When the weather gets too cold to be out on the water, head inside to these Chesapeake Bay winter boat shows to stock up on boating gear, find deals on new boats, sit in on a seminar, and catch-up with fellow boaters and anglers. We will continue to update this page as more dates are announced. Be sure to check event websites for any updates and/or cancellations before heading out.
January
9-10: 25th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival. At Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA. This is the largest event of its kind in the country, combining fine wine tasting, microbrewery beer, and everything you ever wanted to know about fly fishing but were afraid to ask. The mission of the festival is to introduce as many people to the sport of fly fishing as possible, and to raise the level of awareness of the many pressing conservation issues facing Virginia. General admission for Friday or Saturday costs $22.22 per day or buy a weekend pass for $38.12. There are extra fees for specialty classes.
9-11: Philadelphia Fishing Show. At the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, PA. Free parking. Tickets cost $12 adults, $6 children ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. Tickets are only available at the door, cash only. Free seminars, trout pond, saltwater and freshwater fishing tackle, gear, apparel, and more.
16-18: Richmond Fishing Expo. At Meadow Event Park at the State Fairgrounds of Virginia in Doswell. This is the largest dedicated fishing product show in Virginia! Tickets are good for all three days. Adults: $10, Seniors (65+) and military: $9, Jr. Anglers (ages 6-12): $5, and children under 5 are free.
16-18: 51st East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition. At the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD.
23-25: Richmond Boat Show. Richmond’s biggest boat show yet with more than 30 dealers, 100 boat brands, and over 200 boats in total. Tickets are good all weekend. $15 for adults, kids under 16 are free; $5 military discount with ID.
30-Feb. 1: The 73rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show. At the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Boat dealers from all over the state will be under one roof with their inventory and ready to make a deal! Plenty of family fun, too. Tickets cost $10, children under 12 are free.
31-Feb. 1: Edgemere Bait and Tackle Fishing Expo. At the Edgemere VFW Hall in Sparrows Point, MD. Doubling in size from last year with tables of fishing and hunting gear, nautical crafts, crabbing and boating supplies, charter captains, hunting guides, and more. Also food and drinks, guest speakers, door prizes, a raffle, and more. Entry fee is $5 per person, ages 15 and under are free. All proceeds go directly towards the youth fishing rod giveaway.
31-Feb. 1: Kent Island Fisherman's 15th Annual Fishing Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at the Kent Island American Legion Post #278 in Stevensville, MD. Admission $4 (ages 16 and under are free). Fishing rods, reels, lures, boating accessories, crabbing supplies, fishing charters, door prizes, and more. Free on-site parking. Plenty of good food and beverages.
February
5-8: The 5th Annual Chesapeake Bay Boat Show. At the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. Presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County, this annual event features over 300 boats and more than 100 marine exhibitors showcasing the latest in sport fishing boats, cruisers, performance boats, ski boats, cabin cruisers, and top marine gear. Times: Thursday (VIP preview): 12 to 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The VIP preview day is new this year and will give you early access to the show before the general public. It’s a chance to see the boats, meet exhibitors, and explore without the weekend crowds. While tickets can be purchased at the door, you will save money and time by pre-purchasing online. General admission tickets, valid Friday through Sunday, cost $20 (ages 12 and under are free). Military, veterans, and first responder tickets cost $18 (please have your valid ID at the entrance). There will be live music every day of the show, and this year’s featured attraction is The Hawg Troughs. This massive 5000-gallon aquarium is filled with real largemouth bass and brings the excitement of fishing to life right before your eyes. Watch professional anglers cast, hook, and reel in fish while explaining their techniques. You’ll see how different lures move underwater and how fish react in real time. Each demonstration is packed with pro tips, fun fishing facts, and plenty of action that both kids and adults will love.
7-15: Great American Outdoor Show. The world’s largest outdoor show. At the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Tickets cost $17 for adults (per day), two-day: $28, child (ages 6-12): $10, senior (65+): $14.
13-16: The Ocean City Boat Show. At the Ocean City, MD, convention center. Featuring approximately 350 boats, over 140 exhibitors, over 50 boat dealers, and more. Tickets cost $10, children under 14 cost $1. The number one indoor boat show on the Eastern Shore.
14-15: Pasadena Sportfishing 33rd Annual Fishing Expo. At Kurtz’s Beach in Pasadena, MD. New and used fishing tackle, crabbing supplies, nautical crafts, artisan distilleries, hunting and gun sportsmanship vendors, food (including oysters), full bar, and more. The biggest local expo in Maryland! Tickets cost $5 each day, children 12 years and under are free.
March
7: 17th Annual GBFA Fishing Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Field House (2020 Landstown Centre Way). Presented by the Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association. New and used rods and reels, fresh and saltwater gear, custom lures, boats and trailers, food, and more. Admission: $5 cash (children 12 and under are free).
21: Maryland Fly Fishing Show. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Village Commons at Towson University in Towson, MD. The event brings together fishing enthusiasts throughout the mid-Atlantic region with high-quality fly-fishing dealers for a day of tackle review, sales, demonstrations, seminars, clinics, and conversation.