Outdoorama

Speakers & Events

PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2009 Outdoorama.

Mark Romanack

Mark Romanack is a full-time outdoor writer, Fishing 411 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.

Saginaw Bay's Amazing Walleye Bonanza

Presented by Mark Romanack

This video presentation zeroes in on the most productive fishing methods, ports and times of year.  If you've never fished Saginaw Bay or if you fish it often, this informative multi-media seminar is a must see presentation for all.

Dog Gone Labs

Presented by Mark Romanack & Mason

Watching a finely tuned hunting dog is a pleasure and amazement.  Enjoy as avid bird hunter, outdoor writer and seminar leader Mark Romanack puts Mason, his four year old black lab, through his paces right on the water.  Covered in this informative demonstration are marked retrives, blind retrieves, whistle commands, hand signals and a brief discussion on understanding dog behavior.  The goal is to show that with a little effort anyone can effectively train their own dog for waterfowl or upland hunting.

Super Walleye Clinic

Saturday ONLY - $20 Fee

Walleye gurus Mark Romanack and Capt. Ron Levitan join forces for this mega seminar!  Some of the topics of interest that are sure to be covered in this seminar include crankbait trolling, using planer boards, fishing diving planners, using downriggers, snap weight trolling, techniques for drifting and trolling live bait and much more.  This special 2-hour workshop on advanced Walleye Techniques will cover every new angle for the fishermen who want to climb to the next level of catching walleyes.  Don't miss this opportunitity to learn from the pros!

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

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 Dave Engel and Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions. 

Sunday ONLY - $25 Fee

These two superstars of Big Lake Tournaments will share their special techniques and experience garnered over the last 20 years as tournament champions on the Great Lakes.  Whether it is long lining lead core, maximizing Dipsey results, getting the most out of your electronics, or selecting your tackle, time spent here will assuredly improve next year's catch.  Plenty of time will be set aside for questions and answers.  Don't miss out!

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. 

In Search of Perch

Presented by David Rose

David will share his inland and Great Lakes techniques for catching one of Michigan's most sought-after game fish...the yellow perch.

Pan Fish "In-Depth"

Presented by Dave Rose

Let Dave show you how to catch more bluegills and crappies on the open water druing the heat of summer when other anglers are calling it quits, along with other seasonal tips and tricks.  From dabbling with live bait, to casting artificails, this seminar will cover it all.

Colton Bay Outfitters

They are a full service fly shop offering the latest and best equipment and gear.

Getting Started in Fly Fishing the RIGHT Way

Presented by Colton Bay

Fly Fishing for Steelhead

Presented by Colton Bay

Mike Schultz

Mike manages Colton Bay Outfitters in Ann Arbor, MI.  Born and raised in Southeast Michigan, Mike has been involved in the outdoors his entire life.  During his teenage years he developed an interest in fly fishing.  The majority of his free time was consumed with fishing and tying.  After graduating from Eastern Michigan University he started guiding and working in the fly fishing industry full time.  Mike is an Orvis Endorsed Guide, Michigan River Guide Association member and a representative of the Ross Reels National Pro Staff.  He currently guides warm water trips on the Huron and southeastern Michigan Lakes.  His cold water programs include the Pere Marquette, Muskegon and White Rivers.

Great Lakes Steelheading: A Modern Spin on Traditional Techniques

Presented by Mike Schultz

Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Smallmouth Confidential

Presented by Wayne Carpenter

Dixie Dave

Dixie Dave Minar is a Certified Executive Chef and owner of the Old Dixie Inn located in Birch Run.  He has been preparing delicious fish recipes for most of his life and will be at the show daily.

Ultimate Venison Cooking Demos by Chef Dixie Dave Minar

Dixie Dave Minar is a Certified Executive Chef and owner of the Old Dixie Inn located in Birch Run.  He has been preparing delicious wild game recipies for most of his life and will be at Outdoorama daily demonstrating how to prepare one of his favorites "Venison Steak with Morel Mushrooms."  Come see for yourself how to prepare your next hearty venison meal and take a copy of the recipe home with you to try.

After each demonstration, Dixie Dave will answer questions and autograph copies of the best selling, Dixie Dave's Wild Game Cookbook.

Capt. 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.

Trolling for Great Lakes Salmon & Trout

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Jerry will share his vast knowledge of open-water fishing tactics.  This presentation will include the tips and tactics it takes to consistently boat limits of fish day after day.

Lake Erie Walleye Fishing

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Capt. Jerry will share his insight on fishing for Walleye on Lake Erie.

Don Miller

Captain Don Miller has become one of Lake St. Clair's most popular charter captains.  Captain Don's first-hand knowledge of the fish's seasonal movements and their habits has spanned three decades on the lake.  He has successfully boated over 5,000 muskies, with multiple numbers in a day and size up to 40 lbs. Well-known muskie fisherman, author, educator, and seminar conductor, Miller has authored many articles, and has been a guest speaker at many fishing clubs, outfitters, and organizations throughout the Midwest.

Open Water Trolling for Muskie on St. Clair

Presented by Don Miller

Don't miss this complete seminar that shows everything from fishing rod placement and types of baits, to catch-and-release.

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 Lake St. Clair Muskie

Presented by Mike Pittiglio

Mike's hard-core multi-media Muskie 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 Muskie fishery in the world and Mike's presentation will make your time next season on the water more fun and more productive.

Bob Brunner

Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Legendary Guide

Bob will show you how to make Buck Tails from scratch and different ways to change body baits to make them help you take more fish. He will also relate some of his vast experiences over the last 76 years.  He has fished hundreds of lakes and rivers as well as 2 oceans plus he has guided on Lake St Clair for nearly 40 years. He caught his fist Bass and Pike in 1929 and the first Muskie in 1931. He will teach you how to rig for fish so you have the best chance to get into one.  Will answer any question he can about fishing that he can and if he doesn’t know he may know where you can get an answer.

Casting Bucktails for Muskie, Pike & Bass

Presented by Bob Brunner

Dan Donarski

Dan is known to more than a few outdoorsmen as Mr. U.P. for his long tenure in honestly covering the Upper Peninsula for Michigan Out-of-Doors TV.  His love of this Michigan jewel is infectious and he'll be on hand every day to speak about the very best fishing opportunities across this great land.   From the Great Lakes to hidden potholes and big rivers to streams, Dan will help you in your explorations of the U.P as a premier fishing destination.  As Michigan Outdoor News opinionated columnist he's also ready and able to discuss the state of Michigan's natural resources and what he believes are the most critical issues of the day. 

Fishing the U.P.

Presented by Dan Donarski

Fred and Greg Abbas

Fred Abbas - He is known for his humble personality.  Fred shares the innovative tactics that have made him truly one of the top whitetail hunters to ever come out of Michigan.  He ranks #1 all time in the state for trophy buck entries (no small feat when you consider there are nearly 1 million whitetail hunters in Michigan).  He is the only Michigan hunter to have officially entered 4 record book whitetails in one season (1990, the last year with a 4 buck limit).  For this accomplishment and others, Fred was honored as the "Hunter of the Decade" by Commemorative Bucks of Michigan.  Abbas has entries in the record books of P&Y, CBM, Buck Masters and Long Hunter Socitey (most taken with bow).  You've read his articles and seen his videos.  Now you can learn first-hand the specialized tactics that have made Fred Abbas the master deer hunter!

Greg Abbas - Greg is known for his unique and informative articles and seminars.  His ability to outsmart his quarry on the spot with some of his innovative hunting tactics has gained him national attention.  Greg uses, not only his calling skills, but also the lay of the land, knowlegde of his quarry's habits and his ability to formulate a quick and successful game plan to turn a bad hunting situation into a successful one.  Like his father Fred, Greg is very approachable and well-liked for his down-to-earth "common man" personality.  In addition to being a TV personality, Gred is an outdoor writer, seminar speaker and President of A-Way Hunting Products. 

Off-the-Wall Whitetail Tactics

Presented by Fred & Greg Abbas

Greg Abbas

Greg's ability to outsmart his quarry on the spot with some of his innovative hunting tactics has gained him national attention!

Turkey Tech University

Presented by Greg Abbas

Steve Francis of Country Smoke House

Country Smoke House is known for their award-winning wild game sausage and jerky.

Deer Processing Demo

Presented by Country Smoke House

Steve Francis, owner of Country Smoke House in Almont, MI, will demonstrate how to field dress, handle, butcher and process your next whitetail deer.  Country Smoke House processes thousands of deer each year.  Steve is an expert in his field and will show you tricks of the trade and lessons learned over decades of hard work in the butchering industry.  He starts with a fresh deer and walks through every step of the process from gutting and skinning to butchering and packaging.  This is a must see for every deer hunter and venison lover!

Rick Carsten

Rick is an avid bowhunter who lives in Owosso, Michigan.

Bowhunter's Dream Trip to Africa

Don't miss this one-time only presentation on Friday!  In this unique multimedia presentation Rick will detail a recent successful bowhunting trip.

Seth McCullough

Seth is the owner and founder of Bully's Wild Turkey Calls.  Seth is a contest caller, seminar speaker and avid turkey hunter.

Turkey Hunting and the Life Cycle fo the Wild Turkey

Presented by Seth McCullough

Both novice and experienced hunters will enjoy this seminar.  Don't miss this opportunity to come enjoy the presentation and plenty of time will be available for questions.

Ed Spinazzola

Food plot epxert and author of Ultimate Deer Food Plots will be on hand daily to discuss all aspects of growing food plots for deer.  Ed is passionate about educating others and helping them create a unique food plot on their own.  With thousands of hours of experience, Spinazzola has learned what to do and what not to do to gaurantee year-round success.

Ultimate Deer Food Plots

Presented by Ed Spinazzola

When you leave this presentation you won't be able to wait to get started on your own food plot!

Michigan Gun Owners

Safe Storage

Presented by Michigan Gun Owners

Safe Storage teaches adults how and why to safely store their firearms.

Safe Kids Presentation

Presented by Michigan Gun Owners

KidSafe teaches kids the four safety rules...STOP, DON'T TOUCH, LEAVE THE AREA, TELL AN ADULT

Huron Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation

Open Turkey Calling Competition (Saturday ONLY)

Hosted by the Huron Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, this Saturday ONLY event will feature some of MIchigan's top callers as they compete for prizes and bragging rights.  Judges will include some of Michigan's best known experts.  Top finalists from the competition will be eligible to compete in the National Calling Competition.

Turkey Calling Competition FINALS

Hosted by the Huron Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation

Dennis Neely

Dennis is one of America's foremost authorities on "traditional" muzzleloader shooting and hunting.  The Brooklyn, Michigan native has many fans who read his articles in Woods-N-Water News, Muzzle Blasts, Muzzleloader, Turkey & Turkey Hunting and Backwoodsman magazines.  Neely dresses the part of a frontier sportsman and not just for his seminars.  He wears his buckskins when he hunts and shoots competitively!  Following his Outdoorama appearance, Neely will display several of his smokepole firearms and share photos and stories.

Traditional Muzzleloader Shooting & Hunting

Presented by Dennis Neely

Bob Martin

Bob is the 6-time MUCC Shotgun Champ.

Junior Shootgun

Presented by Bob Martin

Leo Cebula

Lt Col USMC (Ret) Leo Cebula is a member fo the WWCCA as well as an active national and international competitor on the Marine Rifle Team.

Competitive High Powered Rifle Shooting

Presented by Lt Col USMC (Ret) Leo Cebula

Ray Hanka

Cowboy Action Shooting

Presented by Ray Hanka

What's cowboy action shooting all about, who participates and where?  What does it take to get involved and how?  Presentation of firearms, accouterments and clothing.