Boat and fishing shows help pass the time until spring
With winter weather shutting down most of our fishing opportunities, we need something to distract our minds and get us in the mood for spring when it finally arrives. I find boat and fishing shows are the best way to accomplish this objective.
There are nowhere near the number of shows there were before the Great Recession, but those that survived are still worth attending. Unfortunately, none are in Delaware, so we must travel a bit to get our boating and fishing fix.
The closest boat show is in Ocean City, Md., Feb. 13-15. I would suspect most Delaware boat dealers will be there with excellent prices on just about any boat your heart desires. The show is held in the Ocean City Convention Center and you can find out all about it at ocboatshow.com.
Those who recall the Assateague Mobile Surf Fisherman’s fishing show that was first held in Ocean City and then in Salisbury will remember what a great time was had by everyone who attended. It has fallen by the wayside, but if you are willing to drive a little, you can find the same type of show in Pasadena, Md. The Pasadena Sportfishing Group has been holding this show on Valentine’s Day weekend since the 1980s, and the exhibitors will be selling fishing and boating tackle at rock-bottom prices.
The Pasadena Sportfishing Flea Market and Show is held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15, at the Earliegh Fire Hall on Maryland Route 2 about five miles north of Annapolis. One benefit of having the show at the fire hall is the pit beef sandwiches that are sold by the fire company. I usually arrive around 10 a.m. and see some of the show before getting in line for my lunch. After lunch, it is back to the show and the purchase of more tackle for the upcoming year. To find out more about the show go to pasadenasportfishing.com.
Fly fishermen have their own show put on by the Maryland Coastal Conservation Association. It will be held Saturday, March 7, at the Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Md. The CCA Tie Fest usually attracts such fly-fishing luminaries as Lefty Kreah and Bob Popovicks as well as other master fly tiers and casters. Go to ccamd.org for more info.
Closer to home, the Delaware Saltwater Fly Fishermen hold their weekly fly tying and general fishing discussions every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon at Lewes Harbour Marina. Even though I do not consider myself a fly fishermen, I still try to stop by and do a bit of kibitzing on Saturday mornings. If you are new to the area or think you might like to try fly fishing, this is the place to find out all you want to know about the sport from the best in the business.
One of the more interesting shows is the National Outdoor Show (nationaloutdoorshow.org) held in Church Creek, Md., at the Dorchester County Pre-K-8 School Feb. 27-28. If it has anything to do with hunting and fishing, they will celebrate it here. There are plenty of booths selling fishing tackle and hunting supplies along with constant entertainment in the form of beauty pageants, duck and goose calling, and skinning contests. These folks can clean a raccoon or muskrat in the wink of an eye.
Speaking of muskrat, it is the star of the menu in the school cafeteria. I always count on having a nice, fat rat for lunch.
As a saltwater angler I like to attend the Saltwater Fishing Expo held March 20-22 at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, N.J. This show has everything and anything you could ever use to fish in saltwater. There are numerous manufacturers there showing off their new products as well as retail outlets where you can purchase these and many other products. Many seminars on everything from surf to offshore fishing are held throughout the show.
My favorite booth is the one that sells specialty pickles. They have the best and the most unusual pickles I have ever tasted, and I come home with several different varieties every year.
The downside of this show is the fact that it is held in Somerset, N.J. While very easy to reach on interstates, it is still a three-hour drive from Lewes. I put together three or four fellow saltwater anglers, and by the time we get finished telling stories we are at the show. We break up the trip home by eating dinner at Arner’s Diner in New Castle.
I know spring gets closer every day, but it is still a long way away. In the meantime, get out to one or more of these events, and that will help pass the time.
