"FREEPORT SHOW" SET FOR FEBRUARY 12-14
New York Sportfishing Federation's 28th Annual Forum & Auction

The 28th Annual New York Sportfishing Federation Forum & Auction returns to the Freeport Recreation Center next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 12-14, and features seminars by the top fishermen in the region. The show opens Friday the 12th at 2 p.m. with a good crowd expected early as anglers search out the best early deals among the more than 50 exhibitor booths.

FireIslandThe 2010 seminar series kicks off for the after work crowd on Friday night, as surf guide Mark Malenovsky talks structure and bait-fishing the surf at 5 p.m. on February 12th, followed by a very special how to clinic at 6 p.m. as Capt. Frank Crescitelli of Fin Chaser Charters and Guides Choice tackle shows you everything you ever wanted to know about choosing and using castnets and fishing live baits.

On Saturday, February 13th, the show reopens at 8 a.m., with seminars kicking off at 9 a.m. as Capt. Neil Faulkner talks shallow water fluke in room 101, while Fin-Chaser's Capt. Anthony Grassi putting on the first of two how-to clinics (second presentation at 5 p.m.) on loading a castnet. A double-barrel lineup of seminars continues at 10 a.m. with Freeport Tuna Club's Capt. Larry Festa talking monster sharks, and Capt. Phil Kess of Fishy Business discussing his favorite rigs, knots and specialized tactics.

At 11:15 a.m., the guy who literally wrote the book on Fishing For Striped Bass,Gary Caputi StriperGary Caputi, will move into the lounge area seminar stage, while West End's Ralph Votta heads into room 101 to push tin in the suds for better surf success. Hit the offshore grounds at 12:30 with Capt. Harry Weinblatt in search of canyon tuna and marlin, or hone up on your bucktailing skills with legendary surfman Bill "Doc" Muller. At 1:45 p.m., striped bass record holder Capt. Bob Rocchetta explains what he does to consistently score stripers over the gunnel of his Rainbow Charters, while top flyfishing pro Jaiem Fleischman of Arts & Flies takes a lighter approach to fooling stripers in the surf.

At 3 p.m., fluke fishermen should snag a lounge seat early on Saturday as rodbuilder Al Goldberg shares tips for scoring Long Island doormats, while surf guide Bill Wetzel heads to room 101 for a striper spotlight on live-eeling in the surf. At 4 p.m., Capt. John Marino of American Sportfishing Charters reveals some of his best-kept secrets for consistently scoring big blackfish along the north shore, while noted author Tom Schlichter provides the show's exclusive spotlight on Long Island's outstanding freshwater action in room 101. Plus, a special added presentation at 5 p.m. features Capt. Jerry McGrath and a halibut adventure to Tanaku Lodge in Alaska.

Montauk BlitzOn Sunday the 14th, the super Sunday of seminars opens with Dreamcatcher Charters' Capt. Stu Patterson and an exclusive kids fishing presentation at 9:30 a.m. Television personality and charter pro Capt. Andy LoCascio joins Capt. John Marino at 11 a.m. for an exciting presentation on fishing for stripers. Then, be sure to arrive early and fish like 'crazy' starting at 12:30 with Crazy Alberto Knie and a surfcasting extravaganza in the lounge.

Al's seminar will lead right into the gigantic Sunday auction at 2:30 with over a hundred fishing related items, including autographed artwork by Carey Chen, premium fishing tackle and guided charters for everything from inshore stripers to a Canyon Runner giant tuna trip and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tanaku Lodge in Alaska!

Now in its 28th year, the New York Sportfishing Federation Forum & Auction at the Freeport Recreation Center is the "can't miss" sportfishing event of the year in New York. Open Friday 2-8, Saturday 8-6 and Sunday 9-2:30. Admission 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.

For details, visitwww.nysf.org

JOIN THE FEDERATION & GET ON THE BUS!
NYSF & RFA To Rally in DC on February 24

While you're at "Freeport Show" next week, be sure to get your new or renewing membership with the New York Sportfishing Federation - and the RFA - to protect your right to fish!

Established in 1981, the NYSF is a non-for-profit organization recognized as the voice of the recreational fishing community throughout the New York marine district. Together with the national lobbying power of the Recreational Fishing Alliance, your updated membership in both organizations ensures that your rights as a New York saltwater angler are protected - in Albany and down in Washington DC.

Be sure to join fellow Federation and RFA-NY members in DC on February 24th US Capitol Buildingin a united effort to reform the Magnuson Stevens Act in order to keep America fishing. This historic event on the steps of the US Capitol in Washington DC is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - this rally has been coordinated by coastal fishermen from across the country, it is expected to draw several thousand recreational and commercial fishermen in an unprecedented show of unity at the steps of Democracy.

The Federation and the RFA are working together to organize and help promote this unprecedented rally in Washington; the United Boatmen of New York is currently filling up buses in Montauk, Captree and in Sheepshead Bay to get sportfishermen to DC for the event. Don't miss out; once-in-a-lifetime doesn't come around very often!

Visit the sign-up booth at the Federation's Freeport Show next weekend, and get on the bus! Learn more at www.unitedwefish.com