Hard Water Ice Fishing Expo, Blaine

In the great north, summers are fleeting. It's winter that holds dominion over these lands, but residents here don't let icy winds and blowing snow get in their way of their lives. In fact, they've made the cold a part of themselves. How else can you explain ice fishing, the iconic winter pasttime that less of a hobby and more of a way of life? At this year's Hard Water Ice Fishing Expo, anglers from all over gather in Blaine just as the season begins in earnest, sharing stories and celebrating with fellow fishermen before setting up their shelters for the year. Inside the spacious Sport Expo Center of the Gradient Financial Center, they'll find row upon row of vendors hawking everything from wheelhouses and gear to the latest in fishing electronics. The hall is also home to celebrity guests, including five members of the pros at Ice Team. There's even a place for newcomers; kids can test their skills at an outdoor fishing pond, and aspiring anglers can get their feet wet with product demonstrations, educational seminars, and guides to popular resorts and fishing locations.