Houston Boat Show: 5 Highlights You Can't Miss

Wondering which winter boat shows to attend this year? Consider adding the Houston Boat Show to your family's schedule. As one of the longest running indoor boat shows in the nation, the Houston International Boat Show takes place from Friday, January 5, to Sunday, January 14, 2018 and features a few special highlights. 

Whether you're an experienced boater or have a newly acquired interest in taking the helm, this show offers educational experiences for boaters and anglers of all levels. Just check out this list of Houston Boat Show 2018 experiences that you can't miss.

Houston Boat Show Highlights

1. Bass Tub

Stop and gaze into the 5,000-gallon Bass Tub. A 40-foot long aquarium is transformed into a natural habitat for various freshwater fish species just for the show. To simulate the conditions normally found in nature, fish habitat is recreated using structure such as rocks and stumps. The use of active fish during the fishing demonstrations gives you the chance to witness different lure presentations and the associated fish responses through the glass. 

2.Relive the Golden Age of Boating

Visit the Antique & Classic Boat display in the lobby of the show to relive the golden age of boating. Whether you want to learn more about the heritage of boating, historic preservation, or craftsmanship of an era gone by, these restored vintage boats are worth seeing in person. 

3. Fish-O-Rama

Introduce kids to the fun of fishing for rainbow trout in the special Fish-O-Rama tank. Once you experience the success of a catch, you can even decide to take your catch home (show personnel will keep it on ice for you) or release it back into the tank and take only the fish tales back home with you. 

4. Build-A-Boat

Kids can help build an 8-foot wooden dinghy-style boat, learn to build a boat motor, or even paint a boat. The Southwest Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society will conduct supervised boat-building sessions on January 6th and 13th as well as on January 7th and January 14th from Noon – 5:00 PM. All of the wood boat pieces are pre-cut, and boat assembly is by clamps, glue and screws driven by battery-powered drills.

5. Ultimate Shootout Archery Trailer

The Ultimate Shootout Archery Trailer is a Houston International Boat Show interactive experience inside a 40-foot hunting trailer. One side of the trailer folds up to display a natural hunting scene. After a few pointers from an onsite pro, each participant will have the opportunity to shoot a compound bow at three-dimensional targets. Your family can even watch you in action and snap a few photos because one side of the trailer is made of clear acrylic plexiglass. 

Many boaters and anglers consider the Houston Boat Show to be one of the best boat shows due to the number of educational seminars and demonstrations. To brush up on your boating terminology before you go, you can use the Take Me Fishing boating glossary.