Melbourne Boat Show brings fishing and boating to life!

by BIA VIC on 28 May 2011 It’s not every day that your average fisherman and boating enthusiast can get up close and personal to some of the most fascinating media personalities and well respected industry experts in the marine and boating business.

Those industry stars will literally be on show at the 51st Melbourne Boat Show this Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Iconic celebrities including Rex Hunt and Lee Rayner will be making appearances on the 'Fishing Getaways' stage to talk about the most pressing issues and trends in the industry today.

A huge roster of additional speakers will cover topics such as interpreting sonar and electronics, maintaining personal flotation devices, theft prevention, trailer maintenance and much more.

'We’re thrilled to have such big names in the industry available for the benefit of our show visitors,' said Boating Industry Association Victoria’s Clyde Batty.

'Anyone who is interested in boating and fishing, regardless of their point of view will want to come hear these guys speak as they won’t find anyone more knowledgeable within Australia.'

Lee Rayner will appear three times each day of the show to discuss squid fishing, snapper and game fishing whilst Rex Hunt will make one special appearance only at 6.00pm on Friday to talk about general topics in fishing.

With his colourful and entertaining style, Rex is a well known fishing and football broadcaster and, after many years calling for 3AW, continues to showcase his unique talents on MMM radio as well as his television show, Rex Hunt Fishing Adventures.

Rex is a dedicated conservationist and founded his own fish foundation in 1999. He single handedly changed the public views on releasing unwanted fish with his 'Fish Kissing' and promotion of 'fish for the future'.

In addition to presenting on radio and television with Rex Hunt Fishing Adventures and co-hosting IFish for 2 years on Channel 7 and Ch 10, Lee Rayner has presented numerous high selling DVD’s including Tuna Tactics and Fishing for Whiting. He has authored a number of books and is a regular feature writer in some of the top fishing magazines in the country.

Lee ‘s newest venture is to host the successful, long running series ADVENTURE BOUND, an extreme fishing program that provides tips, information and entertainment for everyone from the lounge chair anglers right through to the hard-core fishing enthusiasts.

In fact, Lee’s offsider, Scott Gray of Adventure Bound, will be talking about kingfish on the stage at 2.00pm Saturday and Sunday.

'We really do have something for everyone this year,' Mr Batty said.

'In addition to the big names we have a number of experts presenting on safety and regulations, fishing for kids, use of equipment and much more.'

'The great thing is these experts will be on hand for visitors to ask questions of during or after their presentations.'
Charlie Micallef will be launching his new DVD at this year’s show and will be talking on the main stage about many fish he encounters as a fishing guide, joining Charlie will be many of his friends including Merv Hughes who has fished with Charlie and rates Gummy Shark as one of the best fighting species we have in Port Phillip.

Mark Harnett of Lowrance & Simrad will be conducting a Q&A session on Interpreting Sonar & Electronics covering equipment such as sounders, GPS, auto pilot, VHF and engine integration.

Additional sessions will be held on lure fishing, boating guides and destination fishing by Parks Victoria, understanding how to use your fish finder, and importantly, new regulations presented by the Victorian Water Police Squad.

The 2011 Melbourne Boat Show will also feature the latest boats including everything from the family runabout, inflatable craft and PWC’c to the larger cruising vessels.

The show’s 'Accessory Alley' offers plenty of great bargains on fishing gear, rods, tackle, fish finders and much more.

Younger members of the family can enjoy Flathead Fred’s Fun Fishin’ Show, Yamaha Super (fish) Tank and Lulu Kids’ Activities whilst mum and dad check out the myriad of other activities taking place.

The show will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, June 9- 13. Tickets are available at www.biav.com.au or at the door.

More at www.melbourneboatshow.com.au