O’Brien Outdoors: 33rd Annual Trout Kickoff
WILLIAMSPORT -- It will be some time before the grass is green, a burst of buds adds the tint of burgundy to the landscape, and the sweet sounds and smells of spring can be fully enjoyed. But eventually winter will be slain by spring and wildflowers will replace the snow.
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. A great opportunity to do just that is by attending the 2010 Trout Kickoff, Sports, Recreational and Outdoor Show sponsored by Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Williamsport YMCA.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 13, and Sunday, March 14, at the YMCA Pickelner Arena on Elmira Street. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $3 for adults, children $1 and 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 more than 200 trout. This year’s operation will be indoors. 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 to bring a camera. Those ear-to-ear grins are priceless.
Seminars include: Dave Tilburg, Turkey Calling (Saturday 11 a.m.); Kelly Cooper, Spring Turkey Hunting (Saturday 1p.m.); Sheri Baity, Coyote Calling (Saturday 3 p.m.); Dave Butters and Cody Ensanian, Erie Steelhead (Sunday 1p.m.); Rick Henrich, Kayak Demo in the pool (Sunday 2:30 p.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 and Boat Commission, Game On Game Calls, C.W. O’Connor Specialty, Steam Valley Game Calls, Chad and Kelly Copper, Pennsylvania Game Commission, numerous local watershed organizations, Rock River and 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 is 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 Saturday, March 13 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday, 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.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: Above, fly tying is but one of the many activities attendees can enjoy. (Photo provided)
PHOTO CAPTION 2: At top, Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited, one of the show sponsors, has completed numerous stream restoration projects. (Photo provided)
