Features
Below is 2020 info. 2023 information coming soon....
Things to Do at the Show
New features and attractions for 2023 coming soon! 2020 highlights shown below.

THE HAWG TROUGH
Check out our 5,000 gallon fish tank loaded with monster large mouth bass. The nation’s top pros will be demonstrating the latest and the tried and true lures. The BEST way to see how a lure acts in the water is to see it firsthand. Let our pros show you how!

FISHING SIMULATOR


Are you a female angler or interested in fishing either as a hobby or a career? The sport of fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors be it alone, with friends or family. Regardless of age or physical ability, success can be achieved.
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Join us Sunday January 26th at 9 am for a meet and greet with women who make the sport of fishing their career, followed by a Q & A panel discussion at 10 am in the 2nd floor seminar room. Heather Hodson, Geri Meyer, Jen Ripple, Cheryl Smith, and Linda Leary are successful business owners, guides, and writers willing to share all the details on how to enjoy this great American past-time. On the show floor you can book women exclusive fishing trips, buy clothing and gear for the sport and enjoy learning opportunities throughout the four days. There is no additional fee to attend either session, or any of the seminars January 23 to 26. All are included with purchase of your show ticket.

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As stewards of these magnificent animals, we offer educational programs with a focus on conservation, while allowing children and adults an opportunity to see and learn about their unique qualities up close.
The Wings and Talons booth will be filled with live raptors and trained Raptor Handlers, prepared to answer your questions. The birds currently in our care include: Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, American Kestrel and two Red-tailed Hawks, each species possessing their own individual qualities.
For more information: Visit the Wings and Talons website or email info@WingsAndTalons.org

Sponsored by:
Wings and Talons: Raptor Education, Stewardship and Conservation, is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization run by volunteers who dedicate their time and passion caring for non-releasable, injured or imprinted birds of prey.
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Polish your Musky Angling Skills! On Friday, January 24, join us for Musky seminars all day presented by some of the best Musky anglers around including Jim Saric and others to be announced soon.
On Friday evening, join a question and answer forum hosted by Jim Saric that will include all of the musky pros. Two lucky forum attendees will walk away with a Musky tackle package valued at over $1,000 including a St. Croix Rod, Daiwa Reel, Costa Sunglasses, J Braid Fishing Line and Joe Bucher Outdoor Lures.
Supported by:

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Open to young people in two age groups, 7-10 and 11-14, the goals of these competitions are to involve America’s you in fishing and to foster in each participant an appreciation and concern for the outdoors.
Casting Kids competitions are similar to NFL Punt, Pass and Kick events, except the challenge is to “cast, pitch and flip.” These are three very important skills everyone needs to know in order to catch fish. Scoring is based on a points system so the young angler with the most points wins.
Since its inception, Casting Kids has reached over one million children.
Through the Casting Kids program, B.A.S.S., Inc. honors its commitment and dedication to our nation’s youth. At the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, Casting Kids will be presented by the Illinois BASS Federation Nation (IBFN) on Sunday, January 26. During the last hour of the competition, IBFN will be conducting the Illinois Casting Kids State Championship.

Exclusive!
Kid Scavenger Hunt
Hey kids, visit all the great Kid Fun activities on the show floor, have your checklist stamped and then visit the Grand Prize Giveaway booth in the lobby and get a free prize.
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*Must be accompanied by a paying adult

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- Check out the nature center with live animals and reptiles, outdoor games and more.
- Visit with Dan Basore, the nation’s expert on antique fishing lures, rods , reels and more. He will be exhibiting some of his collection for you to look at and learn. Bring in your old fishing gear for a free appraisal and learn about it’s history. Dan will tell you how to take care of it, clean it and share ideas for displaying it in your home. So, learn the history of fishing in grandpas old tackle box and bring it to the show to Dan Basore’s Historical Fishing Display.
So stop by and have fun with Chicago and the Midwest’s favorite outdoorsman Chauncey.

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Come and sit down with some of DRiFT’s best instructors as they demonstrate their fly tying talents one-on-one. View the actual bugs that fish eat under a high-powered microscope at DRiFT’s entomology table. They have hundreds of aquatic insects in our collection and laboratory quality microscopes
Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
Presented and staffed in association with:
DuPage Rivers Fly Tyers (DRIFT)
