PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2009 Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids.

ORV Certification Class

The Kent County Sheriff's Department will be conducting an Off Road Vehicle Certification Course.  Certification is required for all children under 16 years old to operate an "ORV" in Michigan.  However, the course is available to older ORV operators as well.  Successful completion of the class will lead to certification as an "ORV Operator by the Michigan DNR."  A test will be administered at the completion of the class and after the class participants will be able to enjoy the show at no charge.  For additional information call 616-632-6223 (pre-registration is NOT required).  Class participants should check in at the main enterance exhibitor table located near the box office. 

Turkey Hunting Workshop

The National Wild Turkey Federation's annual workshop returns to the Ultimate Sport Show again this year.  Calling, scouting, camouflage, positioning and weaponry tactics are all part of this comprehensive presentation on Saturday morning only.

Great Lakes Duck & Goose Calling Competition

The Allegan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is presenting this competition for the first time ever at the Ultimate Sport Show.  Competitors are signed up from far and near to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights on both Duck calling and Goose calling skills.  The judges are among the finest calling experts in North America.  With multiple heats and multiple areas of competition, this is a huge event for waterfowl hunters of all skill levels from junior to professional.

Saturday - Located in Grand Gallery Overlook Rooms D & E (3rd story)

•      Amateur Duck - 1pm start
•      Amateur Goose - 2pm start
•      Open Duck - 3pm start
•      Open Goose - 4pm start

Grand Rapids Sanctioned Turkey Calling Competition

Hosted by the Grand Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation on Saturday evening.  Featuring some of Michigan's top callers as they compete for cash and prizes.  Judges will include some of Michigan's best known writers and call manufacturers.  Top finalists from the competition will be eligible to compete in the National Calling Competition.

Kevin VanDam

2001 BassMaster Classic Champion and 1994,1996 & 1999 B.A.S.S. Angler Of The Year!  Kevin is one of the most accomplished fishermen of all time.  VanDam's list of national level accomplishments is incredible. This Kalamazoo native not only out-fishes most top bass anglers, but also could do it on walleye, pike, bluegill, steelhead or any Michigan gamefish.  This is a special appearance!  Kevin is called by many in the Bass Fishing community as the "Best in the World!"

Ultimate Bass Fishing

Presented by Kevin VanDam

Johnathon VanDam

Professional Bass Fisherman of the BASS Open Circuit, 19-year-old Jonathon stunned the bass fishing community with a 3rd place finish in his professional debut at the St. Johns River Southern Opens.  He is an accomplished Michigan tournament angler.  He continues the family tradition as the nephew of BASS Elite Series Angler, 2-time Classic Champ, 3-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam and son of the well known and accomplished bass fishing expert Randy VanDam, owner of D&R Sports in Kalamazoo.  Anglers, keep your eye on Jonathan, a true up-and-coming tournament professional.

Spring Bass Fishing in Michigan

Presented by Jonathon VanDam

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

Mark will zero 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 an amazing pleasure.  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 retrives, 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

Presented by Mark Romanack and a special guest host Tommy Skarlis. 

Imagine tapping into the collective brains of not one, but two of the nation's leading authorities on the subject of walleye fishing.  The floor is open to any topic relating to walleye fishing and you've got a front row seat.  Now imagine each guest is awarded a "goodie bag" full of fishing merchandise worth more than double the admission fee.  On top of all this there are door prizes and a grand prize drawing for a guided fishing trip on Lake Erie!  The Super Walleye Clinic, brought to you by walleye expert Mark Romanack and Tommy Skarlis, is a crash course in walleye fishing savvy and know-how.  Join Mark and his special guest speaker for a special 2-hour workshop that covers all aspects of walleye fishing from crankbait to live bait and beyond.  A fee of $25 will be collected at the show.  In addition, each attendee will receive a "free gift" valued at more than the cost fo the clinic and a chance to win one of dozens of door prizes.  Don't miss this opportunity 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 Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Too

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for this must see presentation.  They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other team.  The presentation will cover every aspect of their proven strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments they have developed for today's big water fishery.  The 2 hour mega seminar will have plenty of time for question and answer.  A $25 fee is required and each attendee will receive a "Goodie Bag" loaded with products discussed in the clinic and valued at more than twice the cost. 

Capt. Bill Bale

Capt. Bill Bale of Best Chance Too from Saugatuck, MI has won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other captain.

Great Lakes Salmon & Trout (Best Chance Too)

Presented by Capt. Bill Bale

Bill's presentation will cover every aspect of his strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using his electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments he has developed for today's big water fishery.  Special Friday and Saturday presentations will cover every one of the hottest techniques on the Great Lakes.

NBAA Pro-Staff

The Top Pro-staffers from the National Bass Anglers Association will present several how-to seminars designed to educate anglers on the art of bass fishing and the ins and outs of tournament fishing.

NBAA - Pro Staff Bass Fishing Tips & Tactics

Shag Trent

He is a premier Great Lakes Tributary Guide with experience in fishing all five of the Great Lakes.  Trent is greatly skilled in fishing the Grand River, in particular the best quarter-mile stretch in the nation for the most varied of species.  He is the owner of the oldest sporting goods store in Grand Rapids, TNB Outfitters (formerly Johnny's Sporting Goods).  Trent has a passion for fishing and guiding and is on the water almost every day of the year. 

Steelhead & Salmon: Fishing the Grand River

Presented by Shag Trent

This seminar will educate participants in varied tactics for catching steelhead and salmon.  These include drifting with spawn and using jigs, flies and wobble glows.  Participants are guaranteed to leave with the knowledge and confidence of fishing for one of the most sought after fish in the Great Lakes.

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 David Rose

David will teach you the skills to help you catch more bluegills and crappies on the open water during 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 artificials, this seminar will cover it all.

Pan Fishing in Michigan

Presented by David Rose

Let Dave show you the rigs and gear he uses to catch open-water panfish, along with seasonal habits.

Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Smallmouth Confidential

Presented by Wayne Carpenter

This seminar series is based on the new book by Capt. Wayne Carpenter, Smallmouth Confidential.  Research techniques used to create the Combat Bass Fishing newsletter, No Secrets on Lake St. Clair books, the Mark Map Series and tournament winning baits like St. Clair Crayfish are now available to you.  Get in on the action with techniques about eliminating dead water, identifying spots and areas that hold the most bass, using high-percentage baits and how to collect and analyze data.  Each seminar covers a new topic, so don't miss a single opportunity to get these new tools and experience the best bass fishing season you've ever had.

Capt. Dan Lipski

Dan is the owner of RiverKat Guide Service and is a professional local guide specializing in channel and flathead catfish, as well as a licensed Coast Gaurd charter captain. 

Tracking Grand River Catfish

Presented by Capt. Dan Lipksi

This seminar will help anglers of all skill level to more successfully catch these often misunderstood gamefish.  Spending the day on the Grand River catching catfish is fun for the whole family!

Tommy Skarlis

Tommy is one of the nation's top professional Walleye Tournament Anglers.  With a World Record weight of Walleyes from Lake Erie, a PWT Tournament win on the Detroit River and numerous Top Ten finishes on Saginaw Bay, the St. Clair River and Bays de Noc, Skarlis' seminar adds up to a Michigan must-see!  Holding nothing back, Skarlis will share all of his secrets and tactics that are gauranteed to increase the fishing success of beginners and advanced walleye anglers.  Skarlis currently holds the active qualifying streak for the Professional Walleye Trail World Championships - 12 in a row - and holds the title of www.walleyes-first.com Iron Man Champion - the number-one angler in the nation that fished all of the Pro/Am Walleye tournaments in 2007.

Great Lakes Open Water Walleyes

Presented by Tommy Skarlis

Walleye, Vertical Jigging Secrets

Presented by Tommy Skarlis

Capt. Doug Samsal

Doug is a full time professional guide, charter captain and power of Doug Samsal Guide Service.  With thousands of hours experience on Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, St. Clair River and other local bodies of water, Doug is the perfect person to present seminars on "Multi-Species Fishing on Lake St. Clair."

Multi Species Fishing on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

With Doug's specific knowledge of targeting and catching monster smallmouth, muskie, walleye and anything else that swims, this seminar will help you maximize your efficiency on the water next summer.

Salmon Fishing the Manistee River

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

From casting to float fishing, Doug will detail the use of spawn and other great tips to improve your catch.

Capt. Jay Frolenko

Captain Jay Frolenko is a television personality, professional guide, certified instructor and outdoor writer.  He has spent over 20 years on the Great Lakes educating anglers.  As the owner of Strike Zone Charters, also partnered with the National School of Fishing, Captain Jay's considerable experience lends itself well to continued angler education.  Nicked named one of the Great Lakes "Young Guns", is attribute to his ability and skill in catching large numbers of Salmon and Trout. 

Great Lakes Deep Water Trolling

Presented by Capt. Jay Frolenko

The mystery and allure surround this new and not often talked about Great Lakes technique in catching large salmon and trout.  Trolling deep, over 100 feet, is highly productive, but comes with some strings attached.  Unravel those strings with Capt. Jay and find out how to catch large Salmon and Trout at depths not often fished.  You will be amazed and shocked at the results!

Dan Armitage

Dan is a full-time freelance outdoor writer and syndicated radio show host whose byline appears on a regular basis in national magazines including Outdoor Life, In-Fisherman, Cabela's Outfitter Journal, Bass & Walleye BOATS, Trailer BOATS, Cabin Life and Camping Life.  He is the kayak fishing columnist for WaveLength magazine and his kayak fishing and rigging articles have appeared in numerous publications.  Dan will be leading demonstrations on kayak rigging and fishing techniques at this year's show, where he will also host his entertaining "Kids Fishing Information" program.  Dan's popular radio program "Buckeye Sportsman with Dan Armitage" is broadcast weekly in 15 markets across Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia and can be heard in southern Michgian Saturday mornings at 6 on WSPD 1370AM out of Toledo.

Kayaking Fishing Tips & Tactics

Presented by Dan Armitage

Ice Fishing Demo

Presented by Dan Armitage

Kids Fishing

Presented by Dan Armitage

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.

Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

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 Huge Musky on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Mike Pittiglio

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

Lance Valentine

Almost 10 years of experience as a Charter Captain in Michigan has gained Lance the knowledge needed to become known as an expert on marine electronics!  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

The Latest in Outboard Technology presented by Evinrude

Presented by Lance Valentine

Jigging the Detroit River

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

Sonar, The Basics & Beyond

Presented by Lance Valentine

Lance helps you understand, tune and interpret the most important and least understood piece of fishing equipment - the sonar unit.

Getting the Most From Your GPS

Presented by Lance Valentine

Lance will teach anglers the secrets the pros use to maximize the use of a GPS unit.  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

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. 

The Best UP Fishing Opportunities

Presented by Dan Donarski

Ron Peterson

Ron is founder and host of the National School of Fishing and is nationally acclaimed to be one of the most knowledgeable all-species anglers in the country.  For over 25 years Ron has educated anglers with his television show, National School of Fishing, broadcast on FOX and NBC locally.  As a TV host, writer, educator and speaker, Ron has been engaged for over 40 years in teaching anglers how to catch more fish.  Author of instructional curriculum and educational DVDs used in the school, Ron’s mission has always been to help anglers catch more fish.  To that end, Ron has developed an on-water crankbait fishing program guaranteed to help you use your cranks more effectively in all conditions.

Great Fishing from a 2 Man Boat / Kayak

Presented by Ron Peterson

Ron will teach you how to catch more and bigger fish than ever before using the two man boat / kayak.  These small crafts are very affordable for any budget and they open up a ton of fantastic fishing opportunities.

Glen Blackwood

Glen Blackwood of the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company of Rockford and host of "Fly Fishing with Glen Blackwood" is one of the State's most knowledgeable anglers.  He will discuss the importance of being mentally tough and focuses on success with the intensity of a professional golfer while on your next fishing trip. 

Making Friends with Fly Fishing

Presented by Glen Blackwood

Capt. Willis Kerridge

Capt. Willis is the owner of Thunderduck Sportfishing Charters and the new Fish ON Bait & Tackle store.  He is one of the most knowledgeable anglers on Lake Michigan.  Willis spends countless hours on the big lake each season consistently providing solid results for his customers.

Trolling Lake Michigan for Salmon & Trout

Presented by Capt. Willis Kerridge

WIllis will focus on the best proven tactics to boat your limit of salmon, steelhead and trout trolling Lake Michigan.  With decades of fishing experience, this seminar will improve your catch next summer!

Denny Geurink

Host of the Outdoor Adventures TV Show.  Denny brings his hunting knowledge to the Sport Show.  A well known book author video producer and published outdoor writer, Geurink's seminars are a must see.  Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a pro.  Denny is one of the top Turkey hunting experts in the nation and will help you bag your next gobbler.

Turkey Hunting in Michigan

Presented by Denny Geurink

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 Steve Francis, Owner of Country Smoke House

Steve will demonstrate how to field dress, handle, butcher and process your next whitetail deer.  This is a must-see for every deer hunter and venison lover!

Chase Klinesteker

Klinesteker is a Certified Spoonplugging Instructor and close friend of the late Buck Perry who was one of the most successful fishermen of all time and the "Father of Structure Fishing." 

What is Spoonplugging

Presented by Chase Klinesteker

Spoonplugging is a serious scientific study of the behavior of fish, how they relate to their environment, and what we need to do to catch them.  Spoonplugging is considered by some to be the ultimate in methods of fishing because it targets the largest fish, all species, and all types of waters.  Chase will explain this approach in detail and answer questions. 

Structure: Learning the Lake

Presented by Chase Klinesteker

The most important part of fishing is where the fish are and 90% of the water contains no fish.  Fish relate to structure.  By learning the lake bottom and finding the best structures, we can increase our chances of catching more and larger fish.  This seminar will address effective ways to learn, compare and record structure detail for more consistent fishing success.  Come and hear about a different but very effective approach to fishing.

Team Morel - John and Theresa Maybrier

Expert mushroom hunters as well as close friends and business associates of the late Larry Lonik, John and Theresa will be on hand each day of the show to share their tricks of the trade for consistently bagging more mushroons.  Mushroom hunting is one of the top outdoor family activities in Michigan.  The team's goal is to promote and educate all enthusiasts in the proper ways of hunting and collecting morel mushrooms. 

Hunting Morel Mushrooms

Presented by Team Morel

Attend this seminar and you'll eat better next year!