The Big Game Room is co-presented by The Outdoor Channel, Marlin, Sport Fishing and Saltwater Sportsman Magazines.

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Big Game Room Hall of Fame Reception

Please join us as Capt. Joan Vernon is inducted into the 2009 Big Game Room Hall of Fame on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Joan is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to the sport of big game fishing.

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 Big Game Room Partners with The Billfish Foundation

The Big Game Room is proud to welcome the Billfish Foundation's 2009 Annual Awards Ceremony hosted by Smith-Merritt Insurance and Marlin, Sport Fishing and Salt Water Sportsman magazines. This reception will be held at 6pm, Thursday, February 12, 2009 on the Big Game Room seminar stage, immediately following Joan Vernon's induction into the Big Game Room Hall of Fame. Billfish Foundaton reception is by invitation. For more information, please contact deborah_cummings@billfish.org or www.billfish.org. 

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Chairfighting Challenge — The Mechanical Bull of Fishing 

Think of it as a tug-of-war, but with fishing poles. Two chairs face each other, set about 30 feet apart. Each seat has a 6' 6" pole tucked into a holster located at the knees. The fishing lines are interconnected and a pink flag dangles at the center. On the ground, on both sides of a center marker, a stripe designates a spot four feet from the center. The first player to reel the flag across the stripe closest to the wins!!

Challenges will take every 1/2 hour during all hours of the show in room B 212 in the Big Game Room!

Florida Marlins Day, featuring the Mermaids Dance Team—Saturday, February 13                        

The Mermaids, the Florida Marlins Dance team, will perform on the Big Game Room stage at 2 pm and 5:30 pm. Members of the squad will meet fans and sign autographs during the Saturday evening Block Party (held on Convention Center Drive from 3–8pm). You can try you luck with the Marlins' Wheel of Prizes, too.

Billy the Marlin, the offocial team mascot, will also be on hand for a meet and greet.

Tickets to the Florida Marlins opening week series will be given away daily.      

Bait Rigging Station                                              

Hosted by Capt. Tony DiGiulian of Saltwater Professional Consulting and back by popular demand this year, each session will last an hour and the instructor’s name, time and subject will be written daily on the blackboard. Attendees will receive “hands-on” training in the presence of a pro. You’ll learn how to rig traditional ballyhoo, trolling mullet, strips, offshore lures, mackerel rigging, squid rigs for sword fishing, use of teasers, wind on leaders and proper techniques for sharpening hooks and much, much more.

Check the daily schedule at the show for times and techniques and talk with pro Tony DiGiulian on his vast fishing experiences.

Seminar Program Sponsored by Eco-Mariner

The 2009 seminar series is sponsored by Eco-Mariner, an education course designed to help boaters enjoy and preserve Florida Bay. Eco-Mariner is endorsed by angling, paddling, boating, business, government, and conservation organizations and is presented by the non-profit National Parks Conservation Association.

Rob Clift will be a featured speaker along with past favorites, Chris & Melissa Fischer, Bouncer Smith, Peter B. Wright and Dave Ferrell presenting their popular Marlin U series, Tony DiGIuilan, Sheri Daye, Dan Kipnes and many more.  Check the Seminar page for full details on the speakers and the schedule.

Marlin Bar and Lounge            

Meet your friends, relax, have a drink and share your favorite fish stories. During Happy Hour,
5–6 pm daily, show staff will give out special promotional items donated by our exhibitors and sponsors.

Located in room B 214 near the Big Game Room Seminar Stage.

Entertainment by Pluto

Pluto Shervington, also know as Pluto, is a reggae musician born in Kingston, Jamaica. He is a talented bass guitarist and singer. He is best known for his single, "Dat" and will be performing daily on the Big Game Room Seminar Stage from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Exhibitor Prize Give Away Returns

Back again this year is the popular Exhibitor Prize Give Away. Big Game Room exhibitors have donated prizes to be raffled off daily. Just fill out your ballot in room B 214 in the Big Game Room and wait for the call. Our list of prizes will be available soon. Look for prizes from your favorite exhibitors like Carey Chen, Karen Rhodes, The World Billfish Series, Jean Eastman, and the IGFA.   

 Parade of Prizes