Star-Studded Seminar Lineup, Massive Gear Selection Highlight
Nation’s Largest Pure Fishing Show Jan. 8–11 in Novi
NOVI, Mich. — Hundreds of new fishing boats, the largest ice fishing display in Michigan, and a star-studded seminar lineup featuring some of the world’s top anglers will headline the 43rd annual Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit, Jan. 8–11 at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi.
Recognized as the largest and best pure fishing show in the country, the Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit is a four-day event dedicated entirely to Michigan sport fishing. Southeast Michigan is home to more freshwater anglers per capita than anywhere else in the United States, making it the nation’s largest freshwater fishing market. As a result, the show attracts more than 35,000 anglers each year.
“Suburban Collection Showplace will be packed wall-to-wall with boats, motors and accessories, ice-fishing and open-water gear, outfitters and guides, seminar stages, fishing features, demonstrations and more,” said Show Manager Ben Nielsen. “We’ll have hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest tackle, gear, fishing boats and accessories. Many specialty and custom baits and lures are only available at the Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit.”
The show’s seminar lineup features legendary anglers from across the fishing world. Four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion and seven-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam, a Kalamazoo native, will appear on Thursday only, sharing personal tactics and techniques. Michigan native Mark Zona, host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show on the Outdoor Channel and former ESPN Outdoors personality, will present seminars on Friday only. Additional bass fishing experts include Joe Thomas, Capt. Wayne Carpenter, Jim Vitaro and Scott Dobson, who will provide tips and entertainment throughout the four-day event.
Walleye anglers will also find an impressive lineup featuring Michigan native Mark Martin, a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame; television hosts Mark and Jake Romanack of Fishing 411; and Captain Lance Valentine, founder of Walleye 101 and The Fishing Education Center.
Special programming includes Ultimate Clinics on Saturday, with the Ultimate Walleye Clinic from noon to 2 p.m., followed by the Ultimate Bass Clinic from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, anglers can participate in the all-new Ultimate Detroit River Clinic.
With ice already forming on lakes across Michigan, the Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit also features everything needed for a successful ice fishing season. The Ultimate Ice Fishing Village showcases more ice fishing gear than any other show in the state, including the popular Shanty Truck Load Sale.
Additional show features include Lake Ultimate, a 110,000-gallon indoor lake that doubles as a seminar stage; the Hawg Trough, a 5,000-gallon fish tank filled with native Michigan species; a stocked Trout Pond; rock climbing wall; antique and classic fishing tackle display; virtual fishing simulator; fish-cleaning demonstrations; fly casting and fly-tying instruction; and dozens of charter captains and fishing guides. Attendees can also register to win a complete lithium battery setup for their boat.
Fans can attend the show for free on Thursday, Jan. 8, by bringing six cans or boxes—or four pounds—of non-perishable food to donate to the annual Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger Food Drive. Donations will be collected by local conservation volunteers and distributed to the Red Cross and area food banks.
The first 250 attendees on Thursday and Friday will receive a free collectible Dardevle spoon from Eppinger Manufacturing Co. of Dearborn. The first 250 attendees on Saturday and Sunday will receive a K&E Bass Stopper lure.
Show hours: Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday, noon–8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: $12 adults; $5 children ages 6–14; free for children 5 and under.
Parking: $10 on-site.
For more information, visit UltimateFishingShow.com or call 616-447-2860. Follow late-breaking news and updates on Facebook at ULTIMATESPORTSHOWTOUR.