Joel DeBoer previews the Wisconsin Muskie Expo

The Wisconsin Muskie Expo begins this Friday, March 6 and runs through Sunday, March 8. The show is housed at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center (formerly the Patriot Center) and features something for just about anyone anticipating the opportunity to start chasing the fish of 10,000 casts. Opening at 2 p.m. on Friday, the first paid 200 attendees will receive a free lure. Attendees may also register to win a full week's stay at Donner's Bay Resort on the heralded Turtle Flambeau Flowage and, by bringing in a picture of their largest muskie, register to win a free replica mount from Lax Reproductions.

Show organizer Rich Reinert explains that the concept behind the Wisconsin Musky Expo, now in its third year, is rooted in his belief that muskie anglers in the fertile waters of northern Wisconsin shouldn't have to drive to Milwaukee, Chicago or Minneapolis to see new lures and have access to musky services and resorts.

"I wanted the Expo to be friendlier to the cottage industry of small lure manufacturers, the place where most lure innovations over the past 50 years have been hatched," explained Reinert. He continued, "In addition, I also wanted the Expo to be a great family muskie outing."

Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com: More fishing news from around the state

A host of tackle and boat manufacturers, resorts, musky guides and other fishing-related service providers will be on hand to discuss any and all things new and exciting for the impending open water season. Various fishing clubs such as Marathon County's own Wausau Area Muskies Inc. will also be in attendance to share stocking information, news from within the club and to recruit potential new members.

The Wisconsin Muskie Expo offers, in addition to the myriad of vendors on hand, daily seminars. Speakers such as Northwoods legend Tony Rizzo, Jeff Van Remortel, Lee Tauchen, Chris Taurisano, Doug Smith, Rich Belanger and Spencer Berman will share their wisdom on a host of topics to help you boat more and larger muskies.

Following the show on Saturday night, a lure swap will be available free of charge in The Bar at Cedar Creek, courtesy of both The Bar and the Wausau Area Chapter of Muskies Inc. The lure swap will provide a forum for anglers to purchase or trade lures with one another in a casual atmosphere while enjoying a bite to eat or a bit of refreshment.

No plans for the weekend? Now you have some – stop on by the show, see what's new, catch a seminar or two and stop in at the Mepps booth to say hello and talk muskies!

I'll see you at the show.

Joel DeBoer is owner of Wisconsin Angling Adventures Guide Service, www.wisconsin anglingadventures.com.