The Link

10/3/2012
ROCHESTERMNSHOWS

New Ice Fishing Show for Midwest Ice Anglers December 7, 8 & 9 Wausau, Wisconsin

Mankato, Minnesota - "Changing The Way Wisconsin Looks at Winter" is the focus of the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Show, a new event for the Lodging, Tourism and Ice Fishing Industry to showcase their products, services and information in Wisconsin. The show will be held December 7, 8 & 9 at The Patriot Center in Rothschild, a suburb of Wausau Wisconsin.

Interest in Ice Fishing in Wisconsin has increased by over 110,000 individuals over the last ten years according to a recent survey. The survey reported at that time that over 540,000 Wisconsin Anglers participated in Ice Fishing. Current Ice Fishing Industry reports that those numbers have increased since that survey to numbers nearing 700,000 Ice Fishing Anglers.

This is a significant number of participants in any demographic and there's a tremendous interest to the industries and Ice Anglers we intend on serving with the development of this event, according to Brad Hansen developer of the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Show. Deer hunting is a weekend or week long commitment for many individuals. Ice fishing is a 3-4 month opportunity based on Ice
conditions. That is one of the reasons Ice Fishing offers one of the greatest opportunity for economic growth in the Fishing, Lodging, and Tourism Industries in Wisconsin, according to Hansen.

Over the past 20 years, our company has worked with the resort and tourism industries throughout the U.S. and Canada to develop a variety of consumer attended trade shows. For Hansen, it was devastating to see the effect on the retail, lodging, and local tourism industries during last years open winter. On the other hand Minnesota was no different from Wisconsin or the U.P. when it came to the lack of snow last year. However Ice is Ice and fish are there to be found no matter what state you are in. In Minnesota events like the annual International Eelpout Festival, weekend Ice Fishing Tournament and regular Ice Anglers making day trips to our lakes and rivers pumped millions of dollars into our economy and towards our charities.

Hansen knows the same can be accomplished in Wisconsin and the largest Manufacturers, Distributors and Retailers in the Ice Fishing Industry are onboard supporting this event. "Wisconsin is such a large ice fishing market with over 1/2 million Ice Anglers. This new show is a perfect fit.," said Rapala Marketing Director, Kelly Brockpahler. "We are excited to introduce ICE FORCE, the most premium and respected ice fishing brands in their categories, to the ice anglers attending this event."

"Breathing new life into the ice market is paramount after last season according to a 13 Fishing representative. This show, in this market...it's an ideal occurrence. We plan to introduce the most exciting products in the rod and reel categories at this show. One reel in particular that should floor customers and competition alike."

"Clam Outdoors and the Ice Team, longtime leaders of the ice fishing revolutions will be unveiling a tackle box full of experts, tools and resources specifically designed to improve an ice anglers experience at this years event, according to Matt Johnson, Ice Team Manager.

"With Thorne Brothers being based on the north end of Minneapolis for 29 years, we have already met some great folks from western Wisconsin. This show in central Wisconsin will be an opportunity to meet more ice anglers while showcasing our custom ice rods as well as many other great products. We are looking forward to meeting lots of new people and helping them expand their ice fishing horizons".

"Recycled Fish is excited to be involved as a conservation partner to the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Show," said Teeg Stouffer, Executive Director. "Fishing is about more than catching fish - it's about encountering nature and being great stewards of our waters and wild places. The Wisconsin Ice Fishing Show is making a powerful statement about its dedication to conservation, stewardship of our fisheries, and the future of the sport by making sure that organizations like ours are part of this inaugural event. We know that this will become one of the most important stops on the Recycled Fish "On Ice" Tour this winter."

"Our goal is to produce a show that anglers in the Midwest will be eager to attend year after year," Whether you are an avid fisherman looking for a few new accessories, an experienced angler in need of an upgrade, or totally new to the ice fishing sport, you will find what you are looking for at this show. Everything one would need above the ice, under the ice and getting through the ice-including fish houses, augers, underwater cameras, digital fish finders, rods, reels, tackle, accessories, apparel, new products & much more will be on display at this event.

We have found the right facility in the right location with our selection of the Patriot Center in Rothschild, a suburb of Wausau Wisconsin. This facility offers over 3,000 free parking spaces. Is conveniently accessible from major highways and offers a variety of lodging options in the area for weekend visitors. We are also utilizing family friendly admission rates to encourage greater participation at this even said Hansen. Admission will be $6.00 for adults, children 12 and under free.

Hours for the event will be:

December 7, 2-9pm

December 8, 10 am to 7 pm

December 9, 10 am to 4 pm

To learn more about this coming event, its participants, seminar schedules and other information on this event, please visit our information link in the coming months at www.icefishingshow.com

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(For Editorial Contact Only: Brad Hansen (507) 387-7469 icefishingshow@gmail.com)