Orlando Boat Show: August 18-20, 2023
Land-locked Orlando isn’t exactly the city that comes to mind when one pictures the boating capital of the world, but nonetheless, mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Orlando Boat Show, a three-day event from August 18 to 20, 2023, hosted by the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF).
Land-locked Orlando isn’t exactly the city that comes to mind when one pictures the boating capital of the world, but nonetheless, mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Orlando Boat Show, a three-day event hosted by the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF). From August 18 to 20, 2023, head over to the Orange County Convention Center, North Hall B, for this growing extravaganza. With 20 top boat dealers from Central Florida showcasing over 80 manufacturers and approximately 400 stunning boats, it's an event worth visiting.
The Orlando Boat Show offers a diverse range of boats, catering to various lifestyles and budgets. Whether you're into bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, freshwater fishing boats, jet boats, pontoons, or surf boats, you'll find plenty of incredible options to explore. As an added bonus, during the show, dealers and manufacturers are offering exclusive incentives like extended warranties, service packages, waived dockage fees, enhanced electronics, and accessory packages.
Jeff Husby, president of Regal & Nautique of Orlando and MIACF, is excited about the event, emphasizing that the Orlando Boat Show caters to both new and seasoned boaters. It's an excellent opportunity to discover the latest boating trends and technology, showcasing hundreds of new 2023 models from the industry's leading boat manufacturers. And for families, there's even more to enjoy with interactive displays and a new kids' fishing clinic, ensuring everyone has a blast. Moreover, the boating lifestyle brings about not only fun but also positive changes to our well-being.
In addition to the famous Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel making an appearance at the boat show, children now have the chance to join the "Hook the Future" Kids Fishing Clinic. Capt. Don Dingman, known for his appearances on the Hook The Future TV Show, leads engaging and educational fishing clinics for kids. Each session begins with a thirty-minute classroom-style discussion covering basic fishing techniques, tackle, and safety.
Using charts and posters, Capt. Don explains the water column and encourages interactive participation from the kids by asking them to name fish that live in each water layer. Understanding where the target fish reside in the water column and what they feed on helps the young anglers choose the right weights and baits. During the clinic, Capt. Don demonstrates casting and fish fighting techniques, involving volunteers from the crowd. He uses fish mounts to showcase the difference between bottom feeders and those that chase bait near the water's surface. The Species Station provides a hands-on experience for the kids, where they can explore a wide array of fish mounts representing top feeders, bottom feeders, pelagic, and freshwater species.
The importance of water conservation is also emphasized during the clinics. Capt. Don discusses the use of circle hooks and dehookers as effective techniques for ensuring a healthy release of caught fish.
Safety on the water is another crucial topic covered during the clinics. The kids are reminded about the importance of fishing with a buddy and the need to stay vigilant because things can change rapidly on the water, even in familiar surroundings like a backyard pond. The fishing clinics aim to impart valuable knowledge while inspiring a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the natural world among young anglers. And the best part is, it's completely free for kids to attend!
