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 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).
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.
21-22: 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).
14-15: Essex-Middle River Fishing Club Fishing Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company (8037 Philadelphia Rd, Rosedale, MD). Admission $5, under 13 are free. New and used freshwater, saltwater, and offshore fishing tackle, boating supplies, crabbing supplies, charter captains, nautical crafts, fishing apparel. Plenty of great food and beverages.
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.
21: Fishing/Kayak Show. Big Bass USA is partnering with Caroline County Chamber of Commerce to hose a fishing/kayak show at the 4H park in Denton, MD. Stay tuned for more details on Facebook.
21-22: Southern Maryland Fishing and Outdoor Adventure Fair. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, MD. Admission $5 cash at entrance, kids 12 and under are free. Vendors will be selling rods, reels, lure, fishing tackle, outdoor gear, piers, paintings, crafts, and charter fishing trips. Children's activities include a casting contest and bean toss competitions. Maryland Boater Safety Course Saturday at 9 a.m. followed by exam and certification Sunday at 9 a.m. Presented by the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization. For further information send an email to: [email protected].Stay tuned for more details on Facebook.
22: Annapolis Saltwater Fishing Expo. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Annapolis Elks Lodge in Edgewater, MD. Presented by Annapolis Anglers Club. Local tackle dealers, charter captains and guides. Seminars by Shawn Kimbro, Mike and Nate Berkeimer, Tim Sughrue, and Lenny Rudow. Food and beverages including BBQ truck, oysters, ice cream, and full bar.
28: Fishing/Hunting/Boating Flea Market: Held by the Mid-Shore Fishing Club. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 91 (98 Sunburst Highway) in Cambridge, MD. $5 entrance fee. Children 12 and under are free.