2009 New Orleans Boat Show opens Wednesday, Jan. 7

Gulf Coast’s largest boat show opens to thousands of attendees at 5 p.m.

The oldest and largest Gulf Coast boating and sport-fishing show returns to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center on Wednesday, Jan. 7, showcasing hundreds of the newest boats and boating accessories at the best deals of the year.

This one-stop boating shop also hosts a number of new features for families and boating enthusiasts alike. For the first time ever, attendees can practice their angling skills, fishing for live trout at the Catch and Release Pond, or master the art of docking a remote-controlled boat at the Power Boat Docking Challenge. The show is also rolling out an all new Affordability Pavilion, which highlights boats for every budget, displaying boating options for $250 or less per month. Crowd favorites such as the Girl and Boy Scouts “First Mate” Patch Program, seminars and much more also return.

Daily Show Features:

· New! Catch & Release Pond: Kids and adults can practice their angling skills and have fun fishing for rainbow trout. Every angler who catches a fish will get a coupon for a FREE goldfish from a local pet store. A $2.00 donation will support the local Wish to Fish program and the Take Me Fishing Foundation.

· New! Power Boat Docking Challenge: Race against the clock from an actual boat helm at full throttle to master the art of docking and win great prizes. The “captain” with the best overall score each day of the show will be eligible to compete on Sunday for the grand prize—a Chartered Fishing Trip with Captain Greg Schlumbrecht of “To Fish Charters.”

· New! Affordability Pavilion: Attendees can view several different types of affordable and entry-level boats that can be financed for $250 or less per month.

· Discover Boating Center: The education destination for experienced boaters and novices alike to receive unbiased advice on boating.

· Fishin’ Fever Cove: Daily fishing seminars conducted by local and regional pros; topics include tips on how and where to catch the big ones, green boating, and much more.

· Berkley Giveaway Day: The first 200 kids (ages 18 and under) will receive free samples of Pure Fishing’s Gulp! 2” Shrimp Bait and Trilene 100% Fluorcarbon Fishing Line products (while supplies last) on Thursday, Jan. 8.

· Girl & Boy Scouts First Mate Patch Program: On Saturday or Sunday, troops can earn a “First Mate” patch. This is a FREE program for the Scouts. Call the show office at (504) 780-1818 to get involved.

· New! 1st Annual BIGFISH Casting Contest: Located in the Fishin’ Fever Cove at the Casting Pond, attendees can practice their skills and participate in a casting challenge sponsored by CCA Louisiana, Berkley, Blue Runner, RFRI and BIGFISH Charters.  Attendees have a chance to show off their skills for great prizes.

· Bill Dazet, Master Carver: Bill Dazet presents his lifelike carvings of fish and ducks.

· LA National Guard Display: Includes an actual bridge erection boat; the National Guard’s demonstration of military bridge building; and the National Guard FLW Outdoors Ranger Boat simulator, available to take attendees on an exciting “ride.”

· Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (WLF): WLF will be showcasing their new mobile command center and are on hand to answer any questions.

· $1,000 Shopping Spree: Register at www.NewOrleansBoatShow.com to win a $1,000 shopping spree at the show.

· Triumph Boat Giveaway Online: Enter for a chance to win a Triumph 1700 Skiff with engine and trailer grand prize package (a $14,000 value). Individuals can enter at www.NewOrleansBoatShow.com. One winner will be selected in November of 2009.

· Parade of Prizes: Register at the show for a chance to win one of the many prizes donated by exhibitors. Check www.NewOrleansBoatShow.com for additional prizes.

· $1,000 Boater’s World Gift Card: Enter for a chance to win a $1,000 Boater’s World Gift Certificate. To enter, simply complete an entry form available in the New Orleans Boat Show lobby. One lucky person will be awarded a $1,000 Boater’s World Gift card (no purchase necessary).

When: Wednesday through Sunday, January 7-11, 2009

Wednesday through Friday: 5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Saturday: 11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Sunday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Where: New Orleans Morial Convention Center

900 Convention Center Boulevard

New Orleans, LA 70130

Halls H, I & J

Admission: $9.00 for Adults

$5.00 for Youth (ages 13-15)

FREE for Children (12 years and under)

$15.00 for a discount 2-day ticket

Receive $2.00 off adult weekday admission with coupon available at participating dealers, on the show’s Web site, on NOMCVB’s Web site, at local Subway restaurants, area hotels, yacht clubs and local marinas.

**Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.NewOrleansBoatShow.com.

The New Orleans Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $37.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org.