September 5, 6 & 7, 2025 - Friday & Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm
Orange County Convention Center - West Concourse, International Drive, Orlando, Florida, USA
gatorland's animal experience
Get ready to dive into the wild side of Florida with Gatorland! Known as the Alligator Capital of the World®, Gatorland is bringing its thrilling adventure straight to you. Prepare to be amazed by a diverse array of incredible animals, including alligators and snakes. Their expert handlers will deliver a captivating presentation, offering an up-close look at the extraordinary wildlife that the park is famous for. Discover fascinating facts, such as how alligators cycle through over 2,000 teeth in their lifetime—now that’s a lot of tooth fairy visits! Plus, hear fun facts like how an alligator’s jaw is strong enough to snap a watermelon in half, proving they’re the ultimate kings of the chomp! These events are not only entertaining but also aim to promote wildlife conservation and appreciation, sharing Gatorland’s educational experience with a wider audience. With humor and interactive elements that keep everyone laughing, Gatorland’s off-property events are perfect for community fairs, corporate gatherings, or private celebrations. Each experience is tailored to fit your needs, ensuring a memorable adventure while supporting wildlife conservation. Don’t miss out on this wild Florida adventure brought right to you!
Typically the handler will bring a small alligator, a tarantula, and a ball python, plus another surprise creature. Hands On Experience at their Booth # 55 - 60!
The animals are available for photo ops, and Gatorland will also have a booth at the event where guests can learn more about the park and purchase discounted admission tickets.
Gatorland's Educational Seminar
Friday, September 5th
Seminar at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Saturday, September 6th
Seminar at 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 7th
Seminar at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Hook The future kid's fishing clinic
Capt. Don Dingman as seen on the Hook The Future TV Show
Each fishing clinics begins with a thirty-minute classroom style discussion of basic fishing techniques, tackle, and safety. Capt. Don covers the definition of the water column using charts and posters as examples and asks kids to give examples of fish that live in each water column so as to keep the clinics interactive. He then goes over how important it is to know where the fish you are targeting lives in the water column and what they are feeding on to choose the correct weights and baits. He demonstrates casting and fish fighting techniques with volunteers from the crowd. During which time fish mounts of various types of fish are used to show the difference between bottom feeders and those that chase bait in the top of the water column. A wide array of fish mounts at the Species Station are available for kids to have a hands-on experience and to see the different variations in top feeders, bottom feeders, pelagic, and freshwater species, etc.
Water conservation is discussed in the clinics as well. The importance of using circle hooks and dehookers as a successful technique to ensure a healthy release is conveyed to the kids and then are asked to give examples of other animals that they like to see while they are out on the water and explain to how fishing lines and other types of litter can cause problems for these animals. The kids are shown how they can easily make a place on their boat to dispose of any discards fishing line and show the pictures of the containers they can find at local ramps and piers so that they will know where to place the discarded fishing line once they are back on land.
Also covered is the importance of safety on the water and how critical it is to always fish with a buddy because things happen quickly on the water, even when fishing in your backyard pond.
All Kids Attending Get A Free Rod & Reel To Take Home!
At the end of each clinic every kid receives a free rod & reel combo, and we also hold a kids only free raffle at the end of each session giving away products from Salt Life, Eagle Claw, Tsunami, MirrOlure, and more!
Below Dates and Time subject to change.
Saturday, September 6th
Clinic at 12:00 Noon and 2:00 pm
Sunday, September 7th
Clinic at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
SEMINAR BY CAPTAIN JIM ROSS
Captain Jim Ross
Captain Jim Ross is a United States Coast Guard licensed captain and owner of Fineline Fishing Charters based out of Rockledge, Florida, just west of Cocoa Beach, for almost 25 years. Jim is a second generation native and full-time fishing guide, who lives on the productive waters of East Central Florida, near Orlando, roughly 250 days a year.
Captain Ross' understanding of the feeding habits and migratory patterns of the fish he pursues in the Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, and other surrounding waters throughout the year has made him one of the most respected fishing guides in Florida.
Come hear what Capt. Jim has been teaching his charter fishing clients for over two decades, and learn for yourself his highly productive techniques that can create memorable fishing adventures whenever possible.
At each seminar, Capt. Ross will give away a half-day fishing experience on the Indian River valued at $400.
Below Dates and Time subject to change.
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