Looking for a summer vacation getaway?

How about Hayward, Wisconsin?
Home of the largest Muskie in the world 143 ft., part of the national freshwater fishing hall of fame complex. Golf, shopping, outdoor recreation, restaurants and bars galore make this spot an ideal summer getaway for the entire family. . If you haven’t been to the area before want to get the flavor of it, rent the movie The Great Outdoors with John Candy, Annette Benning, Dan Aykroid, and the big 64.

The North Woods of Wisconsin was the setting for the movie. Hayward known as an fishing haven to many Midwesterners has something for everyone. Thirteen golf courses in the area, make it the golf capital of Wisconsin, or so the natives say. Six miniature golf courses, Go Carts, Horseback riding, and the usual Summer amusement fare will keep the kids busy for hours. The accommodations in the area are priced for everyone. Campgrounds, B and B’s, Resorts, and Motels are readily available. Hayward has a number of different festivals, two of my favorites are the Musky Festival June 25- 28 , and the Lumberjack World Championships July 24-26. A must see is the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Over 100,000 people visit each year. The museum includes thousands of lures, rods, reels, vintage outboard motors, Hundreds of mounted fish, and many other displays. Controversy abounds in the area about which Muskie is the world record . The Dun Rovin Lodge lays claim to the largest over 70 lbs. However the scale used to weigh it wasn’t certified and cynics question the actual weight. The freshwater hall houses a replica 69lb. 11 oz. giant, however the original was destroyed in a fire in the sixties. That leaves the 67lb. 8oz. Behemoth located in the Moccasin bar, I’ve been in a number of bars and this is one of the most notable I’ve encountered. The record fish encased in a glass display case is only one of wide array of stuffed animals in various forms of drinking, gambling, and other forms of carousing. You can find all of the above info on the Hayward web site. There’s never a lack of activity and something for everyone in Hayward.

For the avid sportsman there is nothing quite like attending a hunting or fishing expo whether you are showing or just attending. There are expeditions that go on in pretty much every state and to follow are a few of the highlighted expositions in several different states.

In Amarillo, Texas at the Amarillo Civic Center there is a fishing and hunting expo that also features RV’s and Boats. Exhibitors from all around Texas come to participate every year offering seminars, a full line of new boats by the major manufacturers, fishing tackle that is presented from dealers that travel from four other states as well and a kids area that offers a trout tank, an aquarium and martial arts. They also offer everything pertaining to the world of hunting including clothes, different types of game calls and even taxidermy tips.

Oklahoma City in Oklahoma offers a hunting and fishing expo in February that is considered one of the largest of its kind. They have seminars with several different guest speakers, exhibits and all kinds of attractions during their three day event.

In January Denver, Colorado has a great fishing, outdoor and hunting expo put on by International Sportsmen’s Expositions that have 30+ years experience in putting on these types of shows. They offer a complete schedule of contests, presentations and seminars every day of the event that includes exhibits and activities for hunting, fishing, bow hunting, boats and more.

In Jonesboro, Arkansas during February they put on the Arkansas Sport Show hunting and fishing expo that includes many different attractions and some great giveaways (like and ATV). They have a rock climbing wall, the worlds best trout tank, turkey calling championship, a great 3D archery challenge and a fun kids corner.

Kansas City, Missouri has a great Sport and Boat show during January that offers everything from boat dealers making some great deals to an interactive Colonial American Pirate exhibit that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. They also feature and adopt a dog area where mainly hunting and bird dogs, but other breeds as well, can be adopted; a perfect opportunity for the sportsman.

If you are anywhere near Fargo, North Dakota in March you need to check out the Red River Valley sportsman/fishing/hunting expo that they put on. They combine several areas into one that includes boats, camping and RV’s, hunting and fishing, traveling and outdoor education where you will find free seminars, trout ponds and more.

You have undoubtedly heard the phrase that a bad day fishing beats a good day working; these are probably the same guys that would be able to land a fish worthy of mounting out of a puddle. However, no matter what your skill level may be fishing trips are always worthwhile if for nothing else than the relaxation factor. Listed here are a few trips; some even have a fishing guide available for an additional fee that is worth the trip.

If you are thinking about heading down under for some fishing then you should definitely check out Weipa, Australia where you will find one of the best fly and sport fishing opportunities available. You can hire a charter with a fishing guide for both laid back tourist or active fishing trips and wade around in the waist deep blue water or stay in the boat and try for the coral trout or red emperor.

If you plan on staying a little closer to home then you should take one of your next fishing trips in Point Pleasant, New Jersey where you have the chance of catching some fluke or big tuna. You may just enjoy floating along in one of the charter boats as much as fighting to reel in that bluefin. Most of the organized trips even offer catering if you want to enjoy some gourmet food while you fish.

If you are looking for something a little more exotic then you may want to venture to Forra River, Norway where the area looks like it has been undisturbed by mankind and a local fishing guide can help you catch an Atlantic salmon that will surpass your wildest dreams. You are also pretty much guaranteed some solitude as they only allow four rods to be cast at a time for environmental reasons.

For pristine water and a natural beauty you can’t beat the Great White North of Seward, Alaska, the stuff real fishing trips are made of. The charter boats led by your own fishing guide takes you out among the sea lions and whales while you can expect to find some halibut and silver salmon that are most certainly trophy sized; many of them have been known to weigh over one hundred pounds. For excellent king salmon fishing you should plan your trip in either the early spring or the fall.

Fishing and boat shows are a great way to check out the new models of boats coming out along with getting a first look at new fishing items and perhaps gather a few tips along the way. To follow are a few of the better boat and fishing shows that you may just want to check out.

The New Orleans Boat and Sports show is one that you don’t want to miss; they have several give-away’s and prizes, fishing shows that include many exhibitions with the latest accessories and even fish seminars where you can catch the fun at a 4,000 gallon tank stocked with fish that were locally caught.

Next, head to Houston, Texas for their international fishing and boat shows that also feature travel items. It is a ten day event which usually attracts more that 125,000 people each year that check out over 300 different exhibits.  This is usually a good time to consider buying a boat as many of the dealers offer several different pre-season deals. For the sportsmen there they usually have representatives from outfitters that travel from all over the United States to exhibit in this show.

Cleveland, Ohio is host to the Mid American Boat and Fishing Shows Expo where you can check out the newest boat models or head over to their pavilion area and take a look at the pre-owned models they have for sale. The kids will enjoy seeing Twiggy the squirrel that water skis while the adults can check out the different fishing and tackle exhibitions.

For another one of the best fishing and boat shows you need to go to Greensboro, NC to the Central Carolina Boat and Fishing Expo. This has normally been a separate event but in 2010 they are being brought together for one big event that includes everything from boats, skiing, lifts, both saltwater and fresh water fishing and tackle to trying your hand at trout fishing.

Several cities in Montana host the Great Rockies sport boat and fishing shows where you can check out exhibitors from all over. You will have the chance to enjoy seeing the new boat and RV models as well as checking out hunting and fishing accessories. Seminars and special features, many good for kids and the whole family, are found throughout the event.

You do not have to be an aficionado or even a skilled adventurer of the outdoors in order to enjoy a great fishing experience; it is just a really great chance to relax and enjoy some time with the guys.

Normally your budget will play a part in where you land, but there is usually a river or lake fairly close to where you live so that even a one day trip can be arranged for little money. Just gather up the minimum gear and drive over for a day of blissful relaxation and fun; but if you are looking for a real fishing vacation you need to decide what kind of fishing you want to do.

If you are interested in deep sea fishing and the workout that you can get from reeling in a 250 pound marlin then for around $600 you and your friends can rent a “forty footer” and spend the day fishing the tropical warm waters of South Padre Island in search of the big one. If you are more inclined to enjoy fly fishing then you can head for the rivers and streams in the Rocky Mountains for some of the best tasting salmon you have ever had.

Where you stay and the type of lodging will depend upon what adventure you are embarking on; if you are opting for the fly fishing type of excursion you may want to consider what is called the Gentleman Farmer method. It is basically like a hotel in the woods, you get picked up at the airport taken to their hotel where you will be entertained and fed. They provide things like the guide, boat and even fishing lessons if so desired; however it can be a rather pricey trip so you may want to make it a group thing and split the costs involved.

Of course, you can always enjoy the true meaning of nature and go camping; cooking and drinking around a campfire is a great way to relax after a long day of fishing. Just keep in mind that the further away that you are from a more established type of campground the fewer number of amenities you will find.

Of course, before embarking on your adventure be sure that you have all of your paperwork in order; fishing license, any maps you may need and if camping in a park then you will likely need a park permit. Oh, and don’t forget to bring an extra ice chest to take home all of the fish you are going to catch.