2023 Show Schedule
FREE Rod & Reel Combo for Participants
Saturday: Noon & 2pm
Sunday: Noon & 2pm
Located in the River Concourse Meeting Rooms by Escalators
Captain Don Dingman, host of the TV Show “Hook the Future” and long-time Captain, leads educational and entertaining fishing clinics at major boat shows and events across the Southeast. Don has a passion for teaching thousands of families annually how to succeed in fishing, while spending quality time in the outdoors with people you love.
At the end of each clinic, kids will have an opportunity for questions and answers followed by a kids-only free raffle with dozens of great prizes. Kids (clinic participants only) will go home with a FREE Hook the Future/ Carolina Skiff custom rod & reel combo.
Capt. Jerry Dilsaver
Capt. Jerry Dilsaver is from Southport-Oak Island, N.C. and learned to fish in the nearshore ocean and creeks of the lower Cape Fear River. He began fishing as youngster with his dad and uncles and it inspired a passion that continues today. He has fished recreationally, commercially and as a tournament competitor. In addition, he has written about the outdoors, particularly fishing, for more than 35 years.
Captain Dilsaver’s tournament resume` includes tournament wins and numerous high placings from the Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, a Southern Kingfish Association National Championship in 2001 and the US Anglers Association Anglers of the Year title in 1998. Captain Dilsaver was elected to the Southern Kingfish Association Hall of Fame in 2007.
Saturday: 11:00 – 12:00
Sunday: 11:00am – 12:00
Meeting Rooms 103 & 104
Inshore Saltwater Fishing (Flounder, Red Drum and Speckled Trout):
Fishing in the coastal sounds, marshes and creeks for flounder, red drum and speckled trout is the fastest growing segment of saltwater fishing and this seminar will be helpful for novice fishermen and experienced anglers. Captain Dilsaver will offer tips on rods, reels, lines, lures, baits, locations, tactics and techniques for catching these fish, plus several other species, such as black drum and striped bass.
Saturday: 1:30pm – 2:30
Sunday: 1:30pm – 2:30
Meeting Rooms 103 & 104
Nearshore Ocean Fishing for King Mackerel:
King Mackerel are the big game fish easily reached by all Carolina ocean fishermen and their dogged determination and lightning quick runs makes them a favorite. This fishing is where Capt. Dilsaver shines and his years of recreational fishing and tournament success provides a wealth of knowledge to share. He will cover tackle, techniques, tactics and locations to help king mackerel fishermen catch more and larger king mackerel.
Chris Tryon with Hook Line & Paddle
Chris, the owner of Hook Line and Paddle has been kayak fishing for 20 years He grew up in New England canoeing with a passion for paddle sports. He moved to coastal North Carolina and realized very quickly that a canoe was not the right craft, so he moved into a kayak. With time, his interests moved to fishing, especially fly fishing. Chris has helped grow the sport of kayak fishing as well as recreational kayaking in the Wilmington area. His professional endorsements include Native Watercraft and Astral Designs, both NC based companies. Others include Accent Paddles, Immersion Research & Pure Fishing.
Chris Tryon with Hook, Line and Paddle
Saturday: 12:15-1:15
Sunday: 12:15-1:15
Located on the Event Lawn
Intro to Kayak for Fishing with discussion on:
– Pedal vs Paddle
– Options for rigging a fishing kayak
– Local waters and tactics for kayak fishing
– Weather, Tides, Bait choices and how to fish the waters
– Safety: Life jacket choices, lights, and other misc. items.
– Wrap up with Q & A
Show Features
CFCC Wooden Boat Building Program
Saturday All Day
The Wooden Boat Building program is a legacy vocational program that was started in the late 1970’s and is currently led by Walter Atkins. This one year program takes students from the process of lofting to the launching of several purpose built small boats. Students are taught the proper use of hand and power tools in addition to planking and joinery work. Several student built boats will be on display (these boats will be for sale) with information available about the program.
CFCC Steam Bending Demonstrations
What is steam bending?
Saturday 11:00AM, 1:00PM and 3:00PM
Steam bending is a centuries-old process by which steam is used to soften wooden planks so they can then be bent and shaped into the many various parts of a wooden boat. We will employ a traditional wooden steam box to deliver the heat and moisture needed to shape the white oak wooden frames. After being on the steam for an hour the planks are pliable and ready to be set into place. The planks cool down quickly so it’s all hands-on deck to get them fitted into the boat. We are committed to keeping this tradition alive, while also carefully striking a balance between the romance of wooden boatbuilding and the skills needed to work in today’s modern boat building industry.
CFCC Boat Manufacture and Service program
Sunday, All Day
The Boat Manufacture and Service program trains students to work in production style fiberglass boat construction in addition to service shops and boat yards. This one year program teaches students the many intricacies of fiberglass boat construction and repair, in addition to boat electrical systems, plumbing and engine installation. The Boat Manufacture and service program is in the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) League of Schools.
CFCC Electrical Wiring Demonstration
Sunday 11:00AM, 1:00PM and 3:00PM
“Don’t Let the Smoke Out”
A hands on demonstration of ABYC standards relating to overcurrent protection and why you shouldn’t upsize the fuse. This information is critical for any boat owner who is interested in doing any electrical work on their boat. Improperly sized fuses can cause damage to the boat or harm users.
Kids’ Wooden Boat Building
CFCC Creative Arts Club will host “Kids Wooden Boat Building” where kids will build and paint a toy wooden boat. Kids, come assemble your very own boat and give it a custom paint job!
Cape Fear Community College Create Arts
Kids’ Wooden Boat Building
Saturday 11-4
Sunday 11-3
Dream Weaver Face Painter
Saturday and Sunday Noon – 4pm
Park at Battleship Park and ride the Wilmington Water Tours Ferry to the show.
Must show your pre-purchased ticket to ride or purchase a Show ticket at the Water Ferry entrance.
Musician Randy McQuay II
“He is a storyteller, Bluesman, and a master interpreter of modern American roots music. Randy McQuay II sings from the heart, plays guitar with abandon, and blows harmonica like he’s from another planet. He’s the 2015 Winner of The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, recipient of the prestigious Lee Oskar Top Harmonica Player Award from The Blues Foundation, a Finalist performer at the 2017 IBC and the reigning Cape Fear Blues Challenge Solo Champion. Randy performs throughout the Carolinas and he’s a sought-after soloist, nationally known for his evocative takes on rhythm & blues, folk, rock & roll, funk, and roots music.”
-Lan Nichols President, Cape Fear Blues Society
Friday: 1pm-5pm
Saturday: 11am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm
Yamaha Marine University
Cape Fear Community College, in partnership with Yamaha Marine, began offering Intro to Outboard Systems April 18, 2022. The 96-hour Intro to Outboard Systems course covers charging, ignition, gearcase, lubrication, trim, tilt, and cooling systems with the four-stroke theory of operation. Engines are current model Yamaha four-stroke outboards. Visit the Yamaha Marine University Trailer for a challenge to win a Yamaha hat/shirt.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Food Vendors
