ST. PAUL, MN--- For some anglers, the coldest season is the hottest time to be out on the water. Ice fishing season is coming up quickly, and outdoors leader Gander Mountain will offer a preview of the fun, hosting its fifth annual First Ice Expo on Saturday, November 22, at their Forest Lake, MN, store.
"We offer the First Ice Expo as a way for winter anglers to get a look not only at the best in gear available for ice fishing, but to get free expert advice from some of the sport's most renowned and respected names," said Mike Owens, president and chief operating officer for Gander Mountain. "First Ice Expo has become one of the region's biggest pre-season ice fishing events and for many anglers it's the first step toward a fun and successful winter on the ice."
The 2014 First Ice Expo will be held Saturday, November 22 starting at 8 a.m. at the Gander Mountain store in Forest Lake. The event is free and open to the public. Chip Leer, popular outdoors personality from Fishing the WildSide will again serve as host.
The event includes an Ice Shack Truckload Sale, showcasing hundreds of ice fishing shelters from top brands like Clam, Otter, Frabill and Eskimo. As well as having representatives from many of the top brand names in ice fishing on hand, the event will also feature special appearances and seminars from ice fishing's top pros:
"Well Kept Secrets of the Countries Best Ice Anglers" by Ice-Force Pro-Staffer Joel Nelson
"Walleye On Ice" by Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame member and Outdoor News contributor "Tackle" Terry Tuma
"Straight Line on Monster Panfish" by renowned North American professional guide Brian Bro Brosdahl
"Walleye Winter Wonderland" by well-known Mille Lacs professional guide Tony Roach
"Stop Trying to Feel the Bite: Feel the Jig, Know the Bite" by ice fishing pioneer Dave Genz
"Early Ice Walleye's" by outdoor writer and avid fisherman Ron Anlauf
"Navigating the Underworld" by multi-species angler and professional guide Tom Neustrom
"Ice Safety" by Chris Leonard
Drawings for over $7,000 in enter-to-win prizes will be held throughout the day. Prizes include a Clam Nanook Two-Man Ice House, a Fishouflage Ambush Ice House, a Vexlar FS1000 Underwater Camera, an Otter Train Ice Fishing Trip, an Eskimo Quickfish 2 Shelter, an Aqua Vu Micro underwater camera, an Ion Ice Auger and much more. The first 500 customers to make a fishing purchase will receive a free First Ice Expo long-sleeve t-shirt, while supplies last.
Customers may also take advantage of many "gift-with-purchase" opportunities from a variety of fishing vendors. This is the fifth year that Gander Mountain has held the First Ice Expo in Minnesota and is expected to host the event at other locations around the country.
For more information visit the Gander Mountain web site, at www.gandermountain.com.
About Gander Mountain Company
Gander Mountain Company headquartered in St. Paul, MN, is the nation's largest and fastest-growing retail network of outdoor specialty stores for hunting, fishing, camping, marine and outdoor lifestyle products and services. Since 1960, Gander Mountain has offered the best selection of outdoor equipment, technical apparel, active casual wear, and footwear featuring national, regional and specialty brands at competitive prices. Focused on a "We Live Outdoors®" culture, Gander Mountain dedicates itself to creating outdoor memories. Gander Mountain has 153 conveniently-located outdoor lifestyle stores in 26 states. For the nearest store location call 800-282-5993 or visit www.GanderMountain.com Gander Mountain is also the parent company of Overton's (www.overtons.com), a leading catalog and Internet based retailer of products for boating and other water sports enthusiasts.
