Whether you fish for steelhead out on the lakes during summer, or fish the creeks during winter, whether you use bait, lures or flies, the Great Lakes Steelhead Expo will have something of interest to you.
"We're real excited about it, to make people aware of us, get more membership, to get more people interested in supporting the fishery. It's a great resource," said John Hall.
Hall is co-chairman of the Expo, and he is a member of the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association board of directors.
The Expo will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, at Rainbow Gardens, in Erie. It starts at 1:00 p.m. and continues to 9:00 p.m.
Speakers during the Expo will cover an unusual array of steelhead fishing situations. Doug Straub will speak on Near Shore Steelhead fishing at 2:08 p.n., then at 3:08, Gary Kell gives a seminar on Secrets of Fly Casting. Kell, who resides in Warren, is highly rated as a fly casting instructor by the Federation of Fly Fishermen.
"I'd like to provide an entertaining and informative presentation. My goal would be for each person to take away at least one nugget of information or tip that makes them a better fly caster of fly fisher," Kell said.
Kell stressed the opportunity for visitors to get acquainted with the newest tactics and equipment.
Will Turek will give a seminar at 4:08 p.m. on the subject of Fishing Longer Rods. Then at 5:08 p.m., Marty Grzasko does his seminar, Steelhead fishing from Jetties and Piers. Karl Weixlmann concludes the seminars at 6:08 p.m., speaking about Early Season Steelheading.
Ed Mascharka, the Fish and Boat Commissioner for this region will speak at 7:08 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to get inside information on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Mascharka is never short on words nor withholding on the toughest of questions.
The day will be filled with entertaining raffles, drawings and a tip board, one thing after another. Other games can be played throughout the event.
A steelhead fishing tournament will run as part of the Expo. It is open to any licensed Pennsylvania angler. This is a catch and release event, with anglers fishing in teams at a cost of $10 per angler, plus an entry ticket for the Expo. Fishing is not limited to Pennsylvania waters.
Anglers can sign-up from October 4 through November 4 on the Internet, at www.steelheadexpo.com, or at Erie area sporting goods stores. These are Elk Creek Sports Store, Poor Richards Bait & Tackle, and Lake Erie Ultimate Angler.
There will also be a sign-up from 6 to 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the tournament at Tim Horton's, on 2745 West 26th Avenue in Erie.
Cash prizes and plaques will be awarded for steelhead caught from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on November 5, the same day as the Expo. Winners of the fishing tournament will be announced during the Expo at 6:30 p.m.
Several vendors will be on hand. As of late last week 38 vendors had registered, enough for a nice sports show with the added advantage that they are directed specifically toward steelhead anglers.
The Expo will be hosted by members of the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association. The event is the major fund-raiser for the Association, a group which is a strong force for providing anglers with a quality steelhead fishing experience. One of their major efforts is directed toward keeping land open, and increasing areas where public fishing is allowed along the tributary creeks.
The cost of admission is $15 per person. This includes food, beverages and raffle entry. Kids age 15 years-old and younger get in free.
A great list of door prizes includes an ice hut from Al's Awning, Simms waders and a fully loaded Simms G3 vest.
The Expo is a highly anticipated event throughout the Great Lakes region thanks to good coverage by newspapers and television. This is something you want to attend.