Features & Attractions

Lake Ultimate

An indoor lake? You bet! With over 110,000 gallons of water, this lake provides the Ultimate opportunity for seminar leaders to present from their fully rigged fishing boats while trolling, casting and actually catching fish. By trolling back and forth in front of the bleachers with their bow mounted trolling motors, the tournament pros are able to give truly unique seminars. This is the most innovative seminar platform of any fishing show in the world.

Lake Ultimate schedule coming soon

Hawg Trough

Guest fishing experts will be on-hand all weekend to provide seminars and fishing demonstrations on this mobile 5,000 gallon fish tank! Audience participation by both seasoned anglers and freckle-face kids keep the crowd entertained throughout the day.

Hawg Trough schedule coming soon

Ice Fishing Village

This year’s Ultimate Fishing Show will have more Ice Fishing Tackle than any other show in Michigan…ever! Manufacturer booths will be present, including Clam, Otter Outdoors, Striker, Frabill, Jiffy, Eskimo, Normark, Marcum, Strikemaster, and many more. Multiple retailers will be present including Frank’s Great Outdoors, with literally “tons” of ice tackle. Daily seminars will be given by the best in the business. This is something you definitely don’t want to miss!

Shanty Truckload Sale

Frank’s Great Outdoors will be hosting a Shanty Truckload Sale in conjunction with the Ultimate Fishing Show. All of the manufacturers’ shanties will be on display, under one roof. If you have been looking for a shanty or you would just like to see what’s new, don’t miss this event! The best deals of the year will be taking place at this Show!

Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger Food Drive

The Ultimate Fishing Show has partnered with Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger for a huge opening night food drive. Bring a sack of non-perishable food items (minimum of 4 pounds or 6 cans or boxes) to the Suburban Collection Showplace on opening night, Thursday, January 11 ONLY and get in for FREE! The food will be collected by volunteers from local conservation organizations and donated to the Red Cross and area food banks.

Fly Fishing Area with the Michigan Fly Fishing Club

The Ultimate Fishing Show has teamed up with best local fly fishing stores to create a huge fly fishing area. With continuous, free fly casting lessons and non-stop fly tying demonstrations, this area will offer the best in information and products to Detroit fly fishing anglers of all ages and all skill levels. Other activities will include book signings and expert advice on local fishing opportunities from guides, professional instructors, outfitters and pros.

Fly Casting Instruction

Come take advantage of free fly casting instruction coordinated in cooperation with the Michigan Fly Fishing Club. Stop by and ask for help with fly casting fundamentals from beginner to advanced. Professional guides will be on hand to provide tips and techniques that will surely improve your time on the water this year.

Fly Tyers Corner

Come watch some of the top fly tyers in Michigan as they set up and demonstrate their favorite patterns of make a request. This is a constant workshop for anglers that share an interest in this artful pastime. It is presented by local experts and guides from the Michigan Fly Fishing Club.

Trout Pond

The Michigan Bass Busters will provide the state’s best trout pond full of frisky rainbows to challenge anglers young and old. Even if you come just to watch, you will see the highest catch percentage of any trout pond you have ever seen. A small fee is charged and proceeds benefit the Michigan Bass Busters. Some lucky anglers will win prizes every day.

Virtual Fishing Simulator

Presented by the Michigan Charter Boat Association

Simulated fishing. Yes, it’s virtual fishing. Take the trolling rod in hand, watch the video screen and get ready! The salmon takes that lure like a freight train and your job is to land that fish. Michigan charter captains are on hand to coach your fish playing technique. The computer grades your ability and the best scores will charter fishing trips. All proceeds benefit the MCBA’s scholarship fund.

Fish Cleaning Demonstrations

Presented throughout the Show by the Metro West Steelheaders. Learn the best way to clean your fish. All fish caught at the Trout Pond will be cleaned and bagged with ice for FREE at the Steelheader’s fish cleaning / demonstration booth. Bring ’em home ready for the skillet!

National Fishing Lure Collectors Club

Royal Oak’s Dennis Wolfe of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club will be at the Suburban Collection Showplace with a unique display of antique fishing lures and sporting collectibles. Make sure to bring your old tackle box to the Show and have it appraised for FREE – you may have a fortune rusting away in that old tackle box!

Shore Lunch Fish Fry

A large dining are has be designated as the site of the Shore Lunch Fish Fry. After rave reviews last winter, the shore lunch area has acquired “Ultimate” status with an expanded menu, a family entertainment area and a large bar area popular with sportsmen. A basket of fillets breaded in special breading mix will be served up with fries and slaw at a “family price” throughout the Show.