BlogJanuary 2017

4 Reasons to Visit 2017 Winter Boat Shows

4 Reasons to Visit 2017 Winter Boat Shows

By Andy Whitcomb

Jan 09, 2017

Winter can be a frustrating time for boaters and anglers. Besides combating cabin fever, there are other reasons to visit winter boat shows.

Winter can be a frustrating time for boaters and anglers. During winter in the north, beautiful lakes with waves lapping along the shores slowly transform into frozen parking lots and campgrounds. Ice fishermen are the ultimate “lemonade makers” because they have found a way to make the most of this frozen winter stuff that to many, sours boating and fishing recreation. If, like me, you are still thawing from your last ice fishing trip, consider visiting a winter boat show.

Reasons to visit winter boat shows:

Probably closer than you think.  A quick internet search will help you locate boat shows nearby. In winter months of January and February there are boat shows in Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Nashville, and St. Louis, just to name a few around the country.

Shop. If you are considering buying a new fishing boat, you can compare not just prices but features and options. There are many types and sizes of boats and winter boat shows are a great place to see a variety to help decide what boat may be right for you and your family. Hop on that display model, sit behind the wheel, and fantasize about the wind in your remaining hair.

Learn. You will find a variety of experts at a winter boat show to answer all your questions on boat mechanics, technology, and regulation, registration information.  Some shows like the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel, and Outdoor Expo also will have fishing seminars from a variety of fishing experts.  And winter boat shows often include booths staffed by state fish and wildlife department officials.

Kid Stuff.  Many boat shows are family friendly and commonly include activities for the kiddos like a casting pond, fishing simulator game, or tackle giveaways. My kids enjoy a few minutes casting for trout at our yearly visit to the Allegheny Outdoor Show.  Visit the exhibitors list of a boat show online and you may find other booths and activities that will be fun and educational for your kids.

If you need a break from breaking the ice, visit a boat show. Search our nationwide database for a wide variety of boating and fishing events.

 
Andy Whitcomb
Andy Whitcomb
Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.