CELEBRATION, Fla. - Late February used to be the time most bass anglers fought off cabin fever, searching for something to do while waiting for warmer weather to fish.
But in 2006, BASS is offering a guaranteed fix for winter weather blues: the Classic ESPN Outdoors Expo, part of Bassmaster Classic week, Feb. 19-26, in Central Florida.
For fishing fans traveling to the Classic each year, the annual Outdoors Expo - a product show with anglers, demonstrations and sweepstakes - always is a highlight. And this year, when it's the dead of winter for much of America, Expo visitors will be in Central Florida, where the average temperature in February is 65 degrees and sunny.
"By the time the Classic and the Expo arrive, thousands of anglers will be more than ready to get out of the house and get involved in fishing again," said BASS' Jim Wright, the Expo event manager. "In that regard, the timing of the Expo couldn't be better."
The ESPN Outdoors Expo is considered one of the top consumer boat, fishing and tackle shows in the country, according to Don Rucks, BASS vice president and general manager. In 2006, more than 200 vendors will take part in the 287,000-square-foot show. Between 34,000 and 100,000 visitors attend each year.
The ESPN Outdoors Expo is located at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, which also is the site of the Bassmaster Classic daily weigh-ins. If the weigh-ins are filled to capacity, BASS will launch a live leaderboard to keep fans at the Expo informed.
Classic ESPN Outdoors Expo show hours:
Thursday, Feb. 23 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 24 10:00 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 25 10:00 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 26 10:00 a.m. - 7 p.m.