HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "15th annual Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show" is coming Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19, 2012 to the Connecticut Convention Center at 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. Hours: Friday, February 17 from 12 noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Show features hundreds of booths showcasing the latest products for fishing and hunting enthusiasts and is designed as a great outing for the entire family. More than 65 hours of seminars by national and regional expert fishermen and hunters and hands-on activities are included with admission.
"Attendees will discover the newest fishing, hunting and outdoor equipment by some of the top manufacturers and can purchase a variety of products," explains organizer Kristie Gonsalves, President of North East Expos. "They will meet charter boat captains, check out new models of fishing boats, enjoy interactive activities, and watch fly casting and fly tying demonstrations."
For the first time at any show will be Greg Myerson, World Record Holder for largest Striped Bass – he will present seminars and display his winning 81.88 lbs catch. Fly-fishing experts include Marla Blair, Dave Brandt; Charter boat captains include Capt. Lynn Smith, Capt. Bill Brown, Capt. Kyle Douton, Capt. Greg DuBrule, Capt. Bruce Millar, Capt. Pat Renna and Capt. Pete Meyers. Fishing lure manufacturers include Al Gag, T-Man Custom Tackle, Smash'em Fishing & Tackle, and The Run Off Lure Company. There will be close to a dozen fly-tiers including Bruce Marino, Don Bastian and Mike Motyl.
The Show will mark the first public appearance of Dan O'Brien and his whitetail deer, one of the largest ever taken by bow in the Northeast. Expert Hunting presenters include: Lane Benoit, legendary whitetail buck tracker from Vermont; Dick Scorzafava, big game hunter, TV host and author; and Del DelMastro, archery tackle and urban deer hunting.
Activities will include: Big Buck Club's "Score Your Rack" exhibit – bring your rack; ocean fishing skill testing on a Virtual Realty Fishing Simulator; live fishing at a Catch & Release Trout Pond – if you catch a tagged fish, you win a child's rod and reel; panning for gold; NRA Laser Shooting Range; Talons! Birds of Prey; Sportsmen's Outpost's archery range; and Kids' Bass Casting Competition sponsored by the Connecticut Bass Federation Booth.
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection will provide the latest rules and regulations dealing with wildlife, fisheries, hunting and fishing for the coming season.
Show sponsors include STIHL® Solutions and the Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen.
Admission: $12 adults; $4 Children 4 to 12; and Free for children age 3 and under. Cash Only.
For more information, seminars, exhibitors, and directions, visit www.fishinghuntingshow.com or (860) 844-8461.