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One Of Southern Wisconsin's Biggest Events For Anglers Returns To The Alliant Energy Center This Weekend

Experienced anglers, families, and first-timers the Wisconsin Fishing Expo graces Madison's frozen shores again this February 23rd through the 25th. The three day event takes place across 150,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Around eight years ago, the owners of the Wisconsin Fishing Expo were looking to hand over the reins to someone they knew and trusted with the popular three day event. Dan Durbin, who co-owns Bast Durbin Advertising with Jeff Bast, was handling the events' publicity since its' beginning seemed like the logical fit. Dan's insistence that fishing expo provide a forum and space at the exhibit hall to raise funds and awareness for their causes closed the deal. Today, Durbin along with a dedicated team make Wisconsin Fishing Expo one of the largest events of its' kind in the region..

Durbin's support of local is literally on display throughout the Wisconsin Fishing Expo. Visitors to the expo will not find fishing products typically sold at Bass Pro Shop, Amazon, or Gander Mountain at the Alliant Energy Exhibition Hall. Nor will attendees find mic'ed up vendors hawking the latest floor mop technology,  gutter guarding products or salsa. "We have not raised our rates in twenty years. If you pay your ten bucks you don't want to see the Super Shammy," says Durbin. Instead, all 340 vendors (the most vendors ever in the expo's history') are locally and regionally based mom and pop manufactures of lures tackle, and other fishing equipment. "We're their avenue to sell their products," Dan adds. When the Wisconsin Fishing Expo suspended its' operations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic it hurt a lot of the events' vendors As a result: those local, mom and pop businesses have an abundance of products for this year's expo. 

The Wisconsin Fishing Expo is also the place to brush up on the finer techniques of fishing. This year, attendees can choose from 26 different seminars, from fly fishing, sports fishing to how to catch that trophy Muskie. "This year's roster pf speakers is the biggest we have ever had," Durbin says. For the kids, there are three youth seminars, one of which gives out free rods and reels for the first 75 junior attendees. Wisconsin Fishing Expo is very kid friendly. Junior anglers can try out their skills at the trout pond, fish bingo, Bumper Boats, and so many activities to keep every family member engaged. Durbin believes so much in investing in future generations, he lets members of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association attend the Wisconsin Fishing Expo for free on Sunday.

Certainly, one of the show stopping portions of the expo is the 40,000 square feet of floor space devoted to area boating dealerships. Local boating outfitters include Rock River Marine and Sport, to Mad City Power Sports, Cedar Lakes Sales, and many of the areas notables exhibiting the latest boats, motors and equipment on display.

DETAILS:

The Wisconsin Fishing Expo takes place this weekend (this weekend February 23rd - 25th.)

The Alliant Energy Center is located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, in Madison just off

the Beltline and John Nolen Drive.

SHOW HOURS:

Friday: 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

TICKETS

:$10.00 for Adults
Kids 12 and under are free.

A parking fee is charged per car by Dane County.

Fee is subject to change by Dane County.