This is from today’s tribune:
Cabin fever is one thing. Fishing fever is another. Tom Hammill, manager of the OmniCenter in Onalaska, Wis., believes it’s high time to start a fishing expo. Advertisement
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And that’s exactly what Hammill is doing, beginning Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21 in the friendly confines of the OmniCenter.
“In this area, fishing is such a big industry, but it’s a quiet industry even with all the tournaments that are here,” Hammill said. “We just want to focus on fishing.”
Other sports shows, like the one held in La Crosse last weekend, cover all sorts of sports and equipment. Hammill is zeroing in on a fishing-only event with his Mississippi Valley Fishing Expo.
Hammill has done his homework. He has attended lots of hunting, fishing and sports type shows throughout the Midwest. He’s also talked to all sorts of people at these shows and came to one conclusion: the La Crosse area needs an exclusive “fishing” show.
Despite testing the waters (no pun intended) with a fishing expo, Hammill has assembled an impressive seminar schedule that coincides with a very good exhibitor lineup.
The seminar lineup includes Tom Keenan, 2003 RCL National champion, Steve Quinn, editor of In-Fisherman magazine, Dave Carlson of Northland Adventures, John Myhre, muskie guide and host of Wisconsin Northland Outdoors, Bob Bott, local angler and owner of TGIF Outfitters, and Dave Vetrano, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources inland water specialist.
Yet, the highlight of the event will probably be Gary Hain and his 40-foot traveling fish tank. Hammill said people swarm around the fish tank to watch fish attack the lures that Hain casts into the water. Hain is also known for inventing the Telescopic Lure Retriever.
And what would a fishing show be without a trout fishing pond? Hammill has it in addition to a virtual fishing simulator and the ever popular DNR fish aquarium.
While the show may be a little shy of local exhibitors, Hammill believes once they see what the show has to offer, more will jump on board (again, no pun intended).
“I’ve talked with a lot of exhibitors who said they can’t commit this year but keep them in mind for next year,” he said.
Hammill not only envisions a fishing show as a plus for area anglers, but he also sees it as a boost for Onalaska.
“It’s another event in our building,” he said, smiling.
Show hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 19; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 20; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 21.
Thanks for the info. 
Well I still plan on going in a month, I just have more time to prepare now 
. Gordon recognized me and I had the pleasure of hanging out with them for a while….had a great time. BassBoy and crew are good company 
