If the wind is down and the temperatures are up, to heck with those winter fishing shows – take advantage of the opportunity, and go fishing for some big blue catfish, or head out into the ocean and enjoy a day of tautog fishing! That said, the winter tackle shows are a great way to break cabin fever, check out the wares of tackle vendors making cut-rate deals, see what gear other anglers are unloading, and speak one-on-one with people who make tackle and/or run charters. In fact, if you’re going to shows in Maryland there’s a good chance you’ll run into our own Angler in Chief, Lenny Rudow. And trust us, he’s always willing (sometimes a little too willing) to jawbone about fishing.

January Winter Fishing Shows in Maryland and Virginia

13-15: 48th East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s & Aquaculture Trade Exposition at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. $15 a day, $25 for two days, $30 for three days.

14: First Annual Fishing & Outdoor Expo and Flea Market at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department in North Beach, MD. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking at the firehouse and Kellam’s Field (shuttle provided). $5 entry for adults, kids 12 and under are free. Inshore/offshore tackle vendors, charter captains, boating and fishing supplies, marine artists, crabbing supplies and vendors, rod and reel vendors and repairs, used supplies, boat vendors and marine techs, custom rod builders, and more.

20-22: The Chesapeake Bay Boat Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD (see below for a sneak peek).

20-22: The Richmond Fishing Expo held at Meadow Event Park in in Doswell, Virginia will feature a large array of fishing tackle combined with some of the finest professional anglers around. Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission:  Adults $9, Seniors 60+ & Military $8, Jr. Anglers (6-12) $5, Children 5 & under FREE.

28: Tri-State Marine’s Annual ‘Early Spring’ Open House at Tri-State Marine in Deale, MD. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

28-29: Kent Island Fisherman’s 12th Annual Fishing Flea Market at the Kent Island American Legion Post #278 in Stevensville, MD. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission costs $4 (ages 16 and under are free). Fishing rods, reels, lures and other fishing accessories, fishing charters, crabbing supplies, food, and more. Stay tuned for updates on Facebook @kentislandfishermen.

February Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia Winter Fishing Shows

3-5: The Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Tickets cost $10, children under 12 are free. 

4: Fisherman's Flea Market sponsored by Electric Bass Anglers -  New and used freshwater and saltwater tackle for trout, snakehead, and more! 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hereford Volunteer Fire Hall, 510 Monkton Rd., Monkton, MD 21111. Admission: $4 adults, children 12 and under are FREE. 

4-12: Great American Outdoor Show - More than 1,000 vendors will exhibit the latest in gear for hunting, fishing, and camping at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg.

17-19: Philadelphia Fishing Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Free seminars, saltwater, freshwater, fly, trout pond, lodges and guides, charter boats, apparel and gear, boats, RVs, art, marine electronics, and more. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages six to 12, and free for kids five and under. 

17-19: 40th Annual OC Seaside Boat Show at the Ocean City Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. Admission $10, children under 14 cost $1. 

18: Central MD Bassmaster Flea Market at the Gamber & Community Fire Company in Finksburg, MD. New and used fishing gear, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes.

18-19: 30th Annual Pasadena Sportfishing Expo at Kurtz’s Beach (2070 Kurtz Ave.) in Pasadena, MD. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.

24-25: 77th National Outdoor Show at 3485 Golden Hill Road in Church Creek, MD. Admission: $8 adults, $4 children. 

25: Fishing, Hunting, and Boating Flea Market at the American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge, MD. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 entrance fee, children 12 and under are free. Held by the Mid-Shore Fishing Club. 

25: Saltwater Fishing Expo at the Annapolis Elks Lodge. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by the Annapolis Anglers Club. 

March Maryland and Virginia Fishing Shows

4: The Ultimate Light Tackle Seminar presented by Island Tackle Outfitters and Shimano at Cult Classic Brewery, 1169 Shopping Center Road, Stevensville, MD 21666. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Featured speakers and vendors - Lenny Rudow (FishTalk Magazine), Capt. Jamie Clough (Eastern Shore Light Tackle Charters), Shawn Kimbro (Chesapeake Light Tackle), Capt. Steve Griffin (Griffin's Guide Service), David Sikorski (CCA MD), Patrick Latham (Shimano), Rich Jenkins (Coach Jigheads), and Capt. Lonnie Johnson (G-Eye Jigs). Limited tickets available at Island Tackle Outfitters - $75 each or $450 for a table of 4. Includes catered lunch, complimentary beer, captains bag, door prizes, and raffles.

11: Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association Annual Fishing Flea Market at Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, VA. 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. New and used rods and reels, fresh and saltwater gear, custom lures, boats and trailers, hot food and cold refreshments. Admission: $5, free parking. 

11-12: Essex Middle River Fishing Club Annual Flea Market at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company (8037 Philadelphia Rd. Rosedale, MD, 21237). 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Food and refreshments. $5 admission, under 13 are free. For more info, call Frank at (410) 686-2348.

18: Maryland Fly Fishing and Collectible Tackle Show at West Village Commons in Towson, MD. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $5 for ages 10-16, and free for children nine and under. 

18-19: Southern Maryland Fishing and Outdoor Adventure Fair at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day.  Food and refreshments. $5 admission, 12 and under free.

25-26: MD Sportsman Show at Howard County Fairgrounds. Hunting and fishing gear, clothing, and ATVs, boats, Rvs and trucks.  Don't miss this opportunity to meet face-to-face with top companies, see the latest products, speak with guides, and book your next hunting adventure!

Spotlight on The Chesapeake Bay Boat Show

The Chesapeake Bay Boat Show presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County once again returns to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD, January 20-22. Show times are Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets cost $10 (ages 13 and up), $7 for military with ID at door, and free for ages 12 and under.

The show will feature over 30 Maryland boat dealers showcasing new boats and marine equipment, including sport fishing boats (and other silly types of boats for non-anglers). It will also include entertainment, food and beverages, free fishing seminars, The Fishing Pier, and plenty of free parking. Stay tuned for a full guide to the show in the PropTalk February issue.