Shortly after sunset Sunday, the 2017-18 Ohio deer season ends. Saturday will be the final day to legally hunt geese. Month’s end marks the last day to hunt rabbit and trap mink, muskrats, beavers and river otters.
To suggest that February is merely about winding down while marking time would hardly be sufficient. What leaves makes room for that which arrives.
Arriving in the coming weekends will be two fishing extravaganzas timed to help make way for the upcoming season. The Columbus Fishing Expo runs Friday through next Sunday, and the Hoover Fishing Seminar XX is set for Feb. 17.
The Expo, held in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center, fits the traditional mold of a commercial fishing show designed to entertain, educate and promote products. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Vendors offering wares and services, sometimes for a deal, provide the backbone of the Expo. A 6,000-gallon fish tank, a fly-fishing area and a 5,000-square-foot Cabela’s Ultimate Kids Zone are among the highlights.
Veteran and novice anglers can pick up lessons, lore and tips from a lineup of nationally known and locally renowned anglers whose expertise runs a gamut of species.
Among the bass experts on hand are Scott Martin, the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup champion; Denny Brauer, a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame; Larry Nixon, among the original celebrity bass fishermen; James Watson, who has qualified for the Forrest Wood Cup and the Bassmaster Classic; and Joe Thomas, TV host of several Outdoor Channel shows.
A number of Ohio-based fishermen will be presenting, including catfish tournament angler Carl Morris Jr. of Johnstown; Ohio River catfish chaser Mark Blauvelt; muskie man Elmer Heyob; walleye aficionados Robert Cardenas and Mike Defibaugh; fly-fishing expert Brian Flechsig; kayak fishing specialist and champion Kurt Smits; and outdoors writer and educator Dan Armitage.
Also presenting is the fishing team of Lori Povisil and Beth Mills, co-directors of the Bass Pro Shop Ohio Tournament Trail.
Details are available at columbusfishingexpo.com.
Hoover Fishing Seminar XX, beginning at 8 a.m. Feb. 17 at Walnut Springs Middle School in Westerville, features informal classroom sessions on various aspects of chasing fish that thrive at Hoover and other inland Ohio impoundments.
Presenters include: Ohio Division of Wildlife fishery biologists Joe Conroy and Jeremy Pritt, who will focus on saugeye stocking and its outcomes; Scott Furst on saugeye-catching strategies; Bob McCarthy on bass fishing by the seasons; Joe Hatfield on catching blue catfish; Brian Annis on kayak fishing; Jason Bacher on crappie catching; Tony Vannelle on teaching youngsters to appreciate nature through fishing; Tim Blaszyk on chasing white bass; and John Adair on jigging for bass.
Attendees may choose four seminars on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited to 325, and the deadline for reservations is Wednesday. Many fishermen are lured to the seminar by the donated raffle prizes, which typically include rods, reels, electronics, related gear and guided fishing trips.
Cost to attend is $10. The admission fee and money raised through the raffles go to two youth fishing clubs. For details about the seminar, see fishandtales.net/hoovfishsem.html, or phone Jim Horan before 8 p.m. daily at (614) 882-9464.
outdoors@dispatch.com