PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2008 Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids.

ORV Certification Class

The Kent County Sheriff's Department will be conducting an Off Road Vehicle Certification Course. Certification is required for all children under 16 years old to operate an "ORV" in Michigan. However, the course is available to older ORV operators as well. Successful completion of the class will lead to certification as an "ORV Operator by the Michigan DNR." A test will be administered at the completion of the class and after the class participants will be able to enjoy the show at no charge. For additional information call 616-632-6223 (pre-registration is NOT required). Class participants should check in at the main enterance exhibitor table located near the box office.

Turkey Hunting Workshop

The National Wild Turkey Federation's annual workshop returns to the Ultimate Sport Show again this year. Calling, scouting, camouflage, positioning and weaponry tactics are all part of this comprehensive presentation.

Smallmouth Insider

Presented by Wayne Carpenter

This next series of "Smallmouth Insider" seminars will hook you up with the actual research methods used by Wayne in the Lake St. Clair Combat Fishing Newsletter and two No Secrets books! Track bass movements across every stage of the season. Discover how to eliminate dead water quickly, raise the average size of your catch and hunt the big ones successfully. Wayne's research techniques put you in the drivers seat at the top of the field. Each seminar day covers new material, so come with questions, notebooks and prepare to get on the inside track of smallmouth bass fishing research.

Great Lakes Duck & Goose Calling Competition

The Allegan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is presenting this competition for the first time ever at the Ultimate Sport Show. Competitors are signed up from far and near to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights on both Duck calling and Goose calling skills. The judges are among the finest calling experts in North America. With multiple heats and multiple areas of competition, this is a huge event for waterfowl hunters of all skill levels from junior to professional.

Grand Rapids Open Turkey Calling Competition

Hosted by the Grand Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation on Saturday evening. Featuring some of Michigan's top callers as they compete for cash and prizes. Judges will include some of Michigan's best known writers and call manufacturers. Top finalists from the competition will be eligible to compete in the National Calling Competition.

Capt. Bill Bale

Capt. Bill Bale of Best Chance Too from Saugatuck, MI has won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other captain.

Great Lakes Salmon & Trout (Best Chance Too)

Presented by Capt. Bill Bale

Bill's presentation will cover every aspect of his strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using his electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments he has developed for today's big water fishery. Special Friday and Saturday presentations will cover every one of the hottest techniques on the Great Lakes.

Best Chance Promotions

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for the Super Salmon Clinic. They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other team.

Super Salmon Clinic

Presented by Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Too

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for this must see presentation. They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other team. The presentation will cover every aspect of their proven strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments they have developed for today's big water fishery. The 2 hour mega seminar will have plenty of time for question and answer. A $20 fee is required and each attendee will receive a "Goodie Bag" loaded with products discussed in the clinic and valued at more than twice the cost.

Glen Blackwood

Glen Blackwood of the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company of Rockford and host of "Fly Fishing with Glen Blackwood" is one of the State's most knowledgeable anglers. He will discuss the importance of being mentally tough and focuses on success with the intensity of a professional golfer while on your next fishing trip.

Mentally Focused Fishing for Maximum Results

Presented by Glen Blackwood

Blackwood will help you formulate a plan which is certain to eliminate mistakes and missed opportunities. This method of fishing is mentally exhausting and incredibly effective and stimulating.

Captain Jay Frolenko

Captain Jay Frolenko is a television personality, professional guide, certified instructor and outdoor writer. He has spent over 20 years on the Great Lakes educating anglers. As the owner of Strike Zone Charters, also partnered with the National School of Fishing, Captain Jay's considerable experience lends itself well to continued angler education. Nicked named one of the Great Lakes "Young Guns", is attribute to his ability and skill in catching large numbers of Salmon and Trout.

Great Lakes Deep Water Trolling

Presented by Capt. Jay Frolenko

The mystery and allure surround this new and not often talked about Great Lakes technique in catching large salmon and trout. Trolling deep, over 100 feet, is highly productive, but comes with some strings attached. Unravel those strings with Capt. Jay and find out how to catch large Salmon and Trout at depths not often fished. You will be amazed and shocked at the results!

Denny Geurink

Host of the Outdoor Adventures TV Show. Denny brings his hunting knowledge to the Sport Show. A well known book author video producer and published outdoor writer, Geurink's seminars are a must see. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a pro. Denny is one of the top Turkey hunting experts in the nation and will help you bag your next gobbler.

Turkey Hunting in Michigan

Presented by Denny Geurink

Tony Hansen

Tony is one of the nation's up-and-coming outdoor personalitites. Currently, Tony is the editor of Michigan-Out-of-Doors Magazine, the youngest to ever hold the position in the magazine's 60-year history. Tony is an avid angler and has spent his life chasing all manner of fish across Michigan. He is an active bass tournament participant, competing in NBAA and FLW events and takes great pride in being a student of the game. Being a bit younger than your average seminar presenter, Tony will offer advice and tactics for bringing newcomers into the world of fishing. There are right and wrong ways to introduce kids to fishing.

Family Fishing in Michigan

Presented by Tony Hansen

Turkey Hunting Tips & Tactics

Presented by Tony Hansen

Tony will offer tips on calling for turkeys for beginners and veterans alike.

Chase Klinesteker

Klinesteker is a Certified Spoonplugging Instructor and close friend of the late Buck Perry who was one of the most successful fishermen of all time and the "Father of Structure Fishing."

Structure: Learning the Lake

Presented by Chase Klinesteker

The most important part of fishing is where the fish are and 90% of the water contains no fish. Fish relate to structure. By learning the lake bottom and finding the best structures, we can increase our chances of catching more and larger fish. This seminar will address effective ways to learn, compare and record structure detail for more consistent fishing success. Come and hear about a different but very effective approach to fishing.

Captain Jerry Lee

One of Michigan's most experienced and beloved professional fishermen, Captain Jerry Lee will be on hand to share his vast knowledge of open water fishing tactics for salmon and steelhead. Captain Jerry is a member of the Lowrance Electronics, Wolverine Silver Streak, Shimano and Cabela's pro staff with over 30 years of fishing and guiding experience on the Great Lakes.

Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Mark Martin

Michigan's own Mr. Walleye and Professional Tournament Angler! Martin will share his two-plus decades of tournament-fishing expertise in high-tech multimedia seminars to teach you the methods for catching walleye in everyday conditions. Tactics include techniques for successfully using electronics to locate fish-holding structure; tips for choosing, storing and fishing live bait; and tournament proven techniques for coaxing walleye to bite even in the toughest conditions. Mark has qualified for 19 Professional Walleye Trail World Championships to date. He is the only person to qualify for that many PWT Championships and fish 101 out of 102 PWT Tournaments, achieving over 37 top ten finishes in his professional walleye career.

Consistently Catch More Walleye

Presented by Mark Martin

NBAA Pro-Staff

The Top Pro-staffers from the National Bass Anglers Association will present several how-to seminars designed to educate anglers on the art of bass fishing and the ins and outs of tournament fishing. Topics will include Jerkbait Tactics and Drop Shotting for Bass with NBAA National Points Champion Don Watts. Seasonal Patterns for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass in all conditions on jerkbaits and dropshots, from early spring through fall on Michigan waters. High Tech Bass with NBAA IT Director, 2005 BFL Event Champion, and Humminbird National Pro Staffer Doug Maurer. Learn the ins and outs of the latest high-tech equipment that you can use to catch monster Michigan bass. Featured products include the latest in side-view graphs, underwater cameras, computer-aided log books and much more. What’s New in Bass Fishing with NBAA Executive Director Jim Sprague. Get caught up on all the latest news in Michigan bass fishing from new regulations to new products to new techniques. John Gipson Jr, Paul Cowen, Pete Lusis and other local pros give tips on the overlooked lakes, secret hotspots new techniques for catching Michigan’s big largemouth and smallmouth bass.

NBAA - Pro Staff Bass Fishing Tips & Tactics

Ron Peterson

Ron is founder and host of the National School of Fishing and is nationally acclaimed to be one of the most knowledgeable all-species anglers in the country. For over 25 years Ron has educated anglers with his television show, National School of Fishing, broadcast on FOX and NBC locally. As a TV host, writer, educator and speaker, Ron has been engaged for over 40 years in teaching anglers how to catch more fish. Author of instructional curriculum and educational DVDs used in the school, Ron’s mission has always been to help anglers catch more fish. To that end, Ron has developed an on-water crankbait fishing program guaranteed to help you use your cranks more effectively in all conditions.

Crank Fishing - The #1 Bait

Presented by Ron Peterson

Mike Pittiglio

Mike Pittiglio of Muskie Mania Sport Fishing Charters is one of the hottest young professional charter operators on Lake St. Clair.

Trolling for Huge Musky on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Mike Pittiglio

Mike's hard-core multi-media Musky Trolling presentation will hit the highlights of last season on the lake. He will highlight what it takes for anglers to find the best water and troll it to maximum effect. Lake St. Clair is the best Musky fishery in the world and Mike's presentation will make your time next season on the water more fun and more productive.

Randy Ramsey

Ranger Boats is proud to bring you pro-staff member Randy Ramsey! Randy has competed successfully at multiple levels of competitive fishing and has been giving seminars for over a decade. Are you looking for a way to simplify your fishing? There are so many tackle, equipment and line options today that it is difficult to decide what you really need. It's easy to spend more time thinking about what to use than actually doing it. Let professional bass angler Randy Ramsey teach you how to "KISS" the next time you go out on the water. Randy will show you a few of the most successful lures and presentations that will catch multiple game fish in Michigan.

Bass Sense, Fish's Sense of What to Eat

Presented by Randy Ramsey

Are you looking for a way to simplify your fishing? There are so many tackle, equipment and line options today that it is difficult to decide what really you need. It's easy to spend more time thinking about what to use than actually doing it. Let professional bass angler Randy Ramsey teach you "Bass Sense" and make "sense" out of a fish's natural abilities to decide what to eat.

Mark Romanack

Mark Romanack is a full-time outdoor writer, television host, seminar leader and fishing expert with more than 20 years of experience. He will be on hand all four days of the show. The author of 11 books on fishing, Romanack is also the man behind the popular Precision Trolling Depth Guide Series. Hailed as "The Troller's Bible", this unique trolling guide is used by thousands of anglers to be more successful on the water. Starting in January 2008, Romanack is hosting a new television program called Fishing 411 that is broadcast nationwide on the Sportsman Channel.

Super Walleye Clinic

Presented by Mark Romanack and a special guest host.

Imagine tapping into the collective brains of not one, but two of the nation's leading authorities on the subject of walleye fishing. The floor is open to any topic relating to walleye fishing and you've got a front row seat. Now imagine each guest is awarded a "goodie bag" full of fishing merchandise worth more than double the admission fee. On top of all this there are door prizes and a grand prize drawing for a guided fishing trip on Lake Erie! The Super Walleye Clinic, brought to you by walleye expert Mark Romanack, is a crash course in walleye fishing savvy and know-how. Join Mark and his special guest speaker for a special 2-hour workshop that covers all aspects of walleye fishing from crankbait to live bait and beyond. A fee of $20 will be collected at the show. In addition, each attendee will receive a "free gift" valued at more than the cost fo the clinic and a chance to win one of dozens of door prizes. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the pros!

Fishing 411 - Walleye Beyond the Basics

Presented by Mark Romanack

This seminar will blend action fishing clips from the first season of Fishing 411, along with striking photographs to form an educational and entertaining multi-media presentation.

David A. Rose

As an outdoor writer, photographer and fishing guide (www.wildfishing.com), David has spent countless hours on the waters of Michigan and around the country, fishing for a multitude of species including the family of panfish.

Pan Fishing in Michigan

Presented by David Rose

Let Dave show you the rigs and gear he uses to catch open-water panfish, along with seasonal habits.

Kim Stricker

Host of the new Hook n’ Look TV program. Kim is a consistent pro on the Bassmaster and FLW tour. Winner of the 1994 Bassmaster Michigan Top-100. Bassmaster Classic and FLW Championship Qualifier. Stricker is a veteran of more than 170 National bass tournaments. The Michigan Pro has earned a reputation as an acknowledged expert on the smallmouth bass. Few pros have attained the intimate knowledge of the habits and habitats of smallmouth bass as has Stricker, who is also an experienced underwater videographer. As a result, his dynamic multimedia presentations are popular with anglers throughout smallmouth country.

Hook n' Look Bass Fishing Presentation

Presented by Kim Stricker

Team Morel - John and Theresa Maybrier

Expert mushroom hunters as well as close friends and business associates of the late Larry Lonik, John and Theresa will be on hand each day of the show to share their tricks of the trade for consistently bagging more mushroons. Mushroom hunting is one of the top outdoor family activities in Michigan. The team's goal is to promote and educate all enthusiasts in the proper ways of hunting and collecting morel mushrooms.

Hunting Morel Mushrooms

Presented by Team Morel

Attend this seminar and you'll eat better next year!

Joe Thomas

Joe is a professional bass angler, author and outdoorsman. He is also host of the "ANGLER ON TOUR" television show on the Outdoor Channel.

Reaction Baits for Great Lakes Smallmouth

Presented by Joe Thomas

Thomas tells all about how to use reaction baits to boat more bass on Michigan's Great Lakes.

Shag Trent

He is a premier Great Lakes Tributary Guide with experience in fishing all five of the Great Lakes. Trent is greatly skilled in fishing the Grand River, in particular the best quarter-mile stretch in the nation for the most varied of species. He is the owner of the oldest sporting goods store in Grand Rapids, TNB Outfitters (formerly Johnny's Sporting Goods). Trent has a passion for fishing and guiding and is on the water almost every day of the year.

Steelhead & Salmon: Fishing the Grand River

Presented by Shag Trent

This seminar will educate participants in varied tactics for catching steelhead and salmon. These include drifting with spawn and using jigs, flies and wobble glows. Participants are guaranteed to leave with the knowledge and confidence of fishing for one of the most sought after fish in the Great Lakes.

Lance Valentine

Almost 10 years of experience as a Charter Captain in Michigan has gained Lance the knowledge needed to become known as an expert on marine electronics! Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

Sonar, The Basics & Beyond

Presented by Lance Valentine

Lance helps you understand, tune and interpret the most important and least understood piece of fishing equipment - the sonar unit.

Getting the Most From Your GPS