PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2011 Ultimate Sport Show.

Lake Ultimate

An indoor lake?  You bet!  Back by popular demand, DeVos Place will be home to this huge indoor lake.  With over 110,000 gallons of water, this lake provides the ULTIMATE opportunity for seminar leaders to present from rigged fishing boats while maneuvering across the water.  These truly unique seminars are seen only at Michigan's Ultimate Sport Shows in Grand Rapids and Detroit!

Sponsored by Harbor Master Docks

Big Buck Night West

Celebrity hosts Jimmy Gretzinger and Jenny Olson of Michigan Out-of-Doors TV Show, along with Tony Gates of WLAV FM, will interview the lucky Michigan hunters who bagged some of the largest whitetail deer of the season.  Special consideration is given to the hunters who have amazing stories about their trophies.  This one-night show will be filmed for airing on the upcoming television program and is a must see for every Michigan deer hunter.

Ultimate Air Dogs

Who says dogs can't fly?  West Michigan families have a big treat in store when the Ultimate Air Dogs Big Air Show comes to town.  Sport show patrons may have seen this on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games, the Sporting Dog Challenge and the Super Retriever Series, both on ESPN2.  Several champion leapers will be at DeVos Place for the event.  You could be a witness to a world record!

For more information and pre-registration visit:  www.UltimateAirDogs.net

The State's Best Taxidermy

If this is your first time, come down and see why so many people say when they walk through the front door of the Sport Show is:  "Which way to the Taxidermy?"  The Michigan Taxidermist Association holds their annual competition and convention at the Show each year.  Fish, deer heads, small and large mammals are all on display.  Upwards of 250 mounts are entered!  Most museums would love to have just a sample of this annual display. 

The display will be located on the 3rd floor "Grand Gallery Overlook"

Traditional Wilderness Skills Expert Jim Miller

Jim is one of the nation's leading authorities on the study and application of traditional skills and crafts.  The Port Huron, Michigan native discovered the beauty and essence of the natural world at an early age and has spent countless hours studying the skills of our ancestors in the woods, fields and streams throughout the Great Lakes region.  Miller has written many articles on traditional skills and crafts, which have appeared in publications such as Wilderness Way, Michigan Wilderness Journal, Woods 'n Water News, Whispering Winds Magazine and the Bulletin of Primitive Technologies.  He is perhaps best known for his all-natural brain tanning method of producing buckskin without the use of toxic chemicals.  Skins tanned through Miller's process were used in the movie Thunderheart and supplied to the craftsmen of the movie The Indian in My Cupboard.  His containers, hand-made from birch bar in the design of the Woodland Indians are featured at historic Fort Mackinaw.

Fly Casting Instruction

Come take advantage of FREE fly casting instruction coordinated by the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company.  Stop by and ask for help with fly casting fundamentals from beginner to advanced.  Professional guides will be on hand to provide tips and techniques that will surely improve your time on the water this year.

Fly Tyers Corner

Presented by the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company and the Grand Rapids Fly Tyers

Watch some of the top fly tyers in Michigan as they set up and demonstrate their favorite patterns or fulfill a request on the spot.  This is a constant workshop for anglers that share an interest in this artful pastime.

Trout Pond

Challenging anglers of all ages!  Even if you come just to watch you will see the highest catch percentage of any trout pond you have ever seen.  The Steelheaders will clean, fillet and bag with ice your catch for you at their booth for free.  It only costs $5 to give it a try,  proceeds benefit the Northern Little League.

Fish Cleaning Demonstrations

Presented by the Grand Rapids Steelheaders

Learn the best way to clean your fish.  All fish caught at the Trout Pond will be cleaned and bagged with ice for FREE at the Steelheaders' fish cleaning / demonstration booth.  Bring 'em home ready for the skillet!

Michigan B.A.S.S. Federated Clubs Casting Kids Competition

Seasoned tournament anglers are on hand not only to run the contest, but to instruct and coach the participants with their casting skills.  Spinning, spin-casting and casting styles are included.  Weekend competitions are open to all children throughout the show.  It's FREE with admission.  Bring your own rod and reel or use one of several provided by the clubs.

Rock Climbing Wall

It's a thrill - fun and safe!  Test your climbing ability utilizing the state of the art hydraulic belay system.

Virtual Fishing Simulator

Presented by the Michigan Charter Boat Association

Simulated fishing?  Yes, it is "virtual fishing!"  Take the trolling rod in hand, watch the video screen and get ready!  The salmon takes that lure like a freight train and your job is to land that fish.  Michigan Charter Captains are on hand to coach your fish playing technique.  Top scores win charter fishing trips on the Great Lakes!  Proceeds benefit the Michigan Charter Boat Association Scholarship Fund.

Antique Fishing Tackle

Terry McBurney, Woods-n-Water News staff writer, will be on hand all four days of the Show exhibiting some of his "Made in Michigan" fishing tackle collection.  A member of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC) and the Old Reel Collectors Association (ORCA), Terry is well versed in all kinds of fishing tackle - lures, reels, rods and accessories.  Bring in your old fishing tackle tucked away in the barn, basement or garage and talk to Terry, who will be answering questions and offering FREE appraisals ...it might contain some valuable surprises.

Vintage Boats & Outboard Motors

Dick VanRaalte, owner of Starboard Marine Restorations of Grand Haven, MI, who professionally restores wood and fiberglass boats and canoes, will be on hand all four days of the show exhibiting one of his favorite restored classic boats, as well as a display of vintage outboards.  Dick is a member of the Antique & Classic Boat Society as well as the Antique Outboard Motor Club, Inc.  Show visitors are invited to come in and talk to Dick about boat restoration projects or to bring in old outboard motors for him to appraise.

Pellet Shooting Range

Sponsored by the Newaygo County Sportsmen's Club

The Pellet Shooting Range will thrill plinkers and shooters of all ages.  NRA certified instructors are on hand to teach accuracy and safety to shooters of all ages.  Proceeds benefit the NCSC.

Woodland Woodcarvers

Come and see the beautiful and impressive display of the Woodland Woodcarvers.  Local artisans will display the results of their work, as well as demonstrate their considerable skills.  Every year it gets better!  Everything from the incredibly lifelike to the whimsically humorous will be on display and the carvers will be happy to talk to you about their work.