The Spring Boat and Sportsman’s Expo has a new look and reel, that is to say feel, this year as organizers have modified the annual exposition to include a narrower focus involving fishing, hunting, camping and boating.

The three-day expo is from Friday to Sunday at SIU Arena, and will feature seminars, a $500 cash giveaway, boats and merchandise such as lures, bows and camouflage clothing.

The expo will feature pro-anglers Joe Thomas and Paul Elias Saturday and Sunday. Thomas will give his seminar on fishing rivers and creeks for bass, and Elias will elaborate on crankbait fishing and the professional circuit.

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Chris Barker, show manager, said the expo should cater to families, students and anyone with an interest in outdoor activities.

This is the first year of our new look, Barker said. It really has a different feel.

A wide assortment of pleasure and fishing boats will line the floors next to an assortment of booths. More than 100 booths will house outdoors experts in the areas of taxidermy, camping and hunting.

The Sportfishin’ Simulator will provide self-proclaimed fisherman a chance to cast the rod and reel in an interactive fashion. The VAC Target System will allow hunters a chance to shoot arrows at simulated game such as deer and elk.

On Friday and Saturday, Ford Hoopi Harris and Mikey Thomas will speak on the intricate pleasures of crappie fishing. Both are Illinois Anglers of the Year, and their knowledge of crappie fishing is as vast as the area itself.

Things might be slow this time of year for crappie fishermen, Thomas said. But me and Ford, we fish 12 months a year.

Jim Raftis of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will discuss land-use issues affecting hunters and fishermen in Illinois.

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Raftis said local outdoorsmen should take advantage of the expo’s offerings.

I would suggest that hunters and fishermen get out to the expo to hear the experts talk, Raftis said. In case anyone’s got cabin fever, the expo will be a good way to get out and get ready for the upcoming fishing season.