Here's a sampling of what you will find at the Big Game Room this year:

Marlin University, a unique offshore fishing school run by the editors of Marlin Magazine, brings a sample of their curriculum to the Big Game Room. Editors Dave Ferrell and Peter B. Wright will instruct attendees on the basics of boat handling, bait rigging and angling. If there's anything you want to know about offshore big game fishing, the instructors at Marlin U can teach it. Learn from the best on the Big Game Room seminar stage.

Carey Chen Paints Live in the Big Game Room

Carey Chen, world-renowned marine artist, will be painting a canvas every day in the Big Game Room during the Miami International Boat Show. Stop in each day to see the progress as this talented artist creates a masterpiece in front of our eyes. Everywhere you look in the Big Game Room, you'll see Carey's touch - from the Big Game Room logo to the directional fish on the floor.

Miami Boat Show Billfish Tournament

The International Big Fish Network (IBFN), along with several coordinating partners, is pleased to bring the 2005 Miami Boat Show Billfish Tournament back to the Big Game Room! This year's event - which allows show attendees to sit in an actual fighting chair and see, feel and hear what it's like to actually catch a large sailfish - will be held in booth #2211 each day of the show. Fishing the tournament is free, but a small donation is required to compete for prizes. The Top Three finishers will receive framed, signed Guy Harvey prints, compliments of IGFA.

Big Game Room Welcomes The Addictive Fishing Tour and The Mogan Man

AF is all about entertainment, high-energy, education and innovation!  Capt. Blair Wiggins' seminar-driven tour combines television entertainment and fishing education. The Mogan Theater hosts seminars (saltwater inshore fishing with live and artificial bait / near shore fishing with live and artificial bait) 2 times daily and Capt. Blair Wiggins is on hand for question, demos, and autographs. The Mogan Theater has FREE prize drawings daily, and AF even has a saltwater fishing video game for kids to play.  Find the tour in space 2102 in room B210.

Hemingway Museum Comes to the Big Game Room

Selected pieces from the private collection of the Hemingway family will be on display in the Big Game Room near the entrance to room B 213. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse through a small exhibit featuring these historical pieces.  You’ll also have a chance to win copies of Hemingway’s most treasured novels.

"Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!"

The Big Game Room proudly welcomes Betty Bauman, founder of "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!” the "no yelling" school of fishing for women. Betty will provide entertainment and informative and educational seminars of interest to both men and women on the sport of fishing.  When not on stage, Betty can be found in space 2264.

Big Game Room Ambassadors – “Follow Me To the Big Game Room”

Be on the lookout for the Big Game Room Ambassadors.  These lovely ladies will be walking throughout the entire show answering questions, giving directions and handing out information on the Big Game Room.  They’ll be armed with brightly colored Fish Stickers that say “Follow Me To The Big Game Room” so everyone will know where you’ve been.

Win! Win! Win! - Exhibitors Give Away Valuable Prizes

Big Game Room exhibitors are flocking to join the Big Game Room Prize Give-Away program. Any attendee who comes to the Big Game Room is eligible to win from a list of prizes donated by our exhibitors. Just read the list of prizes posted at the Give-Away booth # 2089 at the entrance to room B 214. Fill out your entry form; drop it in the barrel and cross your fingers. Prizes include a Carey Chen Print, a chain saw sculpted game fish by Renn Schlabac, a Minn Kota trolling motor from Addictive Fishing TV, Viper Bob Stand Up Fighting Gimbal and Vest, assorted Hemingway novels, etched glass barware from A-1 of a Kind Design and much, much more. For a complete list of prizes, check the signboard at the give away area.

Seminars

This year our seminar speakers will include:

• Mike Genoun, South Florida Sportfishing Magazine
• Ron Hamlin
• Bouncer Smith
• Chris Fischer, Offshore Adventures TV
• George Poveromo, Host of World of Salt Water Fishing, ESPN2
• Manny Puig, The Shark Man
• Steve Campbell, Ika Lahi Lodge in the Kingdom of Tonga
• Peace Marvel, Reel Peace Charters
• Betty Bauman, "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!"

For a full list of seminars, see the sign at the seminar stage or the handout from our Big Game Room Ambassadors.

Bait Rigging Station / Workshops and Clinics

The new exhibit called the “Bait Rigging Station” is located in space 2120 as you enter room B 212.   There will be a bait table setup where onlookers will be able to gather around the professionals for “hands on” learning.  We want to range from the basic rigs (trolling baits and live baiting) to the proper making of big baits and lures. We’ll teach it all! 

Nautical Fashion Show

The Nautical Fashion Show is back for 2005 by popular demand. Our beautiful and handsome models will showcase the latest in fishing gear, casual/beach wear and swimsuits. All of which can be purchased right here at the show.

Sawmill Creations

Once again artist Renn Schlabac will be sculpting a big game fish on site with his chain saw. The finished sculpture will be raffled off at the end of the show. Simply fill out your entry form at the sculpting site and return it to Renn's booth # 2201 in the Big Game Room.

Big Game Room Hall of Fame Award

The Miami International Boat Show is proud to announce the annual Big Game Room Hall of Fame Award. This award will be presented each year to someone who has made outstanding contributions to the sport of Big Game Fishing. The inaugural awards were given out in 2004 to Captains Jimmy Loveland and Buddy Carey. Join us for the awards reception on Thursday, February 17th, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. on the Big Game Room Seminar Stage.