THE GREAT OUTDOORS
2/20/2008 12:11:05 PM by Bill Chastain
Get ready to experience the latest installment of The Tampa Tribune’s Outdoors Expo and Boat Show hosted by Frank Sargeant with activities and appearances by other notable industry personalities.
Photos by Will Staples
Florida’s largest outdoors expo will kick off its 17th year Feb. 29 at the Florida State Fairgrounds and will continue through Mar. 2. In addition to including the largest number of boat dealers than at any of the previous events, there will also be more than 150 vendors on 140,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, outdoor display areas and several lakes.
Expo visitors will be able to peruse any number of items or deals on fishing tackle, boats, hunting gear, four-wheel-drive vehicles, resorts and lodges, canoes and kayaks and other outdoors-related items. While practical items pertaining to the outdoors will be available at many of the booths, there will also be vendors carrying unique items ranging from original outdoor art to unique hunting and fishing destinations. “We have been adding new vendors and sponsors every year,” says Jim Scilligo, show manager for the Tampa Tribune Expo. “For instance, this year we will have a nice variety of 21st century all-terrain vehicles. Plus, our new sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida will be bringing vital health information to attendees this year. We will also have more boats and a larger variety of boats than we have ever had in the 16 previous shows.”
The Expo will feature continuous hands-on, how-to entertainment, presentations from a variety of outdoors experts, a shopping extravaganza and boat show in a family-friendly county-fair atmosphere. “We have even more entertainment than ever before, including an outdoor kitchen, a special show for kids, and the return of the incredibly popular ‘guru’ of fly fishing, Lefty Kreh,” says Scilligo. “In addition to outside activities like the climbing wall and ‘mono jump,’ two stages featuring a variety of local experts on various fishing and hunting subjects, as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s ‘Fishing Derbies,’ we continue to add new activities for all ages.”
Sargeant, The Tampa Tribune’s longtime outdoors editor, will again serve as the Expo’s official host. A past president of the Florida Outdoors Association and author of more than a dozen books, Sargeant is one of Florida’s most popular and respected outdoors gurus. “The Expo has something for everyone,” says Sargeant. “From the smallest angler, to teens, to Mom and Dad, we’ll have an amazing selection of seminars, outdoors activities and merchandise.”
Returning for his second consecutive Expo appearance is Kreh, who has established himself as the most respected fly-casting instructor and fly fishing author in the world. A member of the International Game Fishing Association Hall of Fame, Kreh has authored more than 20 books, starred in numerous instructional videos and is one of the sport’s leading photographers. His “Lefty Deceiver” — which appeared on a U.S. postage stamp in 1991 — is one of the world’s most popular flies for saltwater fishing. He will appear twice daily.
Curt “The Bassmeister” Strutz will be one of the new additions. Presented by Reece Builders, the Bassmeister’s show, “Fishing for Laughs,” is advertised as fun, energetic and entertaining as he teaches children about fishing and water safety. Although geared to younger audiences, Strutz’s program should promote laughter for the entire family. The Bassmeister will perform his combination educational seminar/puppet show three times daily.
“All About Grills Stage” also will be new, featuring Chef Keith Pouliot, who will demonstrate how to filet and cook whole freshwater fish, how to prepare and grill wild game, and he will offer tips on how to prepare a “Champagne Dinner on a Beer Budget” using fresh fish and wild game.
Additional seminars will include a wide range of topics, including virtually any fishing subject you can think of. The Devore Labradors Kennel returns with demonstrations on pointing and retrieving as well as a variety of dog-training tips. Cast net demonstrations, virtual fishing, rock climbing and a number of special giveaways are also on the agenda. Kids can participate in the Fishing Derbies staged by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, as well as other hands-on outdoor activities.
Many non-profit fishing, hunting and conservation groups will be on hand, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Experienced members of these organizations will share their expertise on fishing for bass, kings, grouper, snook or redfish; or hunting turkey, deer or ducks.
As usual, the Expo will have many activities designed for children. The Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s fishing derbies at the lake behind the Expo Hall once again will provide the marquee event for kids. Another favorite youth activity is the BASS-affiliated Casting Kids competition. The top competitors can advance to state and national competition where they’ll have the opportunity to vie for college scholarship money. A giant Bass Tub aquarium will give youngsters a chance to view up-close large bass. And the wall-climb, equipped with a trapeze safety harness, is always a huge attraction for the youngsters.
Admission to the Expo is free for all ages on Friday, courtesy of Southern Florida Ford Dealers, and free every day for kids 12 and under. Admission for ages 13-and-up is $8 on Saturday and Sunday; parking is $5. Show hours are 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The State Fairgrounds is located on Interstate 4, just east of Tampa.