Overview:
With the cold weather in New England, there are some outdoor shows that can provide a distraction from the cold. The New England Fishing Expo, Springfield Sportsman's Show, and 16th Annual Northeast Boat Show are just a few of the events that offer fishing gear, hunting and fishing seminars, and boat deals. For those who prefer to head south to escape the cold, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston, South Carolina, is a great option.
We should all know by now that it gets cold here in New England in the winter. Last year’s mild winter spoiled us, but reality has hit this week.
When -3 showed up this morning on the Silverado dashboard while heading out of the driveway and down the avenue, it was clear that it was cold. That cold will be with us for a few more days, so there is nothing we can do about it. There are those who foresaw this and took action earlier. Some folks planned trips south or luxurious cruises, but if you did not, there are some distractions you can consider.
You can peruse the pages of a catalog (some of us still get them in the mail) or go online to the many retail sites that sell fishing gear and you can buy stuff and dream about catching a big one in nice weather. Or, you can make plans to attend one of the outdoor shows that are a sure cure for cabin fever.
Unfortunately, the first show of the year, the fly fishing show held in Marlborough, got by me and was held last weekend. Last year, attending that show led to booking a fly fishing trip at Lakewood Camps in the Rangeley region of Maine with Clay Morin and Paul Rullo.
There are others coming up, including the New England Fishing Expo next weekend. It will be held at the Best Western Royal Plaza & Trade Center in Marlborough from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. Show hours are Friday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will include the latest tackle, boats, guides, outfitters, and lots more for a housebound fisherman or woman to enjoy. Parking is free and you can buy tickets at a reduced price online.
Coming up in February is the Springfield Sportsman’s Show. It is huge and every year includes everything for hunters and fishermen to get fired up for the season. Held at the Big E in Springfield from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, it is a great event to attend with the kids. Check it out online and you will see a number of interesting seminars scheduled that are presented by experts in hunting and fishing.
Another interesting show is the 16th Annual Northeast Boat Show in Bedford, New Hampshire. It will run from March 20 to March 22 and draws a crowd that knows that the best boat deals of the year are available at the show. Just about everything that floats will be there to check out, and it is interesting and informative.
My break from the cold will take place in mid-February with a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, to attend the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE). My daughter Jen, who is one of those who heads south to “winter,” will be hosting me. My first time at SEWE last year convinced me it is a very special event. It attracts conservation supporters from far and wide, and the most prominent conversation groups are there in force. Jen convinced to go after she met a number of people at the event who knew me and encouraged her to get me to attend. It was well worth the trip.
The three days are filled with many great events with great food, music, art, unique items offered by vendors from across the country and lots of interesting people. It is also great to get a little break from the cold and spend time in a very interesting city.
Meanwhile, my ice fishing tackle sits by the door as the cold weather, high winds and other commitments have kept me off the ice. That should end once this frigid weather exits, and then it will be time to give the JawJackers a workout.
JawJackers are a very interesting product for ice fishermen that is innovative and effective. The basic unit pairs with a jigging rod and makes the rod ready to set the hook when something takes the minnow or lure. It worked great late last winter on local trout and is easy to use and effective. This year, the JawJacker jigging base will get a try. This pairs with the JawJacker. It is battery-powered and has three different wheels that operate the jigging rod and then hook the fish. My attraction to gadgets is well-known, but these products are really cool.
Ice fishing has already been improved with so many new products that include shelters for one or a crowd, battery-powered augers, heaters and stoves for those shelters and great sleds to haul all that gear. Ice fishing is also a good way to spend time with friends and eat great food, and if you can keep the wind off and get a few flags, it is great winter fun. Stay warm my friends!
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.