‘Ultimate’ ice fishing show brings anticipation for upcoming season

Sadlon Arena hosts 'Ultimate' Ice Fishing Show The ‘Ultimate Ice Fishing Show’ was at Sadlon Arena offered enthusiasts a chance to gear up for the upcoming ice fishing season

The ‘Ultimate Ice Fishing Show’ was at Sadlon Arena in Barrie this weekend offering enthusiasts a chance to gear up for the upcoming ice fishing season.

The two-day event welcomed four major tackle stores as exhibitors and nearly 5,000 attendees from the region and Greater Toronto Area.

“The thing about Barrie is it’s one of the major spots for ice huts,” said Andrew Pallotta, the show’s owner. “As you start venturing further and further out, you start getting into healthy lake trout populations.”

Attendees enjoyed exhibits from the tackle stores and tips from ice fishing record-holders.

“The economics of it for [Lake Simcoe] and surrounding areas is huge,” said John Whyte, a speaker from Time on the Water Canada. “If we have a good safe ice year we'll get everybody back on the ice and try and boost the local economy up again.”

Organizers and exhibitors complimented Lake Simcoe for its nutrient-rich nature for fish, adding that the region is popular for perch and trout.

They are also optimistic about the upcoming ice fishing season being a strong one.