Largest saltwater fishing show set to open in NJ

For avid saltwater anglers who are anxious to hit the surf and waves for really big fish, the annual mid-Atlantic saltwater fishing show returns to New Jersey, albeit at a different location. 

The Saltwater Fishing Expo, now in its 12th year, is moving to a brand-new location, delivering an even bigger and better event for consumers, said Tod Alberto, show director. 

The Progressive® Insurance Saltwater Fishing Expo® , as it’s now called, will be held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, New Jersey. This allows the show to be 50 percent larger than at the previous location at the Garden State Exhibition Center in Edison, NJ., according to Alberto.

Running March 16-18, the three-day show is the kickoff to the saltwater fishing season, offering saltwater anglers the latest in outdoor travel, tackle, gear and fishing boats, plus an array of seminars and demonstrations by top anglers.

“The Saltwater Fishing Expo is a hub for the region’s avid saltwater anglers craving information and the latest gear for offshore, inshore, surf, and kayak fishing,” opines Alberto.  “With the move to the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, we’ve been able to expand the show dramatically, offering our exhibitors more space, and our attendees even more to explore with expanded boating and kayak areas, a 50’ casting pond, a new Fishing 101 area, and a New Vendor marketplace.”
 
The Saltwater Fishing Expo is known for giving attendees the opportunity to see the latest gear and equipment from the best tackle manufacturers in the country, as well as the local saltwater retail specialists, where attendees can buy the gear and accessories that work best for mid-Atlantic saltwater fishing.
 
New this year is “Fishing 101,” area that offers three stations staffed with different experts every hour who will provide instruction on how to fish, reel maintenance and rod repair, how to build jigs, advice on various baits for local sportfish, and much more. Also new to the show is a “New Vendor” marketplace, featuring eight companies that have never exhibited at the show, providing attendees more product variety to shop and compare.
 
“Our new Fishing 101 area is intended to support new or seasoned anglers with the knowledge to get started in angling and keep them fishing for a lifetime,” Alberto explained. “The stations provide one-on-one teaching situations with chances to ask any question you have about fish or fishing. In addition, the New Vendor marketplace allows a few up-and-coming companies to show off and sell their innovative products.”
 
With the expanded boating and kayaking area, show-goers can see the latest fishing boats available on the market. Other show highlights include Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center, offering seminars for do-it-yourself boat maintenance, and an appearance by Captain Frank Crescitelli of The Fin Chasers TV, who is doing cast net demonstrations throughout the weekend.
 
Sunday, March 18 is Family Day with a scavenger hunt for the kids, and the first 100 children (11 and under) to the show will receive a free Plano tackle box. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 5 to 11. Children under age 5 are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://www.sportshows.com/saltwater.  
 
Show hours: 
12pm-8pm Friday, March 16
10am-6pm Saturday, March 17
10am-5pm Sunday, March 18
 
A portion of the shows’ proceeds is dedicated to the Keep America Fishing Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.sportshows.com/saltwater. 
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