks detroit1
detroit1
2025-12-06, 09:52:48Hi Dan, see you next month.
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[April 08, 2026, 05:26:39 PM] -
Tons of Seminars at 81st Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids
by djkimmel
[March 01, 2026, 08:15:37 AM]
Latest Articles
Sat, 16 May 2026 19:31:33 +0000
UPDATE 5/31/2026: At least 6 Michigan State Representatives have removed their sponsorship from HB 5801 and 5802. Your actions are having an impact! Thank you! There was discussion at the May 20 House Committee, but the bills remain in committee.
Wed, 06 May 2026 13:21:52 +0000
The poorly written, damaging to Michigan Sport Fishing commercial fishing bills have been introduced again. State House Bills 5801 and 5802, introduced by Rep. Dave Prestin and Rep. Jason Morgan, have been assigned to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism.
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:27:21 +0000
This is a tale of two lakes. Intertwined lakes, in Barry County, Michigan. Where somehow the water has gone away. Upper and Lower Crooked Lakes, both near and dear to me, are suffering from the lowest water levels I've seen in the 35+ years I've been fishing them.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:07:47 +0000
81st Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids with over 4 Acres of Fishing and Hunting Gear, Outdoor Travel, Fishing Boats, Seminars, Displays and Features, March 12-15, 2026.
Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:05:49 +0000
If you enjoy the outdoors – hunting, fishing, boating, camping etc. – then Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi is the place for you and your family Feb. 19-22 when the 53rd Annual Outdoorama returns to town.
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Recent posts
#21
Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids 2026 / 2026 Ultimate Fishing Show Det...
Last post by djkimmel - January 01, 2026, 01:39:32 PMBelow is the volunteer schedule for the 2026 Ultimate Fishing Show Detroit. Volunteers who work at least 2 hours will get a free exhibitor pass to the show that is good for the whole show. I can only give passes to persons who help at the booth so please stay at the booth and help out during your time(s)! I will need extra help on Saturday during the Ultimate Bass Clinic between 2pm and 5pm for the 2-hour seminar.
UPDATED 1/1/25 (1:04 PM): Booth 3054 - Please help me keep the schedule up-to-date. PM or Contact Me if you have a change or any questions.
We could use 2 helpers for ~30 minutes after the show ends Sunday for tearing down, and packing the booth and materials into my car. That would be awesome if you can help!?! All volunteers will be added for a year to the special GLBass Friends group if not already in there (extended otherwise). And you will have my eternal thanks and appreciation (which you can remind me about
)!
BOOTH VOLUNTEERS SUMMARY
You will get more details in the private volunteers area of the forum. You will be able to see it once I add you to the temporary show group. I will state a few things now. I need people who can talk to others in an outgoing, friendly fashion about joining the websites - mostly GreatLakesBass.com and GreatLakesIceFishing.com, handing out stuff and just answering general questions about fishing. NO ALCOHOL in the booth. No sales or giveaways of items not pre-approved by me before the show. I can lose my booth from that.
This is only a 10x10 booth so there's not a lot of room for extra friends, family and stuff in the booth. Please NO extra people behind the table or blocking the table front who are not on the volunteer list. Much of the time I can run the booth with one extra person being nice for help and breaks. There are the potentially busy times afternoon-early evening Thursday (KVD), mid-Friday and mid-morning to early evening Saturday where 2 helpers might be nice.
I will also have be away from the booth from some time to be announced later Saturday, January 13, afternoon for the Ultimate Bass Clinic I help Wayne with - usually ~2pm to ~5pm. Extra help during that time is very much appreciated!
The schedule can be adjusted to accommodate people willing to help who can't fit one of the existing time slots. The slots are just approximations. THANK YOU!!!!
UPDATED 1/1/25 (1:04 PM): Booth 3054 - Please help me keep the schedule up-to-date. PM or Contact Me if you have a change or any questions.
Thursday, January 8
1pm - 8pm
Username Time
djkimmel 1pm - 8pm
1pm - 5pm
5pm - 7pm
5pm - 8pm
Friday, January 9
12pm - 8pm
Username Time
djkimmel 12pm - 8pm
12pm - 2pm
1pm - 3pm
2pm - 4pm
3pm - 5pm
3pm - 5pm
4pm - 6pm
4pm - 6pm
6pm - 8pm
Saturday, January 10
10am - 8pm
Username Time
djkimmel 10am - 2pm
10am - 12pm
12pm - 2pm
2pm - 4pm
2pm - 5pm
4pm - 6pm
5pm - 7pm
djkimmel 5pm - 8pm
6pm - 8pm
Sunday, January 11
10am - 5pm
Username Time
djkimmel 10am - 5pm
10am - 12pm
12pm - 2pm
1pm - 3pm
2pm - 4pm
3pm - 5pm (tear down)
3pm - 5pm (tear down)
We could use 2 helpers for ~30 minutes after the show ends Sunday for tearing down, and packing the booth and materials into my car. That would be awesome if you can help!?! All volunteers will be added for a year to the special GLBass Friends group if not already in there (extended otherwise). And you will have my eternal thanks and appreciation (which you can remind me about
)!BOOTH VOLUNTEERS SUMMARY
You will get more details in the private volunteers area of the forum. You will be able to see it once I add you to the temporary show group. I will state a few things now. I need people who can talk to others in an outgoing, friendly fashion about joining the websites - mostly GreatLakesBass.com and GreatLakesIceFishing.com, handing out stuff and just answering general questions about fishing. NO ALCOHOL in the booth. No sales or giveaways of items not pre-approved by me before the show. I can lose my booth from that.
This is only a 10x10 booth so there's not a lot of room for extra friends, family and stuff in the booth. Please NO extra people behind the table or blocking the table front who are not on the volunteer list. Much of the time I can run the booth with one extra person being nice for help and breaks. There are the potentially busy times afternoon-early evening Thursday (KVD), mid-Friday and mid-morning to early evening Saturday where 2 helpers might be nice.
I will also have be away from the booth from some time to be announced later Saturday, January 13, afternoon for the Ultimate Bass Clinic I help Wayne with - usually ~2pm to ~5pm. Extra help during that time is very much appreciated!
The schedule can be adjusted to accommodate people willing to help who can't fit one of the existing time slots. The slots are just approximations. THANK YOU!!!!
#22
Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids 2026 / Re: 2025 Ultimate Sport Show T...
Last post by djkimmel - January 01, 2026, 01:37:25 PMThat's a great question. Guess I better get my act together! Thanks!
#23
Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids 2026 / Re: 2025 Ultimate Sport Show T...
Last post by Skulley - December 19, 2025, 10:55:33 AMWhen are you going to put up the volunteer schedule??
Skulley😎
Skulley😎
#24
Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids 2026 / Re: 2025 Ultimate Sport Show T...
Last post by djkimmel - November 10, 2025, 12:07:38 PMI forgot to point out - NEW!! This year is a multi-day pass you can buy before the show for only $18. Multi-day passes and weekday discount tickets are ONLY available online at showspan.com.
#25
General Calendar Events / Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Ra...
Last post by djkimmel - November 10, 2025, 12:05:56 PMUltimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids
March 12-15, 2026
Show Dates & Hours
Thursday, March 12, 2026
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, March 13, 2026
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 14, 2026
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 15, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-14): $5
Multi-Day Ticket $18
March 12-15, 2026
Show Dates & Hours
Thursday, March 12, 2026
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, March 13, 2026
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 14, 2026
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 15, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-14): $5
Multi-Day Ticket $18
#26
General Calendar Events / Outdoorama
Last post by djkimmel - November 10, 2025, 12:03:54 PMOutdoorama
February 19-22, 2026
Show Dates & Hours
Thursday, February 19, 2026
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 22, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-14): $5
Multi-Day Ticket $18
February 19-22, 2026
Show Dates & Hours
Thursday, February 19, 2026
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 22, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-14): $5
Multi-Day Ticket $18
#27
General Calendar Events / Ultimate Fishing Show - Detroi...
Last post by djkimmel - November 10, 2025, 12:01:45 PMJanuary 8-11, 2026
Show Dates & Hours
Thursday, January 8, 2026
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, January 9, 2026
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, January 10, 2026
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, January 11, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-14): $5
Multi-Day Ticket $18
Show Dates & Hours
Thursday, January 8, 2026
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, January 9, 2026
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, January 10, 2026
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, January 11, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-14): $5
Multi-Day Ticket $18
#28
Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids 2026 / 2026 Ultimate Sport Show Tour ...
Last post by djkimmel - November 10, 2025, 11:58:24 AMI'm not trying to rush winter. I'm sure some semblance of winter is on the way. That means we are inevitably approaching the 2026 Ultimate Sport Show Tour - the three biggest, highly attended fishing and outdoor sport shows in Michigan!
As usual, we kick of the 2026 fishing show season with the Ultimate Fishing Show - Detroit! January 8 to the 11th, 2026, at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi! I'll be there, so you should be there too! Make sure you show up and tell me your latest fishing story!
Outdoorama, the All Outdoors Show and middle sister of the three Ultimate Sport Show Tour events, runs February 19 - February 22 in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showplace again! I need more of you to show up and visit me. Every kind of outdoors person attends, so I need more anglers to talk bass fishing! We can share some new secrets!
The 'grandma' of all outdoor shows - the 81st Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids comes March 12 - 15, 2026 at DeVos Place. Always tons of fishing stuff at this big, big show. You can see multiple Dans! Dan at 2K Jigs, and me! Plus, you can bring me a birthday present! One of those days I turn a year older.
More information is forthcoming as it becomes available from Showspan. Keep up with the latest news, announcements, contests and promotions here, and on Facebook at Ultimate Sport Show Tour.
BONUS: New this year though I won't have a booth there, but for you Pennsylvania anglers and outdoors people - the Ultimate Sport Show - Pittsburgh, running 3 days, January 30 through February 1, 2026! The new event will be held at Monroeville Convention Center at 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville PA 15146. If you within a drive, check it out!
As usual, we kick of the 2026 fishing show season with the Ultimate Fishing Show - Detroit! January 8 to the 11th, 2026, at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi! I'll be there, so you should be there too! Make sure you show up and tell me your latest fishing story!
Outdoorama, the All Outdoors Show and middle sister of the three Ultimate Sport Show Tour events, runs February 19 - February 22 in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showplace again! I need more of you to show up and visit me. Every kind of outdoors person attends, so I need more anglers to talk bass fishing! We can share some new secrets!
The 'grandma' of all outdoor shows - the 81st Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids comes March 12 - 15, 2026 at DeVos Place. Always tons of fishing stuff at this big, big show. You can see multiple Dans! Dan at 2K Jigs, and me! Plus, you can bring me a birthday present! One of those days I turn a year older.
More information is forthcoming as it becomes available from Showspan. Keep up with the latest news, announcements, contests and promotions here, and on Facebook at Ultimate Sport Show Tour.
BONUS: New this year though I won't have a booth there, but for you Pennsylvania anglers and outdoors people - the Ultimate Sport Show - Pittsburgh, running 3 days, January 30 through February 1, 2026! The new event will be held at Monroeville Convention Center at 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville PA 15146. If you within a drive, check it out!
#29
Bass Fishing Tips, Techniques & General Discussion / Re: NRC Commissioner Proposes ...
Last post by djkimmel - November 10, 2025, 11:43:28 AMGood news! Science has prevailed this time! Commissioner Walters withdrew his bass season closure amendment when it became clear in comments by Commissioners Nyberg, Fewins and Eardley that a vote on the amendment would fail!
No change for now to Michigan bass seasons. I don't expect the Burt Lake lake association will give and would not be surprised if Walters tries something else at some point even though the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division testified that no change was needed or wanted.
The summary article:
https://www.greatlakesbass.com/news/conservation/closures/inland-waterway-bass-fishing-closure-defeated/
We will need to keep an eye on this from now on. Pretty easy to keep track of what the NRC is up to by visiting michigan.gov/nrc and viewing meeting dates/times and proposed agendas. It doesn't take a lot of time to view them. The Natural Resources Commission has sole authority to amend and pass fishing and hunting regulations. They can definitely affect your fishing with a simple majority vote out of the 7 Commissioners.
Big thanks to the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division for bringing the science. We would not have been successful without that presentation. Big thanks to Kevin VanDam and Mark Zona for getting the word out before the meeting, and so many other people who submitted comments and came to the meeting to speak in opposition of the amendment.
No change for now to Michigan bass seasons. I don't expect the Burt Lake lake association will give and would not be surprised if Walters tries something else at some point even though the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division testified that no change was needed or wanted.
The summary article:
https://www.greatlakesbass.com/news/conservation/closures/inland-waterway-bass-fishing-closure-defeated/
We will need to keep an eye on this from now on. Pretty easy to keep track of what the NRC is up to by visiting michigan.gov/nrc and viewing meeting dates/times and proposed agendas. It doesn't take a lot of time to view them. The Natural Resources Commission has sole authority to amend and pass fishing and hunting regulations. They can definitely affect your fishing with a simple majority vote out of the 7 Commissioners.
Big thanks to the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division for bringing the science. We would not have been successful without that presentation. Big thanks to Kevin VanDam and Mark Zona for getting the word out before the meeting, and so many other people who submitted comments and came to the meeting to speak in opposition of the amendment.
#30
Bass Fishing Tips, Techniques & General Discussion / Re: NRC Commissioner Proposes ...
Last post by djkimmel - October 22, 2025, 04:31:26 PMI kind of forget that the Commissioner just threw Black Lake in here, but we aren't actually sure Black Lake even has any gobies. The DNR isn't aware of them and other anglers who fish there a lot said they haven't seen them. There is a dam on the Black River in the way. Regardless, just another example of how haphazard this whole issue is.