Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 25 Båt is the largest boat show in Northern Europe and also Finland’s biggest fishing event. Here, recreational anglers come together to explore new products, socialize, and enjoy a high-quality program. The selection of fly fishing is larger than ever, and for the second time, a dedicated fly fishing track will be featured. The show will also host fly fishing competitions, and the final episode of Predator Masters with Ruoto 2025 will be screened. This time, visitors can also participate in a pub quiz at the show. The show boasts a record number of craftsmen and boats equipped with fishing gear. The Helsinki International Boat Show will be held from February 7 to 16, 2025, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
The Helsinki Outdoor & Hunting Fair, held for the first time this year, adds an extra dimension to the boat show’s fishing offerings. The Helsinki Outdoor & Hunting Fair is open from Friday to Sunday, February 7–9, 2025, and will feature content on outdoor activities and hunting. All fishing-related products and programs can be found at the boat show. «The fishing area at the boat show becomes more exciting each year. This February, in addition to competitive anglers, guides, and brand ambassadors, we will also see some new faces on stage, including public figures who are hooked on fishing», says event producer Sami Pitkänen.
Stratovarius drummer Rolf Pilve will share his fishing experiences in an interview on the program stage during the first weekend of the show, February 8–9. The Finnish decathlon champion Tarmo Savola, known for his active interest in fishing and hunting, will also take part in an interview on stage. For the first time, the well-known YouTube personality Räpfaija will also be participating. He will be interviewed on stage and participate in the SUP Indoor National Championships as well as the Perhovelho Invitational at the Aalto program pool.
The Alutroll-Tohatsu program stage will feature a variety of content throughout the show. Here, there will be information on equipping fishing boats in various sizes, launching new products, presenting upcoming fishing events, and providing details on fishing tourism, including trips to Norway and Arctic fishing. The program will be hosted by Mikko «Peltsi» Peltola, who will interview several fishing guides and brand ambassadors, among others.
An increasing focus on fly fishing and fishing boats
At the fly fishing track, visitors can explore fly fishing gear and try products from various brands. The daily guided fly fishing clinics are led by fly fishing instructor, fishing guide, and former captain of Finland’s national team, Jani Ollikainen from Merimasku. The event also features Helsingin Perhokalastajat ry (Helsinki Fly Fishers) and representatives from various fly fishing brands, with even more participants this year than before. At the show, visitors can explore fly fishing brands such as Airflo, Greys, Guideline, Hardy, Simms, and Vision Fly Fishing. The boat show offers experiences for both beginners and more experienced fly fishermen.
The fishing activities at the Aalto program pool encompass a broad variety of angling experiences. There is also a record number of fishing-equipped boats. This is likely reflected in the fact that the Fishing Boat of the Show will be selected for the first time at the Vene 25 Båt show. Among the boats on display are Alba 460/440, Buster M1/XL, Kimple K175, Lund 2075 Pro-V Sorty, Päijän, and Vizion 560/500/470/440. Boats participating in the competition can also be found in other halls. In addition to the mentioned boats, a new Finnish fishing boat will be launched at the show. Further details about this new product will be shared later.
Fly fishing competitions, Predator Masters, and recognitions within the fishing industry
During the first weekend of the show, the team competition Perho vastaan Viehe (Fly vs. Lure) will take place at the fly fishing lane. Over the years, the competition has become a tradition at the show. The fly fishing team is led by Kari «Hissu» Hietalahti, while the lure team is led by Mika «Haukikoira» Vornanen.
The Predator Masters with Ruoto 2025 final will be shown on the program stage on Saturday, February 8, at 15:30. As usual, the event will gather a full house of sport anglers as top competitive fishermen challenge each other in perch, pike, and zander fishing. The competition, held at Oulunjärvi, features six teams: Ruoto: Janne Huhtanen & Kalle Koivusalo. Lowrance: Antti Kalliosaari & Jani Tossavainen. Garmin: Tomi Tikkanen & Jani Haavisto. Westin: Mikey Sarelin & Leo Tuomi. Okuma: Tomi Zerhat & Salvatore Vitale. CWC: Mika Mäkelä & Andreas Seger.
On February 7, a jury assembled by the Finnish Association for the Promotion of Fishing Tourism (Suomalaisen kalastusmatkailun edistämisseura, SKES) will select the Fisher of the Year and the Fishing Guide of the Year. At the same time, the Fisheries Supervisor of the Year will be announced, a selection made by the Finnish Association for Fishery Management. This choice aims to highlight the importance of fisheries management as part of ensuring the vitality of our fish stocks. At the boat show, the Fishing Boat of the Show will be selected for the first time. Both the audience and a jury of experts, who will assess the boats based on their suitability for fishing, will choose their favorites. The purpose of the award is to highlight fishing and especially fishing boats, as the show annually presents several boats equipped for fishing. The winners of Vene 25 Båt: the Fishing Boat of the Show – both the jury selection and the public vote – will be announced on Saturday, February 15.
Art and skilled craftsmen at the boat show
World-renowned Finnish handmade lures will be on display at the boat show’s Craft Market. A record number of craftsmen, a total of 12, have signed up: Cadpro (Lohnu-lures, Vesa Esko), Halme Lures (Toni Halme), Heta Vaappu (Aki Leppänen), J-King Fishing (Jarno Vähämäki & Samu Pohjola), JH-Lures (Jarkko Heljoranta), Kaimaani uistin (Niko Lehtola), Kalossi uistin (Kari Lossi), Leppic Knives (Cay Leppälä), Lord Lures (Petri Jääskeläinen), Monkey Lure (Janne Koivisto), Mörköpaja (Jouni Tompuri) ja PLM Uistin (Janne Wikström).
At the boat show, fish artist Sakke Yrjölä will showcase his work for the second time. Having already illustrated Finland’s fish, Yrjölä now aims to portray the fish of the Nordic countries. The freshwater species have already been depicted, but in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, there are still many exciting species to catch and portray. The images in this ongoing project, which extends until 2030, will form a work of art featuring the most important fish along the coast of Scandinavia. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience his illustration technique live.
At the boat show, Sami Pitkänen, the producer of the fishing area, will also be showcasing and selling his sea-related photographs.
Water activities at the Aalto program pool: from SUP to diving, paddling, and RC sailing
RC-sailing, or radio-controlled sailing, is a competition recognized by the International Sailing Federation. Within the rules of the sport, participants compete on a course with a focus on speed. The boats are controlled from the shore, or in this case from the edge of the pool, using a radio receiver, which allows both the sails and course to be adjusted. In addition to remote control, the boats offer nearly the same sail trimming options as real sailing boats. For different wind conditions, there are various rig sizes, meaning that instead of reefing the sails, a smaller rig is swapped in when the wind increases. The sport is presented at the show by the Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation and the Finnish RC Sailors Association. Visitors are invited to try the sport for themselves.
The open Finnish Championship SUP Indoor 2025 competition will take place on Saturday, February 15, from 13:00 to 14:30. The event is organized by Rautio Sports and Suomen SUP-liitto ry (the Finnish SUP Federation). In addition to the trophy, as well as honor and glory, the winner will be awarded an Ursuit MPS drysuit. During the show, visitors can try SUP at the Aalto program pool and participate in SUP training sessions organized by Erimover.
Show visitors will have the opportunity to try diving with equipment alongside experienced instructors from Sea Safety Oy’s diving school. The trial dive at the show is free of charge, but the age limit for participation is 12 years.
Water sports and activities are available at the Aalto area and Aalto program pool. In addition to trying RC sailing, SUP, and diving, visitors can also test paddling and snorkeling. The show also features equipment and accessories for these activities, as well as for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and towable donuts. In addition to all the activities at the show, visitors can also meet mermaids and learn more about this intriguing hobby.
The Helsinki International Boat Show, Vene 25 Båt, will be held from February 7–16, 2025, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The event is organized by Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on behalf of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat rf. The event’s sustainability partner for 2025 is the John Nurminen Foundation. During the opening weekend, from February 7–9, 2025, the Helsinki Outdoor & Hunting Fair will be held for the first time.
