Boats galore at 4x4 show

Boaters who love fishing will be delighted by the changes at this year's National 4X4 Off-road, Fishing and Outdoors Expo that opens at the Melbourne Showgrounds on September 4.

The relocation of the Expo to the Showgrounds has proved a hit with both the boating and fishing industries and organisers say there will be a significant increase in the number of boats and boating accessories on display.

The Expo's Mark Petersen told the Bointsales Network that the organisers were catering for all aspects of fishing and the equipment needed to get anglers out on the water.

"The great thing about this year's show is that we haven't tried to focus on just one type of fishing. We have attempted to put something in there for everybody, no matter if you enjoy hitting Port Phillip Bay for some snapper or the Victorian high fields for trout," Petersen says.

"With the new venue we will have more boating companies exhibiting at the show, so, if you're in the market for a new boat, the show is going to be the place to pick up a new vessel and there will be some great boating accessories on display at bargain prices."

The ever popular Fishing Stage will be hosted by well-known Melbourne anglers Paul Worsteling and Dave Kramer, who have more than 50 years of fishing experience between them.

Kramer told the Boatsales Network the show would give anglers the chance to learn from some of the best in the business while also understanding what is being done for the underwater environment.

"We've got some of Victoria's best anglers talking about the correct technique to catch snapper and also two new presentations which will focus on the best ways to catch gummy shark and different species of bream," Kramer says.

"The event will also provide the public with the rare opportunity to view one of the artificial reef balls which will be placed into Port Phillip Bay to help rebuild the area."

Among the boats on display will be the Haines Hunter 600R owned by Charlie Micallef who profiled the construction of the bright red vessel in his Adventures of the Savage Seas DVD.

JV Marine World will display a number of boats from Signature, Seafarer, Whittley Cruisers and Quintrex. Regal Marine Centre will display  a number of models from the TABS Boats range including the Bullshark 420. Bass Boat Imports will be displaying the Skeeter ZX195.

Entry to the Expo is $16 with children under 15 free. It will be held on September 4-6 -- coinciding with Fathers Day. Check out the official expo website for more details.