Bill Braswell, Dan Dannenmueller to talk crappie at Louisville show, Orlando Bass Pro

It’s outdoor sports show time again. An opportunity to get out of the cold, look at the latest goodies available for outdoor people, and plan some outings and 

vacations.

The 55th annual Progressive Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sport show is scheduled for the Kentucky Exposition Center, Jan. 25-29, and will have available hundreds of new boats and recreational vehicles, and outdoor gadgets and gear.

The Louisville show provides visitors with a one-stop shop for boats, RVs and gear for all outdoor adventures,” says Kim Muncy, show manager. “The 2012 show showcases the region’s top dealers under one roof offering some of the best deals of the year, plus we have an extensive line up of seminars and fun activities for the whole family.”

Included among the seminars will be presentations by Bill Braswell, retired Kentucky conservation officer, who is now an award winning tournament crappie fisherman, and his partner Dan Dannenmuller. The two were named the Crappie Master team of the year of 2011.

Bill, who is from Hazard, and Dan will be presenting seminars about both vertical and horizontal trolling for crappie and rigging boats for crappie fishing.  Dan and Bill both will be on hand doing these seminars to meet and talk with visitors.

Before the Louisville Show. they will appear at the Knoxville Show, and then they will make presentations at  Bass Pro Shop in Orlando, FL , Feb 4-5. Then prior to fishing the season opening  Crappie Masters tournament on the Harris Chain of lakes, FL, Feb 10 -11..

In addition to shopping the 2012 Louisville show, visitors can find a variety of special features including a new feature this year, Fred’s Shed. Visitors can watch, learn and do. Do-it-yourselfers or boat owners interested in maintaining, repairing or upgrading their boat or engine can head to Fred's Shed for practical, professional advice. 

Free, daily seminars and talk-show format clinics covering a variety of topics, including demostrations and question/answer sessions. Together, “The Boating Guy” and certified marine service technician “Fred, The Outboard Doctor,” brings more than 50 years of boating and ‘wrench-slinging’ experience to the Shed. 

Others besides Braswell and Dannenmueller making presentations include:

-- Mark Menendez: Bassmaster Elite Series Angler (and Paducah native).     

-- Capt. Paul Willett: Ohio River Blue Cats, Bass & Hybrids.    

-- Stephen Hedrick: Smallmouth “guru” and owner of Punisher Lures – Jig Fishing and Float & Fly fishing technique for smallmouth.

At the Bass Tub, visitors can get a new perspective on fishing … from the viewpoint of the fish. Enjoy a rare underwater view of fish reacting to—and even striking—different lures and baits during fishing and casting demonstrations by Chuck Devereaux in a 5,000 gallon aquarium stocked with native Kentucky game fish, including bass, perch, crappie and catfish, provided by KDFWR.

There also will be a half dozen experts providing hunting seminars throughout the show, and the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources interactive area will include:

-- FLW Boating Simulator: Experience the excitement of tournament fishing and a chance to feel what it's like piloting a Ranger boat across open waters at high speeds. 

-- Laser Shot", Virtual Hunting Game: Visitors can test their skills while being guided through the proper technique by patient and knowledgeable KDFWR staff.  

-- 2011 Licenses and Elk Permits: Your one-stop shop for all the licenses you'll need including fishing, hunting, sportsmen's licenses and elk permits. 

Kid’s Cove will include activities for children ages 15 and under, including a visit from SpongeBob SquarePants’ best friend, Patrick Star:

Besides trout fishing for the kids, Kentucky Bowhunters Association’s kids archery shooting range  will be open and free to children ages seven to 16. They can learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, or improve technique.