PORT CLINTON, OHIO — The focus on fishing will see the biggest increase in the event’s history when this year’s Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show hits the docks at the Catawba Island Club Friday to Sunday, April 30 – May 2, here.
“This show is in the heart of the Walleye Capital of the World,” points out Michelle Burke, president of the Lake Erie Maine Trades Association. “Appropriately, adding a major emphasis on walleye fishing is intended to boost the overall show experience for our visitors.”
Leading the way will be a unique 2-hour fishing clinic, “Western Basin Walleye – How to Fish the Migration.” It will feature top pros and champions from the annual Lake Erie Walleye Trail (LEWT). These will include Jason Fischer, LEWT’s leader, along with anglers like Lucas Hahn, Jason O’Brien and others.
Attendees at this special angling clinic will learn where walleye typically stage and the paths taken as they migrate east. It’s all about critical location-location-location and how to use jigging, casting, and trolling techniques.
This special how-to clinic is scheduled for Saturday only (May 1) from 10am to Noon. It’s limited and requires a special $12 ticket purchased online which includes the show’s general admission.
No special ticket is needed, however, for the first-ever “Daily Dockside Discussions” feature in which LEWT anglers will be on hand daily to talk and teach fishing. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from walleye pros willing to help all levels of anglers in very basic or advanced techniques.
In addition, the LEWT representatives will reveal “tools of the trade.” These include recommended lures, rods, reels, planners and more. Plus, all this will be illustrated using a fully rigged Ranger 622 Tournament Walleye model. It’s a rare chance for face-to-face question and answers with the region’s top walleye anglers.
Of course, fishing boats always take center stage at this show. Among the more than 100 power and sailboats on display from small inflatables to 60-foot motor yachts, fishing machine of every description will also be showcased. They will range from small, trailerable single-engine center consoles to the latest big boys sporting 3 or 4 outboards up to an amazing 450 hp each!
While this show is totally outdoors, safety protocols will still be observed in all exhibit areas including mandatory masks, recommended social distancing, use of the sanitizing stations and rigorous boat cleaning regimens.
Show hours for 2021 will be: Friday, 12 Noon to 7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM; Sunday, 10AM to 5 PM. Admission is $8. All parking and shuttles are free. For the full events schedule and to purchase tickets, Go To: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com