Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo held their second annual show in early February and we were there!

Tom Helgeson, editor and publisher of Midwest Fly Fishing magazine, and his staff organized another great show. The new location at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL, was the place to be and learn more about fly fishing.

There were a number of presentations, learning sessions and programs available for all attendees. Some of the guest speakers were Gary Borger, Jason Borger, Kevin Feenstra, Diane Rudolph, Pat Ehlers, and Dennis Potter. The sessions were well attended and quite interesting and informative.

Many tyers and tying clubs were represented as well – Bear Andrews, the “Boys” from DRIFT, NIFTY, Small Mouth Alliance and the crew from Chicago Fly Fishers were tying away, telling stories and so much fun.

Local shops were there too – Coren’s, One More Cast, Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters and of course Orvis Chicago.

Our booth was “manned” by the rock star volunteer team of Dave Madden (E.D.T.U.), Paul Melchior (Angling Escapes) and Wally Bock (O.B.T.U.). They worked hard to share the Reeling & Healing Midwest story of “Fish On”, recruit new participants and volunteers, host a drawing for a pair of Cubs tickets and of course, hand out our trout love bead necklaces.

Check out these links to learn more about Reeling & Healing Midwest, Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, Midwest Fly Fishing magazine, and the vendors at the expo.