The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo will feature a Super Kids Fishing Clinic on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a series of learning stations set up for the kids and their adult mentor. Photo courtesy of Frank Campbell

The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo starts Thursday and will run through Sunday at the Niagara Falls Convention Center in Niagara Falls.

This expo has placed its show-goer emphasis on fishing education; this year, more than 250 seminars will be offered that are free with your paid entry ticket. Seminar speakers are local experts that include charter captains preparing to share their secrets for bass, walleye and perch fishing, regional experts who share the bigger picture for waterway fishing not far from home, and there are national fishing gear and boating experts there to share their knowledge and answer questions. There are more than 170 vendor booths.

Frank Campbell, Niagara County Fisheries promotions director, says that the show has become a pure fishing show designed by anglers for anglers with the goal of teaching others how to fish better. Campbell is a talented, nationally renowned, successful charter captain who is very knowledgeable in filling your daily bag limit for any targeted species.

Wintertime outdoor fishing expo shows feature the latest fishing gear, from rods, reels and tackle to specialized winter fishing equipment like ice augers and clothing for cold conditions. Attendees can see, touch and try out new products. Boats too. There is nothing better than learning to make an informed purchasing decision. These events provide a special opportunity to network with other anglers, both casual and pro anglers, as well as casual hobbyists, to share thoughts and experiences, swap tips and potentially make lifelong connections. The seminars share live demonstrations and feature interactive activities for participants to test their skills or enter competitions. Look for the Hawg Trough live fish tank, beginner fishing courses for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, kid fishing clinic, kayak fishing roundtable, fly fishing clinic, deep water walleye clinic, NYSDEC offerings and more.

A single-day expo pass is $11, and a multi-day pass good for all four days is $25. Veterans, active military, career and volunteer firefighters, police and EMTs receive a $5 discount off either pass. To purchase tickets, visit https://niagarafishingexpo.com or get them at the expo. Show hours vary as follows: Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit https://niagarafishingexpo.com for seminar schedules, tickets, details and other pertinent info.

Overall, fishing expos like the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo are more than just a place to learn and shop. They’re a community of anglers coming together to prepare for the season, stay updated on new trends, and enrich their knowledge of the local and regional fishing world.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Feb. 13-16: Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, 101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, visit www.niagarafishingexpo.com.

Feb. 16: WNY 3-D Archery, league shoot, open to the public, this week at Evans Rod and Gun Club, 864 Cain Road, Angola; $15, kids 12 and under are free. Info: 716-863-7342.

Feb. 18: Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Bison City Rod & Gun, 511 Ohio St.

Feb. 22: Fisherman’s Flea market, WNY Walleye, Knights of Columbus, Hamburg, Chris Kempf, 716-400-9258.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.