Boat show: Attendance at the Miami International Boat Show, which was Thursday through Monday at its new home at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin, was up 4 percent with 100,279 attendees. Traffic issues the first day were resolved and the show should be even better next year. “Because this was our inaugural event at the [venue], we kept a close watch on delays and issues as they arose, and made adjustments each day of the Show — adding more shuttle buses and re-allocating water taxis to improve transportation daily,” said show director Cathy Rick-Joule. “Using the lessons learned this first year, we know what we need to do to improve the consumer experience for years to come.”
Billfish tournament: The Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament is Feb. 27 out of Bahia Mar Marina. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the tournament will benefit the Marine Industry Cares Foundation, which helps children and families in need. The captains meeting and kickoff party are Thursday at the Captain’s Lounge at Bahia Mar. Entry fee for the family fun division is $500 and $1,000 for the big boat billfish division. For information email sean@miasf.org or visit fortlauderdalebillfishtournament.com.
Fishing Classic: Several South Florida pros will be at the Bass Pro Shops in Dania Beach Friday through Sunday for the conclusion of the Spring Fishing Classic. Among those doing seminars and signing autographs are nine-time BASS Angler of the Year Roland Martin, Peter Miller, host of the TV show “Bass 2 Billfish” and Rich Tudor, co-host of “Saltwater Experience.” There also will be activities for youngsters, including fishing in the lake adjacent to the store. Call 954-929-7710 or visit basspro.com.
Fishing seminar: The Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center in Port St. Lucie. George Poveromo headlines a program that features a panel of expert captains and anglers sharing tips and tactics for catching everything from snook, flounder, redfish, sea trout and tarpon to cobia, snapper, grouper, dolphin and kingfish. Tickets are $55 and available by calling 800-448-7360 or online at nationalseminarseries.com. That includes an after party from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Bass Pro Shops in Port St. Lucie.
Youth fishing: The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division’s 18th annual Jr. Bass Trail for ages 12-17 starts Feb. 28, with the first of four tournaments at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Tournaments also will be held at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Kids fish in boats accompanied by a non-fishing adult 18 or older from safe light to 1 p.m. For information or to register, call Bob Newland at 954-214-8771.
Bass tournament: The third qualifier tournament of the King of the Glades Open Team Series is March 13 on Lake Okeechobee out of Clewiston. Entry fee is $75 per team. Contact Mike Lendl at 954-393-5596 or kotg2030@gmail.com or visit kotgseries.com.
