Local favorite Captain Jim Steel and the Innovative Outdoors Team from the Steel Group will offer fishing secrets and how-to details, including Lake Erie lead-core trolling techniques and inline planer boards for walleye and other species. Daryl Weise will offer Lake Erie perch fishing details; others will provide fun instruction for different age and interest groups. Christine Baer will provide information about kayaking for the waterways of Western New York. For the seminar schedule, visit https://eriepromotions.com/wny-sport-show/schedule/.

Among the special seminar features is “Successful Bowhunting” with local outdoor adventure bowhunter Tom Miranda. Miranda is also an expert, award-winning, local Lake Erie charter captain who works out of Sunset Bay. Say hello to Tom. Expo admission is $10 at the door, kids 10 and under are free, a $2 discount for all first responders and military veterans with proper identification, and a special Half-Off admission for all NYS correction officers with appropriate ID. Expo hours are 12 PM-7 PM on Friday, March 7, 10 AM-7 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM-4 PM on Sunday. By attending the Expo, you can learn from experts, discover new gear, and even book your next outdoor adventure. There is something for everyone at the Expo, including adventure providers from local and afar, where you can book a hunt or fish trip.

Then, after the weekend, those special people with special needs have something to look forward to, thanks to the Southtowns Walleye Association (SWA) of WNY. SWA has assembled an indoor fishing pond and stocked it with trout that will be made available at the SWA clubhouse located at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., in Hamburg, from March 10-14, 2025. The purpose of this program is to provide a fun and safe fishing experience for individuals requiring special education services. These folks may have a condition or disability that affects their daily functioning. We all know someone who may be special. Let’s get them out for some fish-catching fun, as this indoor fishing program is free to all, but reservations are required. Contact Elaine Weigand at 716-783-2903 or Mike Kaczmarek at 716-983-2757 for information, details and registration. All the fishing gear is provided, complete with help from qualified staff. Online, visit https://southtownswalleye.com/upcoming-events/monthly-events/specail-people for additional details Many thanks to those volunteers at Southtowns Walleye Association who have enabled this annual program for many decades. Hats off.

Lastly, for our ice anglers, safety is paramount. Please be aware of the changing weather conditions and the potential risks they pose. Some anglers and their powered people movers, ATV’s and other gear, have met with near-death experiences these last few days. The yellow perch in Lake Erie can wait until it is safe for access. The Lake Erie ice fishing season may be over with the forecast ahead. No matter where you ice fish right now, please remember that safety ice picks, boot cleats, throw rope and flotation devices are not just recommended, but essential. Use good judgment and fish with a friend if possible.

Photo by Robert Kubiak Ice anglers beware and please use extreme caution if you choose to venture out on Lake Erie, as accidents like are not uncommon and can result in loss of life.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

March 7-10: WNY Sport and Travel Expo, Hamburg Fairgrounds,

March 9: WNY 3D Archery, league shoot, open to the public, this week at Collins Conservation, 2636 Conger Road, Collins, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., $15, kids 12 and under are free. Info: 716-863-7342.

March 10-14: Special People Fishing Day, Southtowns Walleye Assoc., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, reservations required, indoor pond fishing, call Elain Weigland, 716-783-2903.

March 22: NWTF Chautauqua Lake Chapter, ANNUAL BANQUET, American Legion Post 556, 9 Meadow Lane, Frewsberg, 5 p.m. start, Info: 716-499-2726, tickets: https://events.nwtf.org/320070-2025/tickets.

March 23: DEC Summer Camp for Youth, reservations open; visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps.

March 29: NY Hunter Education, Springville Field/Stream, 8900 Chaise Road, Springville, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., register online: https://www.register-ed.com/events/register/224954; Free, must complete homework prior to class.

April 1: Opening Day for NYS Inland Trout Season

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