30TH ANNUAL "FREEPORT FISHING SHOW" KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

Join New York Sportfishing Federation & RFA-NY From February 17-19, 2012


(2/10/2012) - One week from today, the New York Sportfishing Federation's 30th Annual Forum and Auction will officially open its doors for the President's Day Weekend.


The 30th Annual New York Sportfishing Federation Forum & Auction is being held at the Freeport Recreation Center from February 17-19, 2012 with seminars by the region's top fishermen. The "can't miss" sportfishing event of the year in New York, the show will open on Friday, February 17th at 2 p.m. with a good crowd expected early as anglers search out the best early deals to be found among the more than 50 exhibitor booths.



A Freeport Show exclusive to kick off the President's Day Weekend event is an interactive presentation by Rick Robins, chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), who will be hosting a public forum for show attendees on Friday, February 17th at 4 p.m. to help open the lines of communication between the council and our New York anglers.



As the regional council established under federal law to prepare fishery management plans for important New York fish stocks like porgies, black sea bass and fluke, the MAFMC consists of various representatives from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including New York. Creating a Vision for Mid-Atlantic Fisheries: A Discussion with Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Chairman Rick Robins will provide a unique roundtable forum for New York anglers to give valuable feedback to the MAFMC for helping improve future management and communication. This event is free and open to the public!



A full day of seminars will commence following the doors opening at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 18th, and will continue until the show closing at 6 p.m. with local experts like captains Rich Tenreiro, Tom Mikoleski, Jerry "Capt. Kayak" Collins, Fin Chaser Charters, Bob Schmitt, Stu Paterson, Jerry McGrath, Al Goldberg, Chris Gerhart and Tony Maja. Other Saturday seminar notables include John Skinner, DJ Muller, Mark Malenovsky, Ralph Votta, Bruce Froh, Gary Caputi and Newsday's Tom Schlichter.



Enjoy cast-net demonstrations, rod builders, knot tying clinics, seminars, workshops - anglers will be able get their FREE angler registry to fish New York Coastal waters this season, and can also sign up to hop on a bus for the historic Keep Fishermen Fishing rally in Washington DC set for March 21, 2012. Sunday seminars will cover Long Island fishing action from east to west, north to south, with captains Andy LoCascio, Pete Mikoleski, and Rick Cohen. The seminar area action concludes on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with a giant fishing auction with thousands of dollars worth new fishing related items and trips up for bid.



Admission for this President's Day Weekend tradition in Freeport is $10, $8 for kids and seniors, and children under 12 are free. Location is 130 E. Merrick Road in Freeport, less than half mile west of Exit M9W off the Meadowbrook. Be sure to stop by the New York Sportfishing Federation and Recreational Fishing Alliance booth upon entering the show for your chance to win a special door prize, a goodie bag filled with Tactical Anglers products care of Federation board member and active RFA member "Crazy" Alberto Knie! Show hours are 2p-6p on February 17th, 8a-6p on February 18th and 9a-2:30p on February 19th (followed by the annual auction on Sunday afternoon, which is open to the public).



Auction items up for bid on Sunday, February 19th include an Alaska fishing adventure to Tanaku Lodge, as well local fishing trips aboard favorite boats like the Orient Star IV, the Codfather, Island Current, Celtic Quest, Miss Montauk, Helen-H, Northport Charters, Rainbow Charters, Eastern L.I. Sportfishing Charters, Top Hook Fishing Charters, the Captree Fleet, Laura Lee, Capt. Gillen, Shinnocock Star and much, much more.



Proceeds from the three-day show and auction will benefit the New York Sportfishing Federation and its ongoing efforts to protect and serve New York's sportfishing community. In recent years, New York Sportfishing Federation has used funds to support their Teach a Kid To Fish Program and Casting For Recovery, while also helping support important non-profit programs in the New York marine district like the Sweeney Sportfishing Center and Sportfishing Alliance. In recent years, the New York Sportfishing Federation has also donated funds towards federal lawsuits to address issues in both the fluke and sea bass fisheries, and is also supporting the national Keep Fishermen Fishing rally on March 21, 2012 along with the RFA and teh RFA-NY.



For complete list of vendors and seminar listing, visit www.nysf.org. For details on New York bus information for this year's national rally, visit www.fishingunited.com or see us at the Freeport Show during the President's Day Weekend!



About Recreational Fishing Alliance
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org.