Ultimate Fishing Show - Detroit

Seminar Leaders & Topics

PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2010 Ultimate Fishing Show.

Kevin VanDam

2001 BassMaster Classic Champion and five time B.A.S.S. Angler Of The Year!  Kevin is one of the most accomplished fishermen of all time.  VanDam's list of national level accomplishments is incredible. This Kalamazoo native not only out-fishes most top bass anglers, but also could do it on walleye, pike, bluegill, steelhead or any Michigan gamefish.  This is a special appearance!  Kevin is called by many in the Bass Fishing community as the "Best in the World!"

Ultimate Bass Fishing

Presented by Kevin 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

Across the Great Lakes region there are a host of outstanding walleye fishing destinations, but none that can match the fishing success Saginaw Bay is currently enjoying.  The story of this fishery is fascinating.  Only a couple decades ago, Saginaw Bay had no walleyes.  Today, this fishery is among the richest in North America.  Outdoor writer and Fishing 411 Television Host Mark Romanack has fished the Saginaw Bay from the beginning.  Mark's video presentation zeroes in on the most productive fishing methods, ports and times of year.  No matter if you've never fished Saginaw Bay or if you fish it often, this informative multi-media seminar is a must see presentation.

Super Walleye Clinic

Presented by Mark Romanack & a Special Guest Host Eric Olson - $25 Fee

Imagine tapping into the collective brains of not one, but two of the nation's leading authorities on the subject of walleye fishing. The floor is open to any topic relating to walleye fishing and you've got a front row seat. Now imagine each guest is awarded a "goodie bag" full of fishing merchandise worth more than double the admission fee. On top of all this are door prizes and a grand prize drawing for a guided fishing trip on Lake Erie!  The Super Walleye Clinic brought to you by walleye expert Mark Romanack is a crash course in walleye fishing savvy and knowhow. Join Mark and his special guest speaker for a special two hour workshop that covers all aspects of walleye fishing from crankbait to live bait and beyond. From open water trolling to river jigging, you name it and the wisdom to master these fishing techniques is provided. A fee of $25 will be collected at the show Friday and Saturday morning.  In addition, each attendee will receive a "Free Gift" valued at more than the cost of the clinic and a chance to win one of dozens of door prizes.  Those signing up for the Clinic on Thursday and Friday of the Show will also be given free admission passes to enter the show on Saturday for the Clinic.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the pros.

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.


Ultimate Ice Fishing for Michigan Walleye

Presented by Mark Martin

Walleye Fishing

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 Promotions - $25 Fee

Captains Dave Engle and Bill Bale will be on hand for a one time only special appearance for this must see presentation.  They have won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 15 years than any other team.  The presentation will cover every aspect of their proven strategy for fishing the great lakes, from using electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments they have developed for today’s big water fishery.  The 2-hour mega seminar will have plenty of time for question and answer.  The Best Chance Team will discuss the tactics they employ through the entire tournament season as they travel from port to port competing in all of the major salmon tournaments.  A $25 fee is required and each attendee will receive a "Goodie Bag" loaded with products discussed in the clinic and valued at than more than twice the cost.

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.

National Bass Angler's Association Seminar Series

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 Fishing In-Depth

Presented by David Rose

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

Colton Bay Outfitters

They are a full service fly shop offering the latest and best equipment and gear.

Fly Casting Demonstration

Presented by Colton Bay Outfitters

Capt. Joe Raymer

Joe is an expert angler with special knowledge on his favorite fish, the Michigan Walleye.  Capt. Joe is the owner of Looney Toon Charters and co-host of "1 Big Fish TV."  He is a full-time charter captain spending hundreds of hours on the water every year. 

Ice Fishing for Michigan Walleye

Presented by Capt. Joe Raymer

Joe will touch on the latest tips and tactics for consistently bagging your limit even in tough conditions.  Whether you focus on Saginaw Bay or your favorite northern Michigan clear water inland lake, time spent at this seminar will surely increase your catch on the ice this winter.

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.

Early Season Lake Erie Walleye

Presented by Capt. Chip Cartwright

Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Bass to the Future

Presented by Capt. Wayne Carpenter

You may never see bass fishing the same way again.  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 Series innovation (Micro Charts) into your spot knowledge, watch underwater video with GPS coordinates along with real logs plus insight straight from the designer of the new Xtreme Bass Tackle baits for 2010. 


Capt. Mike Veine

Capt. Mike is a full-time outdoor writer and charter captain with over 1,000 articles published by over 50 outdoor periodicals.  His Great Lakes fishing seminars will combine cutting edge technology with other visual props to thoroughly illustrate subject matter in an entertaining yet educational style.  Mike has many years of experience fishing for walleyes, brown trout, lake trout, steelhead and salmon on the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes Salmon Fishing

Presented by Capt. Mike Veine

This seminar will use a small boat focus and include the history on Michigan's salmon program in both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.  Specific techniques for the differing fisheries will be detailed.  Salmon migrations and timing those fish movements is critical for picking the best ports to fish at differing times of the year.  Techniques and fishing strategies will be covered in detail including unique techniques for the ultimate stealth fishing program.

Michigan's Trophy Great Lakes Hotspots

Presented by Capt. Mike Veine

We are blessed in Michigan to have world class sportfishing for trophy walleye, salmon, steelhead and lake trout.  This seminar will focus on those hot fisheries where anglers have an excellent chance to catch trophy class fish.  The seminar will cover select walleye, salmon, steelhead and lake trout hotspots when trophy class fish are most abundant.  Those will include early spring walleye (Lake Erie and the Detroit River), spring Atlantic salmon and browns (Lake Huron), summer king salmon (Lake Michigan), summer lake trout (Lake Superior), late summer / early fall king salmon (Lake Huron) and fall walleyes (Little Bay De Noc).  The most consistently productive big fish techniques will be detailed for each scenario.

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.

Spring Smallmouth on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

Casting for Muskies

Presented by Capt. Doug Samsal

This presentation is packed with Doug's tips and techniques that he has mastered on the water with specific knowledge on targeting and catching monster muskie. 


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 Captain 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, fishing past 175 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!

Gerry Gostenik

Gerry is a Professional Bass Fisherman and a full time guide specializing in Great Lakes Smallmouth Bass Fishing.  He is one of a handful of anglers from the Midwest that has qualified to compete on the prestigious Bassmaster Tour. 

Lake St. Clair Smallmouth Fishing

Presented by Gerry Gostenik

Gostenik will share the tips and techniques that allowed him to stay on the water year round in 2009.  This past season was a challenging one for many anglers because of the cooler weather and Gerry will discuss what it took to be successful.

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.

Lake Erie Walleye

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Capt. Jerry will share his insight on fishing for Walleye on Lake Erie.  This presentation will include the tips and tactics it takes to consistently boat limits of fish for his customers day after day.

Great Lakes Salmon & Steelhead

Presented by Capt. Jerry Lee

Seminar visitors will learn the hottest tactics, including the use of lead core, rotators, cut bait, in-line boards and the latest downrigger savvy.  This presentation will include the tips and tactics it takes to consistently boat limits of fish for his customers day after day.

Don Miller

Captain Don Miller has become one of Lake St. Clair's most popular charter captains.  Captain Don's first-hand knowledge of the fish's seasonal movements and their habits has spanned three decades on the lake.  He has successfully boated over 5,000 muskies, with multiple numbers in a day and size up to 40 lbs. Well-known muskie fisherman, author, educator, and seminar conductor, Miller has authored many articles, and has been a guest speaker at many fishing clubs, outfitters, and organizations throughout the Midwest.

Open Water Trolling for Muskie

Presented by Capt. Don Miller

Don's seminar includes streaming videos of live action on the boat while under operation fishing for muskies.  It is current and up to date with not only the latest, but also proven techniques of Great Lakes trolling for muskies.  Don't miss the complete seminar that shows everything from fishing rod placement and types of baits to catch-and-release.

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 Muskies with Muskie Mania Charters

Presented by Mike Pittiglio   

Mike's hard-core multi-media Musky Trolling presentation will hit the highlights of last season on the lake from the first Saturday of June through December 15th.  All the hottest lures, locations and set-ups will be covered.  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.

Spoon Fed Walleye

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

The Lure is Last

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

Electronics Workshop Covering Sonar and GPS

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

Bob Brunner

Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Legendary Guide

Bob will show you how to make Buck Tails from scratch and different ways to change body baits to make them help you take more fish. He will also relate some of his vast experiences over the last 76 years.  He has fished hundreds of lakes and rivers as well as 2 oceans plus he has guided on Lake St Clair for nearly 40 years. He caught his fist Bass and Pike in 1929 and the first Muskie in 1931. He will teach you how to rig for fish so you have the best chance to get into one.  Will answer any question he can about fishing that he can and if he doesn’t know he may know where you can get an answer.

Casting for Muskie and Pike

Presented by Bob Brunner

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 Lance Valentine

Learn how to maximize your catch!

Getting the Most from your GPS

Presented by Lance Valentine

This seminar teaches you the secrets the pros use to maximize the use of a GPS unit.

Jim Bedford

He has become one of Michigan's foremost authorities on fishing Michigan Rivers with spinners.  The retired toxicologist spends over 1,000 hours a year fishing Michigan Rivers and has written three books on the subject.

Lure Fishing for Trout and Steelhead

Presented by Jim Bedford

Jim will discuss how to pick the best local water and target the most active fish.  His presentation will include hands-on instruction of how to use equipment to your best advantage.  He will teach you how to cover the most water and consistently out produce other methods by targeting the aggressive fish in a long reach of stream.

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.

Capt. Scott Shelagowski

Scott is a professional charter captain and trout and salmon tournament winner. 

Michigan Steelhead in the River

Presented by Capt. Scott Shelagowski

Capt. Scott will present proven tactics for River Steelhead.  Drifting, floatfishing and hot-shooting plugs are all great methods for catching steelhead in the rivers of the Great Lakes region.  Chasing these acrobatic fish 12 months a year quickly refines these patterns and helps to determine when it is the best time to use each method.

Capt. Jon Bondy

A full time licensed guide on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair for 16 years, Jon is the only Canadian to have competed in the Bassmaster Elite series.  Jon is well known in the area as a walleye, bass and musky guide and has been featured on the Bassmasters television show among other things.  He has also been in almost every major fishing publication in North America. 

Jigging for Muskie in the Detroit River

Presented by Capt. Jon Bondy

Joe Thomas

Joe is a professional bass angler, author and outdoorsman.  He is also host of the "ANGLER ON TOUR" television show on the Outdoor Channel.  Joe also heads up the Ultimate Match Fishing Federation.  The UMF Federation gives grass roots anglers a chance to fish against the big boys.  Now you can fish against fellow UMF Federation members when you want, where you want, for a chance to qualify to fish against the top pros in the nation on the Outdoor Channel for a shot at winning the UMF Title and the $50,000 grand prize.  Joe will be on hand at the NBAA booth answering questions about the UMF program on Sunday from 2-3pm.

Reaction Baits for Michigan Bass

Presented by Joe Thomas

Joe will bring to "Lake Ultimate" tactics he has perfected over the last decade as a traveling tournament pro.  He will tell all about how to use reaction baits to boat more bass on Michigan's Great Lakes.

Chris LeMessurier

Chris is a licensed and certified kayak fishing fanatic.  He is contributing author of "Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide" 2nd Edition, member of the Hook 1 Crew, Wilderness Systems and RAM Mounts pro staff.  Born and raised in Michigan, Chris has spent many days chasing fish on the Great Lakes.  He targets everything from tasty salmon to the explosive northern pike, smallmouth bass and musky. 

Kayak Fishing in Michigan

Presented by Chris LeMessurier