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Top 10 Things to Do at the Miami Boat Show

See what else is happening at the Miami Boat Show

By Saltwater Sportsman Staff

Updated: February 6, 2014

Meet the Wicked Tuna Crew

Big Game Room stage— Saturday, February 15 from 1pm–4pm Wicked Tuna follows a group of salty fishermen from the nation’s oldest seaport, Gloucester, Mass., as they make their living the way it’s been done for centuries — rod and reel fishing, one catch at a time — all in pursuit of the bluefin tuna. One “monstah” bluefin can be worth more than $20,000 and with that kind of money on the line, every captain is fighting to be the best in the fleet. You’ll have the opportunity to win tickets to the season premier of the next season of Wicked Tuna taking place on Saturday night at the Colony Theater on South Beach right here in Miami Beach. Captains in attendance **: Last year, a young captain from New Hampshire pulled an upset victory over the veteran fishermen. Now, the stakes are higher than ever with two new captains joining the competition and after a shaky start to the fishing season, everyone is feeling the pressure. Tensions rise and egos collide as Gloucester’s top fishermen battle the bluefins — and each other. Some captains are out to make a name for themselves, some are seeking revenge and others are struggling to make ends meet. But when the season ends and the totals are counted, which captain will come out on top? natgeotv.com/wickedtuna

Take a Photo with a Big Tuna (not real, of course)

This one won’t get away! Stop by and take your picture with a 10-ft tuna mount, courtesy of Pelagic. The display will be in the Big Game Room throughout the entire show.

Meet the Men of OCEARCH and HISTORY/A&E’s Shark Wranglers

Chris Fischer, Expedition Leader and Captain Brett McBride of OCEARCH and HISTORY/A&E’s Shark Wranglers. Meet Chris & Brett and hear firsthand how they catch, tag, study and release great white sharks! Chris & Brett will be in the Big Game Room to speak on Friday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. and on 19th Street across from the Bar/Restaurant on Saturday at 5 p.m. to meet fans, take photos and sign autographs.

Fighting Chair Challenge - Miami Boat Show

Act Like Capt. Quint – Fight Chair Challenge

Watch as opponents take each other on for bragging rights and prizes. Exciting contests pits players in a fierce tug-of-war that brings the thrills of offshore fishing onshore! Here’s how it works: the first person to move the teaser lure from the center line to their side, within two minutes wins! Stay tuned for the celebrity challenge schedule. The following have donated prizes for the challenge winners: • Pelagic • Carey Chen • Pro Soft Lures • Hilton’s Real Time Navigator • Anisa Stewart Jewelry • Marina Casa de Campo • Gaff Magazine • Island Glass • Tormenter Lures To see days and times for the challenge, click here.

Meet Captain Norm Isaacs on his return from Cabo Blanco, Peru

Cabo Blanco, Peru was once known as one of the best “big fish” fisheries in the world. While exploring for oil, Alfred C Glassell, discovered that large black marlin were there in decent numbers. He went on to catch the first 1000+ lb. black there in 1952. He caught the current world record 1560-lb black in 1953. 32 other granders were caught there in the fifties by such notables as Hemmingway, John Wayne, Ted Williams. and many others. A government rebellion changed everything in the early 1960s; since then Cabo Blanco has been sparsley fished by sportfisherman. Capt Norm Isaacs has spent the last two months exploring the fishery and will report his findings in its present condition, complete with pictures and videos. To see days and times check the schedule here.

Six-time World Champion Miss GEICO Racing Team - Miami Boat Show

Hold onto Your Hats

The six-time World Champion Miss GEICO Racing Team is proud to introduce the newest and latest Miss GEICO offshore racing boat. The new Miss GEICO is a 50-ft. Victory catamaran made of carbon/kevlar. At approximately 11,000 pounds, she is almost 1,500 pounds lighter than her predecessor and is equal in length. She has a 12-ft. beam, which is 6-ft. wider than the former boat; the extra width will allow her to ride smoother at faster rates of speed. Powered by 1650 Mercury racing engines that generate 3,300 horsepower and boats speeds in excess of 200 mph. They are in booth 300G-Sea Isle Slip and Booth 3040 Outside.

Meet the Miami Marlins - Miami Boat Show

Miami Marlins Day—Sunday, February 16

Meet Marlin’s players, pose with Billy the Marlin, catch a performance of the Marlins Energy Team and more! The Miami Marlins street team will be on Convention Center Drive with their prize wheel and giveaways from 10am–8pm. Challenge your friends at the speed pitch or involve the kids with interactive t-ball game. Billy the Marlin will also be there to pose for photos and give you a High-Five! The Marlin’s Energy Team will perform on the Big Game Room Stage. To see the schedule for days and times, click here.

Suddenly In Command USCG First Mates Class

The Big Game Room welcomes back for the 3rd year, “Suddenly in Command” the popular First Mates class taught by USCG personel Joel Aberback, Mitch Adler and Tom James. This class will be taught Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Big Game Room seminar stage. Space is sure to be limited so arrive early to go over topics such as boaters language, safety equipment, waterway marker system, basic navigation, basic radio and GPS, getting out of trouble, homeland security and environmental protection

Dr. Russell Nelson of the Billfish Foundation - Miami Boat Show

Honoring Dr. Russell Nelson of the Billfish Foundation – 2014 Big Game Room Hall of Fame Award

The 2014 Big Game Room Hall of Fame award will be presented postjumously to Dr. Russell Nelson of the Billfish Foundation. All are welcome to attend on Friday, February 14th at 6 pm. As many of you know, Dr. Russell Nelson passed away unexpectedly late last year. This award is being presented posthumously to his wife and president of the Billfish Foundation, Dr. Ellen Peel. Russell Nelson held a doctorate in Marine Fisheries Ecology and had over twenty-five years experience in marine fisheries research and management. He has served as a research biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service, Chief Scientist and Director of Marine Fisheries for the State of Florida, including fourteen years as a member of both the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils and has served on U.S. delegations to both ICCAT and the IATTC. During his career he has participated in the development of management plans for over three hundred species of marine resources at the state, national and international levels. Dr. Nelson will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues. It is the Big Game Room’s honor to present this award to Ellen Peel on his behalf. The Big Game Room Hall of Fame Reception is proudly sponsored by Simrad

Boating Hands-On Skills Training

Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training On-the-water learning events—located at Sea Isle Marina. Nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to improving your boating skills and learning new ones. This year’s show features a full schedule of one-hour and three-hour hands-on, on-the-water workshops designed to add more fun and excitement to your boat show experience…and take your boating skills up a notch. There’s something for everyone—from absolute beginners to seasoned skippers! Learn from experts: All sessions are taught by USCG licensed captains who are also certified professional instructors. One-Hour Powerboating Workshops Learn skills that will last a lifetime through hands-on, on-the water exercises. Choose from: • Close Quarters Power Handling • Advanced Close Quarters Maneuvering • Open Water Boat Handling & Seamanship • Anchoring and Multi-vessel Rafting Techniques. There is a nominal registration fee for each session. To learn more and register CLICK hereThree-Hour Powerboating Workshops These three-hour underway sessions feature additional skills training and more practice time for an even greater learning experience. Created specifically for and presented only at the boat show. Choose from: • Powerboating Made Easy • Advanced Docking & Precisions Boat Control in Tight Spaces. Participants who register online for a three-hour session will receive FREE boat show admission for the day. For course descriptions, schedule and to register. To get the full scoop on it all, click here.