The is coming to Colorado for its 40th year Jan. 12-15. Located at the Denver Convention Center, it will feature more than 525 exhibiting companies offering gear, expertise and travel adventures, more than 125 free seminars, hands-on features, expert-led clinics, an elk-calling contest and a giant Youth Activity Center hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Professional angler Dan Swanson and John Kirk from International Sportsmen’s Expositions were on my radio show last weekend to discuss new features at this year’s event, the Expert Clinics and our Friday night “Ask the Expert” event, or as John calls it, “the party by the pond.”
I will be hosting this event at the demo tank at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The event will feature a panel of five of the most accomplished anglers in this region (and nationally) including Nate Zelinsky, a renowned guide and tournament angler; Chad LaChance, host of “Fishful Thinker” television and guide; Brad Petersen, a tournament angler and instructor from In-Fisherman’s Camp Fish; Swanson; and Devin Manino, a Colorado guide and experienced Great Lakes angler.
We will take questions on fishing from the attendees and share our expertise and debate the responses among the panel. I will also challenge the panel with questions that we will address in a roundtable fashion. During the event we will also have hundreds of dollars in free giveaways donated by companies like including baits, line, rods and reels (including a number of youth rod and reel combos donated by ). There will also be two full day kayak rentals provided by and drink tickets provided by the show. The event is free except for your show entry and we will go as long as there is interest or when the show closes. Our goal is to have some fun, get you out on the water and improve your chances of success.
The Expert Clinics — unlike the other seminars at the show, which are free, last about 40 minutes and typically are presented to a crowd of up to 100 people — will be intense two-hour sessions, limited to 20 people, and presented by some of the most renown experts in their field. Topics will include: Building Your Survival Kit with the ; plus — fly-fishing master class; ; and .
Swanson, incidentally, is recognized nationally as a top fishing electronics expert. He said this format will allow him to have more personal interaction and address more specifics than the more general sessions of the past. When I questioned him on the number one problem people have, he immediately said “installation.” I have known Swanson for going on three decades and can say he is among the best on many levels. Unlike other seminars at the show, these classes do require an extra ticket. The cost is $35 but that does include entry into the entire show.
I will be at the show all four days hosting the aquarium demonstration tank. Please come by and say hi. I really enjoy meeting you and talking “outdoors.” In addition, I will be giving away a number of tickets to attend the ISE on my radio show Saturday. In order to win you will have to know a keyword or phrase that later this week.
For veterans of the ISE, here is a sampling of new events this year.
- RMEF regional
- Two-hour, intense classroom clinics (additional ticket required)
- Game-prep demos with local master butcher Jason Nauert
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- TFO Combo Pond: with Sandi and Clay Roberts
- Seminar on guns in the workplace, concealed carry and gun trusts
- Explore Outdoors talks about Colorado, Montana, Wyoming
- Youth fair with free activities (gear and instructors provided), hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
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