KEY POINTS:
Matt Watson, star of the popular ITM Fishing Show, will be among the top fishing "stars" to appear at this year's Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland on May 15-18.
In his first appearance at the show, Watson and his crew will occupy the large "loading bay" area of the Hauraki Fishing Hall in the Logan Campbell Centre. He will talk about the birth of his successful television show, what goes on behind the scenes and some of his more interesting trips. He will also talk about the increasingly popular soft bait craze, demonstrate the types of equipment and tackle he and his team use and be available to answer questions.
A large group of other fishing personalities will also be at the show in the Penn Reels Ask the Expert area of the Hauraki Fishing Hall. Run in conjunction with fishing.net.nz (The Fishing Website), Penn Reels Ask the Expert will feature fishing "experts" such as Stephen Tapp, Chris Wong, John Eichelsheim, Clarke Reid, Geoff Lamond and the Herald on Sunday's Bruce Duncan.
These fishing "gurus" will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice on a variety of fishing topics.
A highlight of last year's show, the Soft Bait Seminars on the Hauraki Fishing Hall Stage, will again be a feature this year.
Run by the Berkley Pro Team, these free Soft Bait Seminars focus on the evolution of soft bait technology and concentrate on techniques that work well in New Zealand waters. This year's seminars are being hosted by leading Australian soft bait expert, Adam "Mad Dog" Royter.
Three-times Australian casting champion, host of TV fishing shows, co-presenter on the Berkley fishing DVDs and the first member of the prestigious Berkley Pro Team, Royter has a reputation for being able to convey the basics of soft plastic fishing techniques in simple terms.
Royter will be assisted by the New Zealand Berkley Pro Team of Malcolm Dawson and Brett Rathe, who will also be on hand to offer advice and answer questions.
TV fishing presenters Geoff Thomas, Graeme Sinclair and Adam Clancy will also be at the show and available to answer questions or pass on the benefits of their experience.
This year's show will also cater to those who love their seafood but prefer others to catch it for them. Located in the show's cafe/bar area, Derek the Chef's Oceanz Boulevard will allow show-goers to buy fresh seafood and then either take it home or have Derek and his team cook it on the spot at no extra charge.
A huge range of fresh seafood will be available and, in between cooking for show visitors, Derek the Chef and his team will also conduct practical, if often hilarious, demonstrations.
Show organiser, Dave Gibbs of Premiere Exhibitions, says the 2008 show will also feature, for the first time, a display of quality second-hand boats for sale.
"The Premiere Class Boat Fair will be situated in front of the grandstand in the arena and is the first time we have allowed second-hand boats to be exhibited and sold at the show," he says.
