2025 Ultimate Fishing Show Features Tons of Tackle, Ice Fishing Expo

All-star seminar lineup, hands-on opportunities featured at country’s largest fishing show, January 9-12 in Novi

Novi — Hundreds of New Fishing Boats, the largest Ice Fishing Display in the state, and a Star-Studded Lineup of Seminars by some of the best anglers in the world combine to make the 42nd annual Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit the largest and best Pure Fishing Show in the country. The show motors into town Jan. 9-12, at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi.

The Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit is an exciting four-day event dedicated entirely to Michigan fishing. Southeastern Michigan is home to more freshwater anglers per capita than anywhere else in the country, making it the largest freshwater fishing market in America. So, it’s no surprise that more than 35,000 anglers visit the Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit each year.

“We’re going to fill the 300,000-square-foot Suburban Collection Showplace from wall to wall with boats, ice fishing gear, open-water fishing gear, outfitters and guides, seminar stages, fishing features, demonstrations and more,” says Show Manager Ben Nielsen. “Everything an angler could imagine will be on hand as hundreds of exhibitors will be bringing the latest tackle, gear, fishing boats and accessories to the show. Some of these specialty, custom baits and lures can only be found at The Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit.”

Kevin VanDam and Mark Zona fishing

Four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion and seven-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, Kalamazoo native Kevin VanDam will share some of his personal tactics and techniques with patrons at the Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit on Thursday only. Mark Zona, host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, and recently retired Bassmasters show host, will present seminars on Friday and Saturday. Bass fishing experts and seminar speakers Joe Thomas, Capt. Wayne Carpenter, and Jim Vitaro also will provide tips and entertainment over the four days of the show.

The Walleye side of the seminar lineup is equally impressive and includes Michigan natives Mark Martin, a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, TV show host Mark Romanack – Fishing 411, and Captain Lance Valentine, founder of Walleye 101 and The Fishing Education Center. Also with Jim Bedford (river fishing), Roger Hinchcliff (steelhead), Captain Jake Romanack (co-host of Fishing 411), and Dan Armitage (kids fishing) providing seminars all weekend.

There are dozens of other features at the Ultimate Fishing Show–Detroit that include learning opportunities and hands-on activities like Lake Ultimate, a 110,000-gallon indoor lake, the Hawg Trough, a 5,000-gallon fish tank filled with native Michigan fish, a large ice fishing tackle area, a stocked Trout Pond, a Rock Climbing Wall, a Shanty Truck Load Sale, Fish Cleaning Demonstrations, and Fly Casting and Fly Tying instruction. Enter a contest from Millertech Lithium Batteries for a trolling motor and battery combination at the show.

Want to attend the show for free? On Thursday, January 9, admission is free for patrons who bring six cans/boxes or four pounds of non-perishable food items to donate to the annual Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger Food Drive. The food will be collected by volunteers from local conservation organizations and donated to the Red Cross and area food banks.

Ultimate Fishing Show – Detroit 2025 fishing tackle deals and products

The first 250 attendees on Thursday and Friday receive a free, collectible Dardevle spoon from Eppinger Manufacturing Co. in Dearborn. The first 250 attendees on Saturday and Sunday will receive a K&E Bass Stopper lure from Stopper Lures in Hastings.

Show hours: Thursday, 1 to 8; Friday, 12 to 8; Saturday, 10 to 8; Sunday, 10 to 5. Admission: $12 adults, $5 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under. On-site parking is $10.

For more information, visit www.UltimateFishingShow.com or call 800-447-2860.

You can also follow late-breaking news and developments on Facebook at ULTIMATESPORTSHOWTOUR.

The Suburban Collection Showplace, a state-of-the-art Exposition, Convention and Conference Center in Novi, Michigan, is owned and managed by Blair M. Bowman. The Suburban Collection Showplace offers approximately 320,000 square feet of space, including 30,000 square feet of meeting space. Other attractive amenities include a full-service kitchen capable of serving a sit down meal to 3,500 people, formal banquet halls, full-service concession areas, two major atrium style entrances with 25,000 square feet of lobby space for pre-function and registration activities. For more information, visit www.SuburbanCollectionShowplace.