Too cold to be on the water? Head inside to one of these winter boat shows to stock up on gear, shop for boats, attend a seminar, and catch up with boating and fishing friends. Be sure to check event websites for any schedule updates before attending. We will continue to update our list as more events are announced. If we missed your favorite fishing expo or winter boat show, email [email protected].
January
Jan. 12-14: 49th East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition. At the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. General admission: $15 per day, $25 for two days, $30 for three days.
Jan. 13: North Beach Vol. Fire Dept. Fishing & Outdoor Expo and Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department (8536 Bayside Road, North Beach, MD). Parking at the firehouse and Kellam's Field (shuttle Provided). $5 entry for adults, all kids under 12 are free. Door prizes, food and drinks for sale.
Jan. 19-21: The 3rd Annual Chesapeake Bay Boat Show. Presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. Featuring over 30 Maryland boat dealers showcasing new boats and marine equipment, entertainment, food and beverages, free educational seminars, and plenty of free parking. General admission: $10 (ages 13 and up), military $7 (at the door with ID), ages 12 and under are free.
Jan. 19-21: Richmond Fishing Expo. At Meadow Event Park – State Fairgrounds of Virginia in Doswell.
Jan. 25: Bosun's Marine Get Hooked Fishing Seminar. How to catch speckled trout and redfish in the Chesapeake Bay with Lenny Rudow. 6-8 p.m., Bosun's Marine Maryland, 411 Winchester Creek Rd., Grasonville, MD 21638
Jan. 27-28: Kent Island Fisherman's 13th Annual Fishing Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Admission $4 (16 yrs and under FREE). Kent Island American Legion Post #278, 800 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD 21666
February
Feb. 2-4: The 71st Annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show. At the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Feb 2-10: Eastern Shore Outdoor Show. Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury, MD 21804
Feb. 3-11: Great American Outdoor Show. At the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA.
Feb. 4: 1st Annual Mid-State Fishing/Hunting Expo. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Edgemere Fire Hall (7500 N. Point RD in Edgemere, MD). Cost: $10 adults, free for ages 16 and younger. Featuring fishing lure manufacturers, gun experts, waterfowl enthusiasts, anglers, saltwater guides, and more. Presented by SnapperHead Outdoors with Triple Deuces Tackle Company.
Feb. 16-18: Philadelphia Fishing Show. At the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks in Oaks, PA.
Feb. 16-18: 41st Annual OC Seaside Boat Show. At the Ocean City Convention Center in Ocean City, MD.
Feb. 17-18: 31st Annual PSG Fishing Expo and Nautical Craft Show. At Kurtz’s Beach in Pasadena, MD. Stay tuned for more details.
Feb. 23-24: 77th National Outdoor Show. Held in Dorchester County each year with the goal of preserving Dorchester County’s heritage by recognizing its resources and spotlighting the people who carry unique talents in their way of life. The main objective is to educate both newcomers to the area and visitors about the county’s rich and unique culture. Location; 3485 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD 21622. (Date subject to change.)
Feb. 24: Fishing/Hunting/Boating Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge, MD. $5 entrance fee, children 12 and under are free. Held by the Mid-Shore Fishing Club.
Feb. 24: 29th Annapolis Saltwater Fishing Expo. Presented by the Annapolis Anglers Club at Annapolis Elks 622: 2517 Solomons Island RD, Edgewater, MD. Informative seminars from expert anglers; light tackle jigging, Bay trolling, and offshore tackle from local dealers; charter captains and guides; fodd and beverages; and more. Admission: $5 per person, kids 14 and under are free.
March
Mar. 2: Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association Annual Fishing Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Field House (new location). Cost: $5 (children 12 and under are free). New and used rods and reels, fresh and saltwater gear, custom lures, boats and trailers, food and refreshments, and more.
Mar. 9: Fishing Flea Market and Nautical Art Show. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Poquoson High School in Poquoson, VA. Presented by the Poquoson Kiwanis. Admission: $5. For more information/vendor application, contact: Rick Neff at (757) 303-8923 or Aaron Holmes at (804) 832-0366.
Mar. 9-10: Essex-Middle River Fishing Club Fishing Flea Market. 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company in Rosedale, MD. New and used fishing tackle and crabbing supplies, fresh water, saltwater, offshore, and boating supplies. Food and refreshments available. Admission: $5 (kids under 13 are free). For more information, call Frank at (410) 686-2348.
Mar. 23: Maryland Fly Fishing and Collectible Tackle Show. The lineup of vendors includes independent fly-fishing retailers, connoisseurs of collectibles, expert fly shops, adept fishing guides, skilled fly tiers, and accomplished artists. Also, expert-led complimentary seminars, casting demonstrations, and more. At West Village Commons (404 Emerson Drive) in Towson, MD. Located on the west side of Towson University’s campus. There is free parking in the garage, just follow the signs along the brick walkway.
April
April 6-7: Southern Maryland Fishing and Outdoor Adventure Fair. Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, MD. Featuring fishing and outdoor vendors, speakers, food, kid's casting contest, 50/50, door prizes, a Maryland Boater Safety Course, and more. Admission: $5 cash at entrance, kids 12 and under are free. Presented by the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization, Inc. Vendor Registration at: [email protected]