The great outdoors goes indoors for NE Ohio Sportsman Show

For many outdoorsmen, there is nothing that can compare to the tranquility of sitting on the bank and casting a lure into the heart of a pond in anticipation of a catch or the excitement of gearing up, finding a perfect spot in a blind and waiting for that big buck to wander into view.

The great outdoors has provided plenty of opportunities for sportsmen to test their nerves, sharpen their skills and enjoy the sports for which they have become so passionate.

On Thursday, Jan. 18, a hunt of a different kind will begin, and that hunt will have everything to do with the great outdoors, only it will be totally indoors.

The annual Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show will take place Jan. 18-20 in the Mt. Hope Event Center, and with it comes a multitude of activities that should delight any outdoors aficionado, whether it is the casual weekender or the avid outdoorsman.

The show will take place Jan. 18 from 2-8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission of $15 per day for adults and children under 12 free. Two-day passes are available for $25, and along with the admission cost comes a show featuring plenty to do and see.

Visitors will experience the largest annual gathering of hunting and fishing enthusiasts in Northeast Ohio, with the show grounds spanning nearly 80,000 square feet of pure outdoor pleasure.

With everything going on, it’s the perfect scenario for outdoorsmen to connect with fellow outdoorsmen who share their passion.

“The Mt. Hope Center is the perfect place. It’s set up nice for people to come and spend an entire day or the whole weekend,” promoter Jody Witzky said. “Mrs. Yoder’s has all that food right there, and families can stay the whole day and not experience everything. Plus, I absolutely love that area. The people there are so nice, and the staff there rolls out the red carpet for everyone.”

Visitors can increase their knowledge by enjoying one of the hourly seminars revolving around hunting and fishing topics, and the lineup of keynote speakers is impressive.

Jim Vitaro will present bass fishing all three days while Lake Erie guide Bob Balli will explore the art of walleye fishing. Nate Boldeman will explore the world of crappie fishing while Joseph Mafrici will present information about the Death Shimmer Lure, a new item on the market.

If it’s hunting that stirs the heart, then there are plenty of seminars dedicated to that area too. Included in the presenters are Jim Riggle and Herman Rice on whitetail deer and elk hunting, Bill Epeards on turkey and whitetail deer hunting, Tony Lapratt on land management, Smokey McNicholas presenting coyote hunting and many more.

Through these professionals, those who listen will learn about managing hunting properties effectively or techniques that can help them reel in that big catch or bag that big buck.

“Guys like Bill (Epeards) and Smokey (McNicholas) are real pros and absolutely love this show,” Witzky said. “Those guys travel the circuit and go to a ton of shows, and they both say this is the best show they go to because of the way they get treated and the people here. They like that it’s done professionally.”

In addition, there will be more than 200 distinguished exhibitors from across the United States and Canada who will host a variety of stalls, providing something for everyone.

There will be numerous outfitters and charter presenters who can organize that dream hunting and fishing adventure, or visitors can discover the latest products and technologies for all their hunting and fishing needs, from building a hunting cabin to picking out the best equipment.

“If someone is looking for a smaller adventure or the hunting trip of a lifetime, they’ll find what they’re looking for,” Witzky said. “They’re going to visit experts who can give them plenty of insight into what a trip might look like, and they won’t overwhelm people. They’ll talk about tactics and techniques and really make it a great experience.”

The show presents everything that the modern outdoorsman might need including hunting blinds, bow and arrow equipment, and fishing boats right down to bobbers and lures.

Perhaps one of the most unique draws will be the famous fishing trough display, a semi-truck-sized glass enclosure filled with water, fondly dubbed the Hawg Trough. It will be utilized as a backdrop for the fishing seminars.

However, the great outdoors doesn’t stop with hunting and fishing. There also will be plenty to see in the world of biking and hiking, taxidermy, knives, camping, farming and more.

“We’ve got such a variety of great products,” Witzky said.

Witzky said one reason people come from all over surrounding states to visit is because they know they will get much more than someone slamming them with information and trying to sell them something.

“From our seminar speakers to all of our vendors, these people enjoy visiting and really explaining to people whatever their topic or product might be,” Witzky said. “They’re genuine people who care.”

For a complete rundown of the show, visit the website at www.ohiosportsmanshow.com.