2024 Show Schedule
FREE Rod & Reel Combo for Participants
Saturday: Noon & 2pm
Sunday: Noon & 2pm
Located in the JR. Ballroom
Captains Joe and Kate Carraway host the Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics, where every kid that attends will receive a free custom Zebco rod and reel combo thanks to Carolina Skiff. A fun, fast-paced, and truly educational fishing tutorial. Attendees will learn how to fish the water column, target a species, what attracts fish to strike, lure selection, lure colors, conservation, safety, fish fighting techniques, and much more. Families leave with the knowledge and gear they need to be successful on their next trip on the water.
Also, at the end of each clinic is a free kids only raffle for a chance to score awesome gear from Salt Life, Eagle Claw, Ande, Mirrolure and more.
Captain Joe Carraway and his wife, Captain Katie Carraway, are passionate charter captains dedicated to sharing their love for saltwater fishing with the younger generation. The Carraways run a highly successful kids’ fishing summer camp, based in Northeast Florida, that attracts over 250 young anglers annually.
“I fish with Capt Kate and Capt Joe 4 days a week for three months every summer, we take kids offshore fishing. These two have a passion for fishing and sharing that passion with the next generation. With Capt Kate and Capt Joe leading the clinics each attendee, parents included, will leave with more knowledge to help them catch fish.” – Cqptain Dong Dingman
Join Captain Joe and Captain Katie at the upcoming boat show at the Hook the Future Kids’ Fishing Clinics where young participants can dive into the world of fishing, ask questions, and win fantastic prizes. Every kids who attends the clinic will receive a Custom Zebco Como, thanks to Carolina Skiff.
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, 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.
“Tips & Tactics for Catching more Specks and Reds”
Saturday and Sunday 11:00am
Meeting Rooms 103 & 104
Join Capt. Jerry, a Southern Kingfish Association National Champion and US Anglers Association Angler of the Year, for a look at some of his favorite baits, lures, tackle and tactics for catching speckled trout and red drum in coastal creeks, rivers and bays. This will also include discussion on how to find spots that should be holding these fish.
“Catch Big Kings and More within Sight of the Beach”
Saturday and Sunday: 1:30pm
Meeting Rooms 103 & 104
There are big fish within sight of land in the ocean. Join Capt. Jerry, a Southern Kingfish Association National Champion and US Anglers Association Angler of the Year, as he offers tips on tackle, baits and tactics for catching king mackerel, cobia, tarpon, trophy red drum and more in the first few miles beyond the surf.
Show Features
CFCC Wooden Boat Building Program
Cape Fear Boat Building experts will discuss the two methods of construction that went into each of the new boats recently built by two students.
John Olsen, Director of Boat Manufacture & Service Program CFCC
“One-Off” foam and glass composite constructed by Garvey
Located on the Event Lawn
Saturday and Sunday
Walter Atkins, Director of Wooden Boat Building Program CFCC
Modern “Cold Molded” wood composite skiff
Located on the Event Lawn
Saturday and Sunday
Both boats will be offered for sale through GovDeals.com auction site to benefit the boat building programs at CFCC.
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
Friday 12:00 noon – 4:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm
Kids’ Wooden Boat Building
Located on the Event Lawn
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.
Introduction to Boat Safety
Robert Cincotta
Saturday – 3:00pm
Meeting Rooms – 103 & 104
Alan DeForest
Sunday: 12:30pm – 1:15pm
Meeting Rooms 103 & 104
Mr. DeForest is a retired engineer from Buffalo, NY. As an engineer, he worked with industrial and electromechanical systems. He has over fifty years of boating experience starting in the Great Lakes racing and cruising small and large sail boats.
His power boat experience started here in North Carolina in 2011 with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He has held several leadership positions including Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Education. As a certified instructor he has taught boating safety for much of that time. He has backed up his instruction with extensive time patrolling the local waters as a certified crew member on Auxiliary vessels.
Dream Weaver
Dream Weaver will provide Five Star Art and Face Painting at the Wilmington Boat Show! Fun for the whole family!
Located on the Event Lawn
River Rock Painting
Acrylic rock painting on the Event Lawn
Sunday – 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
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
Located Outside Convention Center
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
Located By Yamaha Trailer