Feeling Winter, Thinking Summer: The Fish will be biting at the fairgrounds!

The Annual Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo returns to the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds for the 21st year. The triangle's largest fresh and saltwater fishing event is scheduled from January 7 – January 9, 2011. The latest in fishing gear & tackle, free seminars given by world class champions and a large display of deeply discounted fishing boats from Jon boats to high-end "Fishing Machines," rigged and ready for the water. Additionally, visitors can experience the thrill of hooking and landing a big-game fish in the, "Hooked on Saltwater Fishing" simulator. The kids can compete in the Reel Kids Casting Competition and vie for an invitation to the state finals, or catch a fish in the "Keep’em or Release’em" fishing pond stocked with more than 700 farm raised trout. Rounding out the activities will be the 1st ever Fishing Expo Wing Eating Contest on Saturday sponsored by Hooters and WBBB 96 Rock.

Additionally appearing this year is the Time Bandit Offshore race team featuring team owner and driver Bob Mazikowski. Mazikowski is an 11 year veteran with more than 40 wins, three national championships and two world championships. The Time Bandit, a 570 HP, 30’ Phantom 8100 Vortec sponsored by the nationally known Alaskan Crabbing Vessel by the same name will be on display all three days. Photos, autographs and merchandise will be available.

More than 160 exhibitors will be offering everything from the latest lures, plastics, jigs, custom rods, apparel, knives, product sample booths, hard-tops, saltwater charters, fresh water guides, cast nets, gaffs. Estimates for this year’s attendance are for more than 17,000 fishermen.

"We are proud to be producing the premier fishing expo in the region for the 21st time," said Ed Gray, President and Show manager at Southeast Productions. "We encourage fishermen and women of all ages to get tips from the county’s top Anglers and boat captains, feel the thrill of hooking and landing a big game fish in realistic simulator, and the kids can show off their casting skills and compete for prizes courtesy of the BASS Federation and try their luck at landing a trout in the fishing pond. Plan on spending the day because there are activities for everyone of all ages who are interested in the sport; from the novice to the expert."

Free seminars will cover technique; casting, big game, coastal & river tips; bait secrets; coastal kayaking and more. Presenters include 2007 Classic Winner Boyd Duckett, 2010 Elite Tour Champion John Crews, as well as regional & local pros including Mike "Pappy" Jones, Finesse Fishing Master and Scott "Gunny" Favors of the Kippersticks Pro Team. Coastal fishing experts will be sharing up-to-date coastal techniques from show favorites such as Captain Jimmy Price, Capt. Rick Bennett and Captain Butch Foster, along with many more fishing experts, champions and fishing boat captains.

About the Schedule
The 2011 Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo will be open Friday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

General admission is $8, seniors (60+) $7, Jr. anglers (6 – 12) $5. Tickets are good for all three days with a Return pass.

For more information, call 336-855-0208, e-mail info@ncboatshows.com, or visit http://www.ncboatshows.com/show.php/eventId/1.

Photos from past events and the Time Bandit are available on request.

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Media Contact:

Sean Graham
ImpleMedia Communications
614.530.4290
SGraham@ImpleMedia-US.com