Wisconsin Fishing Expo has more vendors and speakers than ever!
The Wisconsin Fishing Expo (WFE) returns and will take place February 23-25 at the Exhibition Hall, at the Alliant Energy Center, in Madison. Consumers can find almost any fishing product imaginable with 360+ booths or find a deal on a boat from one of 12 different boat dealers present, representing over 30 brands.
Dan Durbin, one of the owners of the Expo, said that inventory is back to pre-pandemic levels so consumers can expect to see packed booths and plenty of boats to choose from.
“The number of vendors and inventory is epic,” Durbin said. “Boat dealers are stocked, and rebates and incentives are strong.”
Jeff Bast, of the Expo ownership team, said that the show is well-rounded and gives back to the community.
“We allow dozens of non-profit groups to exhibit for free or reduced rates,” he said. “From vets’ fishing groups to woman’ groups, this is our way to help grow fishing and the groups that support the sport.”
Young anglers will be happy to learn the WFE Bingo is back again for kids 12 and under.
“The kids can travel through the show with their parents and visit eight specific booths where a vendor will mark their bingo card,” said Don Kirby, the floor manager for the event. “When they reach the final bingo booth, they’ll turn in their card and receive a prize package consisting of lures, stickers, candy and more.”
The bumper boats, Touch of the Wild Trailer, virtual carp shooting, minnow races, fishing pond, face painting, balloon animals, and trout pond will be on hand to add to the family-friendly Expo.
The WFE has always strived for quality seminar speakers and this year includes over 25 different seminars - the most ever at the Expo!
Speakers for the Expo include huge names like Larry Smith, Tom Huynh, Doug Wegner, Capt. Greg Karch (Free Rod Combos and Gear for kids), Sara Trampe, Rob Manthei, Kenny Jackson, Bill Schultz, Hunter Engleman, Nicole King, Curtis Checci, Jim Crowley, Dale Helgeson, and MANY MORE!
The show runs Friday 1:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-7:00pm and Sunday 9:00am-4:00p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door with $2.00 discount for veterans presenting a form of military ID. Kids 12 and under are free. Sponsors include Wisconsin Outdoor News, Don’s Marine, Lucas Oil, 101.5 IBA-FM, National Professional Anglers Association, Future Angler Foundation, Blackfish and Daiwa.
Entrance and Parking at the Wi Fishing Expo
There are 2 parking entrances at The Alliant Energy Center. The main parking entrance is off Rimrock Road, and the second parking entrance is on Rusk Rd, which is accessed off Rimrock Road. If the primary exit off the beltway at Rimrock Road is backed up (as can happen on Saturday during prime time), take the exit just west at Park Street, then turn right immediately thereafter on to West Badger Road. Badger turns into East Rusk Avenue after about a third of a mile. Follow East Rusk Avenue around the corner to the left, and then you will see the second parking entrance into the huge lot west of Expo Hall.
After parking, the ONLY entrance into the building is located at the north end of the Exposition Hall (see parking map below!).