Officially,
spring (vernal equinox) arrives on March 20, marking the
beginning of the new astrological year. Anglers celebrate
another commencement around this time of the year- the new trout
season. Although it is more than a month away, most fishermen
begin to dream about being out along a favorite stream catching
fish, perhaps the big one. And, let us not forget, spring
gobbler season is close behind.
One way to
scratch "the itch" is by looking at fishing and hunting gear,
and talking "trout" or "turkey" with others who love the sport.
This is the weekend to do just that. The 2010 Trout Kickoff,
Sports, Recreational & Outdoor Show sponsored by Susquehanna
Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Williamsport YMCA will be
held on Sat. March 13 and Sun. March 14, at the YMCA Pickelner
Arena on Elmira St. Show hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on
Saturday; Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is just $3.00;
children $1.00; children under age 6 will be admitted free when
accompanied by an adult.

Every member
of the family, regardless of age, will find the wide range of
displays and on-going demonstrations interesting and
entertaining. For the youngsters, there is the always-popular
Trout Pond, stocked with over 200 hungry trout. Stand by and
watch as budding fishermen thrill to the excitement of a feisty
fish attached to their line (equipment is provided). Don’t
forget the camera. Those ear-to-ear grins are priceless.
Seminars
include Dave Tilburg- Turkey Calling (Sat.-11a.m.); Kelly
Cooper- Spring Turkey Hunting (Sat.-1p.m.); Sheri Baity- Coyote
Calling (Sat.-3p.m.); Dave Butters & Cody Ensanian- Erie
Steelhead (Sun.-1p.m.); Rick Henrich- Kayak Demo in the pool
(Sun. 2:30p.m.).
Vendors will
be displaying fishing and hunting products, including
high-quality, custom-made items. Come, see, and discuss these
exciting products with the experts and learn how each can bring
you more success in the woods or on the water.
Exhibits
include wildlife paintings by Ron Beach, Anne Dixon, Vicki
Frith, and Bob Crain, all extremely talented artists. John
DeWalt of Northeast Trade Co. will be on hand to discuss
blackpowder guns. Dave Tilburg will be available to "talk
turkey." Tilburg is well-known for his expertise on turkey
hunting and for his turkey calls.
E. Hille
Company will display fly fishing gear. The guys at Hille’s are
very knowledgeable and will be available to accompany all takers
who would like to try out a new fly rod or need help with their
casting. They will also have fly-tying demonstrations. Is
catching big fish part of your angling dreams? Then visit Salmon
Hunter Charters or Wishin’ to be Fishin’ Charters, both
successful Lake Ontario fishing services. This is where the fish
are measured in pounds, not inches.
Also in
attendance will be Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, A
Water Odyssey Scuba, Aten Beef Jerky, Andy’s Taxidermy,
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Game On Game Calls, C.W.
O’Connor Specialty, Steam Valley Game Calls, Chad & Kelly
Copper, Pennsylvania Game Commission, numerous local watershed
organizations, Rock River & Trail, Lycoming Creek Anglers,
Rhode’s Taxidermy, Rick Metzger- Selective Marketing, Lefty’s
Archery, and the Lycoming County Conservation District, as well
as others.
Continuing the
Kickoff tradition is a raffle and Chinese Auction. First prize
in the raffle is $500 cash; second prize- $250 cash; third
prize- a fly rod, along with dozens of other prizes (ticket
holders need not be present to win). The Chinese Auction will
feature several high-value items on the bidding block. Included
are a fly rod outfit (rod, reel, line), a muzzleloader, and a
beautiful framed print.
The 33rd
Annual Trout Kickoff will be held on Sat. March 13 (10 a.m.-6
p.m.) and Sun. March 14 (Noon-5 p.m.). Come with an appetite, as
food, snacks and refreshments will be available; and, come with
a thirst for knowledge about hunting and fishing.