EXCITING SEMINARS AND FEATURES FOR 2026!
WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER ANOTHER GREAT LINEUP FOR A FULL WEEKEND OF SEMINARS, TIPS & TRICKS, AND HAWG TROUGH DEMONSTRATIONS!
2026 SEMINAR SCHEDULE
JIM CROWLEY
Jim Crowley has been a respected and influential presence in the outdoor fishing industry for more than 30 years. After finding success as a competitive bass tournament angler at the local and regional level, Jim transitioned into television in 1998, where he became a familiar face to anglers across the Midwest. He spent over a decade hosting and co-hosting television segments and contributing a monthly column, earning multiple Readers’ Choice awards for his work.
Today, Jim is the host of Jim Crowley Outdoors, a nationally distributed fishing program airing daily across multiple streaming platforms. He also hosts the popular Slickfish Radio podcast, delivering practical fishing knowledge, industry insights, and real-world experience to anglers both on air and on demand.
Widely known for his passion, loyalty, and deep understanding of the sport, Jim has worked closely with leading fishing brands on product development and marketing strategy. His contributions include signature rod-building kits, custom sunglasses, and hands-on involvement in tackle and sonar innovation.
One of the Midwest’s most in-demand seminar speakers, Jim presents dozens of seminars each year for anglers of all skill levels. His presentations cover topics such as lure presentations, baitcasting and spinning techniques, rod and lure building, and advanced fishing strategies. Jim specializes in largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, delivering clear, experience-driven instruction that anglers can immediately apply on the water.
DOUG WEGNER
Captain Doug Wegner is a licensed Coast Guard–certified fishing guide and respected educator who has been leading anglers on successful trips across the Midwest and into Canada since 2015. Growing up in southeast Wisconsin, Doug developed a passion for fishing at a young age and spent countless hours exploring lakes throughout North America while refining his skills.
Today, he spends the majority of his time guiding on the renowned waters of Green Bay and Lake of the Woods, targeting trophy muskies, walleyes, and smallmouth bass. With more than 200 guided trips each year, Doug combines advanced electronics, on-the-water experience, and instinct to consistently put clients on fish while teaching techniques they can use long after the trip ends.
Known for his positive attitude and dedication to client success, Doug prides himself on delivering a memorable experience that goes beyond simply catching fish. He regularly shares his knowledge at sports shows, fishing clubs, and large events, helping fellow anglers become more confident and effective on the water.
A multi-species angler based in Green Bay, Doug also creates fishing content and travels throughout the Midwest and Canada documenting his experiences to help others become better anglers.
Widely regarded as a respected guide and content creator, Doug follows seasonal patterns across major fisheries—from Green Bay to Minnesota and northwestern Ontario—to stay on productive bites and provide clients with exceptional opportunities at trophy fish.
JIM O'NEIL
Jim O’Neil is a seasoned outdoors communicator, host, and fishing enthusiast with deep roots in the Midwest fishing community. As a television and podcast host for MidWest Outdoors, Jim brings weekly insights, fishing reports, gear reviews, expert interviews, and outdoor tips to anglers and outdoor lovers across the region. His engaging style and practical knowledge make complex tactics easy to understand for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
In addition to his work on MidWest Outdoors TV, Jim is the voice behind the MidWest Outdoors Podcast, where he connects with top anglers, guides, and outdoor professionals to explore everything from seasonal strategy to the latest in fishing technology and trends. Whether talking walleye, bass, catfish or ice fishing, Jim’s podcast blends real-world experience with expert commentary in a format that’s both informative and enjoyable.
A lifelong angler who began his journey in high school bass fishing, Jim has since built a reputation as a trusted voice in the outdoor world. He speaks regularly at fishing expos and outdoor events, and is known for sharing valuable knowledge on topics such as tackle selection, seasonal patterns, and innovative techniques.
Jim’s passion for fishing and the outdoors is matched by his dedication to helping others get more out of their time on the water, making him a favorite among audiences both on screen and behind the mic.
CHRIS TAURISANO
Chris Taurisano is a lifelong angler and well-known figure in the Midwest fishing world. With over a decade as the owner and operator of T-Bone Guide Service, Chris spent thousands of days on the water in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin teaching anglers of all ages and skill levels how to catch more fish and enjoy the outdoors. His experience included multi-species expertise on walleye, muskie, bass and panfish, and he became respected not just for his skills on the water, but for his ability to help others learn and improve.
Chris grew up fishing with his grandfather at an early age, which ignited a lifelong passion for the sport. Over the years he combined that passion with a strong work ethic, leading to a guiding career that became one of the most sought-after services in the region.
In 2025, Chris made the decision to step away from full-time guiding and transition T-Bone Guide Service to his longtime partner, allowing him to focus on other parts of his life and stay active in the fishing community in new ways.
Today, Chris remains engaged in the sport he loves—sharing insights, referring fellow guides, and continuing to connect with anglers across the region. His deep knowledge of local waters and commitment to helping others enjoy fishing have made him a trusted name among Midwest anglers.
STEVE WELCH
Steve Welch is one of the Midwest’s most seasoned fishing experts with more than 40 years fishing Lake Shelbyville and guiding since 1994. Over decades on the water he built a reputation as a top competitor and instructor, earning 27 tournament wins and strong finishes in national events, including multiple Crappie U.S.A. and Crappie Masters tournaments where he fished among the best teams in the country.
Steve’s writing and expertise have been widely recognized across the outdoor media world. His work has appeared in national publications such as In-Fisherman, Walleye In-Sider and Field & Stream, and he has contributed to numerous state and regional outlets including Adventure Sports Outdoor, Heartland Magazine and Illinois Fish & Game.
Beyond his competitive and written accomplishments, Steve has been a highly requested seminar speaker, sharing methods and insights with anglers at major fishing expos and events across Illinois.
Although he’s long been associated with guiding trips focused on crappie, walleye and white bass, Steve’s legacy extends far beyond guiding—his decades of experience, stories from the water, and passion for fishing have influenced and educated thousands of anglers throughout the Midwest.
ALEC NICKEL
Alec Nickel has been passionate about fishing since he was just three years old, learning the sport from his grandfather while growing up surrounded by the outdoors. With family roots deeply connected to wildlife and hands-on outdoor skills, Alec developed an early and lasting connection to rivers and lakes. He’s spent a lifetime fishing the Rock River, Mississippi River, and Wisconsin River, giving him broad experience across water types and species.
In 2020, Alec launched his YouTube channel to share his fishing adventures and techniques with a wider audience. What began as a personal project quickly became a platform for teaching others, and Alec found his true calling in helping anglers of all ages improve their skills. He’s especially known for his ability to engage young anglers and make fishing fun and accessible for families.
Alec is also the owner and operator of Diehard Angling, a full-service open water and ice fishing guide operation based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. As a licensed and insured USCG captain, he offers guided trips targeting a wide range of species including walleye, salmon, steelhead, trout, perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and more. Diehard Angling trips are highly rated for quality, safety, and memorable experiences on the water, with amenities such as live bait, tackle, and options for catch cleaning and filleting.
Through his guide service and online content, Alec continues to share his passion for fishing with anglers of all skill levels—teaching practical techniques, fostering confidence on the water, and helping people connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways.
KEN KUHNLE
Ken Kuhnle is a longtime fishing guide, outdoor communicator, and respected voice in the Midwest angling community. For more than a decade Ken has operated Fishing Tales Guide Service, sharing his knowledge of local waters and helping anglers of all experience levels improve their skills and catch more fish. He’s known for his expertise with gamefish and his ability to break down tactics in ways that are easy to follow and apply on the water.
In addition to guiding, Ken co-hosts The Big Outdoor Show on WBIG AM 1280, where he brings fishing tips, local reports, and seasonal strategy to radio audiences and anglers across the region.
Ken is also active in the fishing community beyond guiding and radio — frequently speaking at club events and seminars where he shares his tactics, insights, and love for the sport.
Whether on a guide trip, behind the mic, or at a fishing event, Ken’s passion for the sport and commitment to helping others enjoy fishing have made him a trusted resource for Midwest anglers.
2026 FEATURES
Hawg Trough Aquarium See the hottest new lures in action in our 3,500 gallon aquarium filled with monster fish.
Trout Pond-Bring the whole family to fish in the trout pond and see how many fish you can catch! The trout pond is a ton of fun for all ages and the best part is it is FREE for kids!!!
Kids Casting-Kids can practice their casting, learn new casting techniques, and enter the casting contest! All of these are FREE for kids all weekend long!
Minnow Races-Kids of all ages love stopping by and racing the minnows! Free to play and prizes for all winners!