NJ Saltwater show kicks off March 17

If you’re an avid saltwater fishing fan, you have to attend the only saltwater fishing show in the northeast. It serves as a primer to the upcoming saltwater season, and until you can wet a line in the suds. 

The annual Saltwater Fishing Expo kicks off its three-day run on Friday, March 17. The show features the latest in saltwater tackle, boats, watercraft gear and seminars that cover the gamut of saltwater angling. 

This years featured headliner is Capt. Paul Hebert, star of the popular TV show “Wicked Tuna.” He’s joined by a dozen saltwater experts like Capt. Al Ristori, saltwater editor of the Star Ledger who will explain how to catch big stripers; Keefe Vallaro, on techniques he developed to bucktail doormat fluke; Capt. Pete Meyers on East Coast fishing; Capt. Frank Crescitelli, who has guided along the NY/NJ coast will cover light tackle techniques; Capt. Frank Tenore on Raritan Bay fishing; Bill Carson, Marketing Manger for Humminbird will show how to maximize fishing electronics; Shimano’s Roy Leyva will present tips to sharpen surf casting techniques; Jack Houghton delves into vertical jigging and swimbait techniques; and several more seminar speakers that can be found on the shows’ www.sportshows.com/somerset website.  

For the kids, Sunday’s show brings a scavenger hunt and for the first 100 kids (11 and under) coming into the show, they’ll get a free Plano tackle box. 

Show hours are Friday, March 17, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-11. Children under 5 are free with a paying adult. Tickets can also be purchased online at the above website. 

The Garden State Exhibition Center is located off I-287 at Exit 10. From there, follow the signs to the shows’ free parking areas. For GPS users, the center is located at 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873. 
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