By Steve Weisman

They are bigger than better than ever…the Midwest’s November/December ice fishing expos. After a year in which the pandemic disrupted so many things across the country, they’re back, starting with the Dakota Angler Ice Institute November 12-14 and the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show presented by CLAM on Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 5.

These are two of the most attended ice fishing expos, and plans are being made at each venue to top previous years! Although Kabele’s FISH & HUNT EDITION (Shop with the Pros) is on the same Saturday (November 13) as the Dakota Angler Ice Institute, the Ice Institute runs Friday through Sunday, so you can actually hit both.

In visiting with outdoor communicator Matt Johnson, who has a major presence across the Midwest as Clam Outdoors Pro Staff Director, Blackfish Gear Pro Staff Director and Ice Team Manager, these ice expos are important for both manufacturers and the general public.

“We are really excited for the upcoming shows. Last year was really different because of the pandemic, and so much of our connection with the consumer was virtual and online. Yet, new anglers flocked to the ice and fishing license numbers soared. However, we missed the connection that we get with the consumer during the ice fishing shows. I know that the entire industry is excited for these next few weeks.”

There is no doubt that this is ice fishing country, and baitshops and tackle shops across the Midwest have their own ice fishing expo. As a result, Johnson notes, the ice expos begin the end of October and run through the month of December. Although they try not to, some sport shows overlap because there are so many and so few weekends to hold them.

Johnson says, “These ice fishing expos all draw crowds. It might be a few hundred people, up to several thousand and even up to 25,000 at the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show. No matter where the shows are at, we have Clam pro staffers who will be on hand to visit with the consumer. Certainly, a lot of the conversation is about product, but it’s much more than that. These shows unite our entire industry. They are a way for the consumer to see what’s new, to have the opportunity to visit with pro staffers, industry reps and simply visit with each other! Here in the Midwest, we are at the epicenter of the ice fishing population.”

If there is a presence at these ice fishing shows, it is that of Dave Genz, known as Mr. Ice Fishing, and the angler who took ice fishing into the modern age! According to Johnson, “Dave will be at both the Dakota Angler Ice Institute and the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show, and his goal is to hit as many of these ice fishing shows as possible.”

Johnson also notes that ice fishing seminars presented by ice fishing experts always attract crowds. Both the Dakota Angler Ice Institute and the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show will have seminars each day.

Dakota Angler Ice Institute

Held at the Sioux Falls Arena & Convention Center, the Dakota Angler Ice Institute has continued to grow since its inception in 2008. Attendees will get to see the best of the best when it comes to ice fishing equipment and accessories. Over 100 vendors will be on hand, along with a host of excellent clinicians. The fishing seminars are back this year after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. Some of the clinicians include Tom Boley, Dave Genz, Brad Hawthorne, Jason Durham, Tony, Mariotti, Jadyn Thomas, Shantel Wittstruck, Troy Peterson (Mr. Bluegill). Of course, there will be plenty of “hot buy” promotions.

Admission will be $5, or you can get a weekend pass for $12. Tickets will be available at the door. Hour will be 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. on Sunday.

St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show

Mark on your calendar Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 5 for the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show at the St. Paul River Centre. The venue will include more than 190 exhibits with products and services focusing on the die-hard ice fishing and winter sports enthusiast. View all new ice fishing products, including fish houses, augers, underwater cameras, digital fish finders, rods and reels, tackle, accessories, apparel and much more!

Johnson notes, “Clam Outdoors has been the presenting sponsor for years, and we are excited to have that opportunity again this year. We begin planning for the next year’s show a few weeks after the current show is over. Clam Outdoors will be located at five different areas during the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show.”

The show will feature all new merchandise at a variety of price points to fit any budget. Whether you are an avid fisherman looking for a few new accessories, an experienced angler in need of an upgrade, or totally new to the ice fishing scene, you will find what you are looking for at this show!

Seminars will be a major part of the show with speakers every hour on Friday beginning at 1 p.m., beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. A total of 20 seminars will be held over the three-day show.

Regular hours include Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost will be $12 per day for an adult, which is reduced to $6 if attendees are Good Sam Club members. Kids aged 6-12 will be $5.

A special VIP ticket costs $20 and will allow VIP buyers to access the show before the general public. VIP tickets can only be purchased at the door. VIP hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday.

To learn more and to purchase tickets in advance, google the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sport Show.

Clam Outdoors Pro Staff Director Matt Johnson and a group of Clam pro staffers meet prior to an ice fishing show.

From the comfort of his sled, Dave Genz and a fellow angler discuss ice fishing.