John Carlson

John grew up in Phillips WI and was never far from the water becoming an avid angler in his youth, at age 16 John landed a job with the local bait and tackle store buying the local landmark with his family 2 years later in 1992. 30 years later John is still guiding and running Ross’s Sport Shop and Guide Service in his home town of Phillips Wisconsin. John is a member of the National Professional Anglers Association #378, President of the Central WI Chapter of Muskies Inc, and Co-Founder of the Wisconsin Veterans Fishing Camp. John also pro-staffs for popular companies like St Croix Rods, Costa Sunglasses, Lake X Lures, Llungen Lures, and Suick Lure Company.

WI FISHING EXPO: VENUE CLOSURE/EVENT CANCELATION

Dear Expo Enthusiasts,

We regret to inform you that we have received notification from our host venue, Madison’s Alliant Energy Center, that they have extended the closure of their facility likely until 7/1/21, and therefore they have canceled all during those times, including ours for February 26-28, 2021.

As you all know, we’ve been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming event, despite the various challenges to space planning, safety measures, determining how to have our traditional seminar series in a virtual style, and even the extended closure of the Canadian border. This setback is disappointing for us, as it undoubtably is for many of you, and our vender partners.

Attempting to prepare options, we spent much of the month of last July researching and visiting alternative sites, in preparation for just such a decision. Unfortunately, we were unable to contract a space sufficiently large enough, and with the necessary facilities, for a date set which was acceptable to a majority of our vendor partners, as confirmed by a survey we completed in early August.

Thus our 2021 WI Fishing Expo has to be canceled, and we’ll begin making arrangements with our vendor partners for the 2022 event, slated for February 25th through the 27th.

Remember fellow anglers, this isn’t goodbye, just so long, till next year! Wait until you see what’s new for 2022!