The Wisconsin Muskie Expo begins this Friday, March 6th and runs until Sunday, March 8th. The show is housed at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center (formerly the Patriot Center) and features something for just about anyone eagerly anticipating the opportunity to start chasing the fish of 10,000 casts again in 2015. Opening at 2:00 PM on Friday, the first paid 200 attendees will receive a free musky lure. Show goers may also register to win a full week’s stay at Donner’s Bay resort on the heralded Turtle Flambeau Flowage and by bringing in a picture of their largest musky, register to win a free replica mount from Lax Reproductions.

Show organizer Rich Reinert explains that the concept behind the Wisconsin Musky Expo, now in its 3rd year, is rooted in his belief that Musky anglers in the fertile waters of Northern Wisconsin shouldn't have to drive to Milwaukee, Chicago or Minneapolis to see new lures and have access to Musky services and resorts. “I wanted the Expo to be friendlier to the "cottage industry" of small lure manufacturers, the place where most lure innovations over the past 50 years have been hatched,” explains Reinert. He continues, “In addition, I also wanted the Expo to be a great family Musky outing.”

A host of tackle and boat manufacturers, resorts, musky guides and other fishing-related service providers will be on hand to discuss any and all things new and exciting for the impending open water season. Various fishing clubs such as Marathon County’s own Wausau Area Muskies Inc. will also be in attendance to share stocking information, news from within the club and recruit potential new members.

The Wisconsin Muskie Expo offers, in addition to the myriad of vendors on hand, daily seminars. Speakers such as Northwoods legend Tony Rizzo, Jeff Van Remortel, Lee Tauchen, Chris Taurisano, Doug Smith, Rich Belanger and Spencer Berman to name a few will be sharing their wisdom on a host of topics sure to help you boat more and larger muskies in the coming year.

Following the show on Saturday night a lure swap will be available free of charge in The Bar at Cedar Creek, courtesy of both The Bar and the Wausau Area Chapter of Muskies Inc. The lure swap will provide a forum for anglers to purchase or trade lures amongst one another in a casual atmosphere while enjoying a bite to eat or a bit of refreshment.

No plans for the weekend? Now you do – stop on by the show, see what’s new, catch a seminar or two and stop in at the Mepps booth to say hello and talk muskies! I’ll see you at the show…

Tight lines,