Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids

Speakers & Events

PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2010 Ultimate Sport Show.

Great Lakes Duck & Goose Calling Competition

The Allegan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is presenting this competition for the 3rd time at the Ultimate Sport Show.  Competitors are signed up from far and near to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights on both Duck calling and Goose calling skills.  The judges are among the finest calling experts in North America.  With multiple heats and multiple areas of competition, this is a huge event for waterfowl hunters of all skill levels from junior to professional.

Saturday ONLY!  Located on the 3rd Floor - Grand Gallery Overlook Rooms E & F

Amateur Duck - 1pm

Amateur Goose - 2pm

Open Duck - 3pm

Open Goose - 4pm

For complete information and to pre-register visit www.callingducks.com



Grand Rapids Open Turkey Calling Competition

Hosted by the Grand Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation on Saturday evening.  Featuring some of Michigan's top callers as they compete for cash and prizes.  Judges will include some of Michigan's best known writers and call manufacturers.  Top finalists from the competition will be eligible to compete in the National Calling Competition.

Kayaking Demo

Presented by Powers Outdoors

The experts at Powers Outdoors will have live in-water demos right on Lake Ultimate!  They will show you how to enter and exit a kayak, various paddling techniques, important kayak maneuvers and more.  They'll also discuss the different types of boats and kayaking gear.

ORV Certification Class

The Kent County Sheriff's Department will be conducting an Off Road Vehicle Certification Course on Saturday, March 20.  Certification is required for all children under 16 years old to operate an "ORV" in Michigan.  However, the course is available to older ORV operators as well.  Successful completion of the class will lead to certification as an "ORV Operator by the Michigan DNR."  A test will be administered at the completion of the class and after the class participants will be able to enjoy the show at no charge.  For additional information call 616-632-6223 (pre-registration is NOT required).  Class participants should check in at the main entrance Exhibitor Table located near the Box Office. 

 

Turkey Hunting Workshop

The National Wild Turkey Federation's annual workshop returns to the Ultimate Sport Show!  Calling, scouting, camouflage, positioning and weaponry tactics are all part of this comprehensive presentation on Saturday morning only.

Jonathon VanDam

Professional Bass Fisherman of the BASS Open Circuit, this 21-year old has stunned the bass fishing community with a 3rd place finish in his professional debut at the St. Johns River Southern Opens.  He is an accomplished Michigan tournament angler.  He continues the family tradition as the nephew of BASS Elite Series Angler, 2-time Classic Champ, 3-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam and son of the well known and accomplished bass fishing expert Randy VanDam, owner of D&R Sports in Kalamazoo.  Anglers, keep your eye on Jonathan, a true up-and-coming tournament professional.

Spring Bass Fishing in Michigan

Presented by Jonathon VanDam

Mark Romanack

Mark Romanack is a full-time outdoor writer, Fishing 411 Television Host, seminar leader and fishing expert with more than 20 years of experience.  He will be on hand all four days of the show.

Saginaw Bay's Amazing Walleye Bonanza

Presented by Mark Romanack

Mark will zero in on the most productive fishing methods, ports and times of year.  If you've never fished Saginaw Bay or if you fish it often, this informative multi-media seminar is a must see presentation for all.

Dog Gone Labs

Presented by Mark Romanack & Mason.  Sponsored by Nutro.

Watching a finely tuned hunting dog is an amazing pleasure.  Avid bird hunter, outdoor writer and seminar leader Mark Romanack puts his black lab, Mason, through his paces right on the water.  Covered in this informative demonstration are marked retrieves, blind retrieves, whistle commands, hand signals and a brief discussion on understanding dog behavior.  The goal is to show that with a little effort anyone can effectively train their own dog for waterfowl or upland hunting.

Super Walleye Clinic

Presented by Mark Romanack and special guest hosts Tommy Skarlis and Eric Olson. 

It would be hard to find three anglers with more collective walleye fishing experience.  All of these men are ardent trollers who have spent countless hours fishing the open waters of Lake Erie and the Saginaw Bay for trophy walleyes.  This special 2-hour workshop on advanced walleye techniques will cover every new angle for fishermen who want to climb to the next level of catching walleyes.  Some of the topics of interest that are sure to be covered in this seminar include crankbait trolling, using planer boards, fishing diving planers, using downriggers, snap weight trolling, techniques for drifting and trolling live bait and much more.

A fee will be collected at the Show Thursday - Saturday morning of $25.  In addition, each attendee will receive a "Free Gift" valued at more than the cost of the seminar and a chance to win one of dozens of door prizes.  Those signing up for the clinic on Thursday & Friday of the Show will also be given re-admission passes to enter the show on Saturday for the clinic.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the pros!

$25 Super Walleye Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Mark & Mari Romanack at mark@precisionangling.com or 800-353-6958 OR at the Show at the Precision Angling booth #1505.

Mark Martin

Presented by Greenstone Farm Credit Services

Michigan's own Mr. Walleye and Professional Tournament Angler, Mark Martin will conduct seminars on Saturday & Sunday only.  Mark has qualified for 18 Professional Walleye Trail World Championships to date.  He is the only person to qualify for that many PWT Championships, and fish 101 out of 102 PWT Tournaments, achieving over 37 top ten finishes in his professional career.


Consistently Catch More Walleye

Presented by Mark Martin

Best Chance Promotions

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for the Super Salmon Clinic. They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other team.

Super Salmon Clinic

Presented by Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale of Best Chance Too

These two superstars of Big Lake Tournaments will share their special techniques and experience garnered over the last 20 years as tournament champions on the Great Lakes.  Whether it's long lining lead core, maximizing Dipsy results, getting the most out of your electronics or selecting your tackle, time spent here will assuredly improve next year's catch. 

The first 100 attendees will pay a fee of $25 for class materials and the presentation.  Included in class materials will be a "goody bag" loaded with their sponsors' equipment.  Plenty of time will be set aside for questions and answers.  The Super Salmon Clinic was one of the most popular features at last year's show.  Don't miss out!

$25 Super Salmon Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Bob Strek at rstrek@aol.com or 616-453-3109 OR at the Show at the Steelheaders' booth #2000.

Capt. Bill Bale

Capt. Bill Bale of Best Chance Too from Saugatuck, MI has won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 15 years than any other captain.

Great Lakes Salmon & Trout (Best Chance Too)

Presented by Capt. Bill Bale

Bill's presentation will cover every aspect of his strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using his electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments he has developed for today's big water fishery.  Special Friday and Saturday presentations will cover every one of the hottest techniques on the Great Lakes.

NBAA Pro-Staff

The Top Pro-staffers from the National Bass Anglers Association will present several how-to seminars designed to educate anglers on the art of bass fishing and the ins and outs of tournament fishing. 

Topics will include Jerkbait Tactics and Drop Shooting for Bass with NBAA National Points Champion Don Watts.  Seasonal Patterns for Catching Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass in all conditions on jerkbaits and dropshots, from early spring through fall on Michigan waters.  Inland Lake Secrets with Paul Cowen.  Paul will share his secrets on inland lake bass fishing around the Detroit area.  Paul runs one of the largest divisions in NBAA and is an expert on bass fishing in the metro area.  John Gore will also be on hand.  His knowledge of fishing reaches well beyond just bass.  John will show you how to catch almost anything that swims.  If John isn't doing a seminar he'll be showing anglers of all ages new hot tips and tactics at the Rig-It-Board, which will be located next to the NBAA booth.  Other special seminar speakers scheduled to be on hand are Dan Kimmel, Rich Kelley, Andrew Smith, Pete Lusis, Scott Tyrell, Ben Felton, Andrew Solomon, and other local pros to give tips on the overlooked lakes, secret hotspots and new techniques for catching Michigan's big largemouth and smallmouth bass.

NBAA - Pro Staff Bass Fishing Tips & Tactics

David A. Rose

As an outdoor writer, photographer and fishing guide (www.wildfishing.com), David has spent countless hours on the waters of Michigan and around the country, fishing for a multitude of species including the family of panfish. 

In Search of Perch

Presented by David Rose

David will share his inland and Great Lakes techniques for catching one of Michigan's most sought-after game fish - the yellow perch.

Pan Fish "In-Depth"

Presented by David Rose

David will teach you the skills to help you catch more bluegills and crappies on the open water during the heat of summer when other anglers are calling it quits, along with other seasonal tips and tricks.  From dabbling with live bait, to casting artificials, this seminar will cover it all.

Capt. Chip Cartwright

Capt. Chip is one of the most experienced anglers on the water.  He was born to be a great fisherman, his family owns Wolverine Tackle, maker of the world famous Silver Streak.  He has honed his skills over countless hours on the water perfecting the design and use of fishing tackle and special techniques for maximizing the productivity of lures.

Lake Erie Walleye - All Season

Presented by Capt. Chip Cartwright

Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Bass to the Future

Presented by Capt. Wayne Carpenter

This exclusive seminar features live internet demonstrations with the new technology and a big picture approach that serves the main course of information directly into your hands.  Be the first in line to experience this never before seen event and walk away a step ahead of your competition.  Learn how to search live data that matches your skills, see how maps become dynamic tools for you through Marked Maps Live!, find out how to include the latest Electronic Guide Service innovation (Micro Charts) into your spot knowledge, watch underwater video with GPS coordinates along with real sonar logs plus insight straight from the designer of the new Xtreme Bass Tackle baits for 2010. 


Capt. Dan Lipski

Dan is the owner of RiverKat Guide Service and is a professional local guide specializing in channel and flathead catfish, as well as a licensed Coast Gaurd charter captain. 

Tracking Grand River Catfish

Presented by Capt. Dan Lipksi

This seminar will help anglers of all skill level to more successfully catch these often misunderstood gamefish.  Spending the day on the Grand River catching catfish is fun for the whole family!

Tommy Skarlis

Tommy is one of the nation's top professional Walleye Tournament Anglers.  With a World Record weight of Walleyes from Lake Erie, a PWT Tournament win on the Detroit River and numerous Top Ten finishes on Saginaw Bay, the St. Clair River and Bays de Noc, Skarlis' seminar adds up to a Michigan must-see!  Holding nothing back, Skarlis will share all of his secrets and tactics that are guaranteed to increase the fishing success of beginners and advanced walleye anglers.  Skarlis currently holds the active qualifying streak for the Professional Walleye Trail World Championships - 12 in a row - and holds the title of www.walleyes-first.com Iron Man Champion - the number-one angler in the nation that fished all of the Pro/Am Walleye tournaments in 2007.

Great Lakes Open Water Walleyes

Presented by Tommy Skarlis

Walleye, Vertical Jigging Secrets

Presented by Tommy Skarlis

Capt. Doug Samsal

Doug is a full time Bass Pro Shops Professional Guide, professional fishing educator and owner of Doug Samsal Guide Service.  With thousands of hours experience on Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, St. Clair River and other local bodies of water, Doug is the perfect person to present seminars on muskies and smallmouth.

Multi Species Fishing on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

With Doug's specific knowledge of targeting and catching monster smallmouth, muskie, walleye and anything else that swims, this seminar will help you maximize your efficiency on the water next summer.

Salmon Fishing the Manistee River

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

From casting to float fishing, Doug will detail the use of spawn and other great tips to improve your catch.

Capt. Jay Frolenko

Captain Jay Frolenko is a television personality, professional guide, certified instructor and outdoor writer.  He has spent over 20 years on the Great Lakes educating anglers.  As the owner of Strike Zone Charters, also partnered with the National School of Fishing, Captain Jay's considerable experience lends itself well to continued angler education.  Nicked named one of the Great Lakes "Young Guns", is a tribute to his ability and skill in catching large numbers of Salmon and Trout. 

Great Lakes Deep Water Trolling

Presented by Capt. Jay Frolenko

The mystery and allure surround this new and not often talked about Great Lakes technique in catching large salmon and trout.  Trolling deep, over 100 feet, is highly productive, but comes with some strings attached.  Unravel those strings with Capt. Jay and find out how to catch large Salmon and Trout at depths not often fished.  You will be amazed and shocked at the results!

Capt. Jerry Lee

One of Michigan's most experienced and beloved professional fishermen, Captain Jerry Lee will be on hand to share his vast knowledge of open water fishing tactics for salmon and steelhead.  Captain Jerry is a member of the Lowrance Electronics, Wolverine Silver Streak, Shimano, Big Jon, Precision Trolling, Offshore Tackle, Pure Fishing, Strong Flys and Maui Jim pro staff with over 30 years of fishing and guiding experience on the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes Salmon & Trout

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Capt. Mike Pittiglio

Mike is a full time muskie guide on the world renowned Lake St. Clair.  With over 20 years of muskie fishing under his belt, he spends approximately 120 days per season on the lake fishing for muskies.  His accomplishments include a 55 1/4" which weighed 41.45 lbs., three muskies over 56", and 39 muskies boated in one day. 

Trolling for Huge Musky on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Mike Pittiglio

Mike's hard-core multi-media Musky Trolling presentation will hit the highlights of last season on the lake.  He will highlight what it takes for anglers to find the best water and troll it to maximum effect.  Lake St. Clair is the best Musky fishery in the world and Mike's presentation will make your time next season on the water more fun and more productive.

Capt. Lance Valentine

As founder of Lance Valentine's Walleye 101 and the "Fishing Education Center", Lance has helped countless anglers catch more fish through seminars, workshops and educational charters.  Over 20 years of walleye fishing experience has gained Lance the knowledge needed to become known as an expert on marine electronics.  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

Jigging the Detroit River

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

Sonar, The Basics & Beyond

Presented by Lance Valentine

Lance helps you understand, tune and interpret the most important and least understood piece of fishing equipment - the sonar unit.

Getting the Most From Your GPS

Presented by Lance Valentine

Lance will teach anglers the secrets the pros use to maximize the use of a GPS unit.  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

Dan Donarski

Dan is known to more than a few outdoorsmen as Mr. U.P. for his long tenure in honestly covering the Upper Peninsula for Michigan Out-of-Doors TV.  His love of this Michigan jewel is infectious and he'll be on hand every day to speak about the very best fishing opportunities across this great land.   From the Great Lakes to hidden potholes and big rivers to streams, Dan will help you in your explorations of the U.P as a premier fishing destination.  As Michigan Outdoor News opinionated columnist he's also ready and able to discuss the state of Michigan's natural resources and what he believes are the most critical issues of the day. 

Unraveling Africa

Presented by Dan Donarski

Dan, a veteran of more than a dozen safaris, will unlock the paperwork involved along with how to best research a particular professional hunter, the countries and critters, and the agents.  If you've ever thought of going to Africa this is one seminar that will be time well spent.


The Best UP Fishing Opportunities

Presented by Dan Donarski

Glen Blackwood

Glen Blackwood of the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company of Rockford and host of "Fly Fishing with Glen Blackwood" is one of the State's most knowledgeable anglers.  He will discuss the importance of being mentally tough and focuses on success with the intensity of a professional golfer while on your next fishing trip. 

Making Friends with Fly Fishing

Presented by Glen Blackwood

Capt. Willis Kerridge

Capt. Willis is the owner of Thunderduck Sportfishing Charters and the new Fish ON Bait & Tackle store.  He is one of the most knowledgeable anglers on Lake Michigan.  Willis spends countless hours on the big lake each season consistently providing solid results for his customers.

Trolling Lake Michigan for Salmon & Trout

Presented by Capt. Willis Kerridge

Willis will focus on the best proven tactics to boat your limit of salmon, steelhead and trout trolling Lake Michigan.  With decades of fishing experience, this seminar will improve your catch next summer!

"Doc" Paul Morrow

Paul has been featured on Michigan Out-Of-Doors TV and has been experimenting with food plots and habitat for many years.

Back-Forty Habitat Solutions

Presented by "Doc" Paul Morrow

This seminar will offer some unique ideas that can be implemented right on your own back-forty.


Denny Geurink

Host of the Outdoor Adventures TV Show.  Denny brings his hunting knowledge to the Sport Show.  A well known book author video producer and published outdoor writer, Geurink's seminars are a must see.  Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a pro.  Denny is one of the top Turkey hunting experts in the nation and will help you bag your next gobbler.

Turkey Hunting in Michigan

Presented by Denny Geurink

Steve Francis of Country Smoke House

Country Smoke House is known for their award-winning wild game sausage and jerky.

Deer Processing Demo

Presented by Steve Francis, Owner of Country Smoke House

Steve will demonstrate how to field dress, handle, butcher and process your next whitetail deer.  Steve starts with a fresh deer and walks through every step of the process.  This is a must-see for every deer hunter and venison lover!

Ed Spinazzola

Food plot expert and author of Ultimate Deer Food Plots will be on hand daily to discuss all aspects of growing food plots for deer.  Ed is passionate about educating others and helping them create a unique food plot on their own.  With thousands of hours of experience, Spinazzola has learned what to do and what not to do to guarantee year-round success.

Creating Great Food Plots

Presented by Ed Spinazzola

Ed will discuss the entire process from start to finish and when you leave this presentation you won't be able to wait to get started on your own food plot.

Chase Klinesteker

Klinesteker is a Certified Spoonplugging Instructor and close friend of the late Buck Perry who was one of the most successful fishermen of all time and the "Father of Structure Fishing." 

The Tools of Fishing

Presented by Chase Klinesteker

Spoonplugging is a serious scientific study of the behavior of fish, how they relate to their environment and what we need to do to catch them.  Spoonplugging is considered by some to be the ultimate in methods of fishing because it targets the largest fish, all species and all types of waters.  Chase will explain this approach in detail and answer questions.  This seminar is a must see!

Ed McCain

Ed is a life long fisherman and owner of Mik Lurch Fishing Tackle Outlet in Hammond, Indiana.

The Healing Effects of Fishing

Presented by Ed McCain

Ed will be discussing how fishing can have an extraordinary effect on many aspects of life.  McCain has researched how the simple act of fishing can have a healing effect.  He's discussed the issue at length with doctors as well as people who have had their life turned around by getting hooked on fishing.


Richard Holm

Richard is the owner of Sea Quest Lures in Portage, IN and is an avid fisherman with over 30 years of experience fishing the Great Lakes.  Holm has done extensive research on lure colors and the effects of lighting at different depths.

Exploring Lure Color Above and Below Water

Presented by Richard Holm

Richard will examine how colors change at increasing depths.  This presentation is a must-see for any Great Lakes troller who wants to maximize their chance of success.


Team Morel Founder Theresa Maybrier

Theresa will be on hand each day of the show to share their tricks of the trade for consistently bagging more mushrooms.  Mushroom hunting is one of the top outdoor family activities in Michigan.  The team's goal is to promote and educate all enthusiasts in the proper ways of hunting and collecting morel mushrooms. 

Mushroom Hunting in Michigan

Presented by Team Morel

Hunting Morel Mushrooms

Presented by Team Morel

Attend this seminar and you'll eat better next year!