Jan. 8-11
Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show
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New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
Edison, N.J.
Directions
Thursday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Friday: 1 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Celebrating its 26th year, the Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show displays fishing tackle, hunting gear, hunting guides, fishing charters, lodges, boats, recreational vehicles and more. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Deer Classic, showcasing mounted trophy bucks from the Garden State, returns again. Attractions also include a trout pound, live birds of prey, the Wild World of Animals, a video archery range, a paintball gallery, a fly-casting pool, and demonstrations on fly-casting, dog training and deer-dressing.
Jan. 15-18
The Greater Reading Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show
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Reading Expo Center
Reading, Pa.
Directions
Thursday-Friday: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Originally the Fort Washington Show in Fort Washington, Pa., this event relocated to Reading two years ago. It's well known as the place for the traveling sportsman to find out about lodges, guides and charters for fishing and hunting throughout the country and the world. But fishing and hunting gear and all the usual outdoor attractions are abundant. Seminar topics include striped bass fishing, offshore fishing, Pennsylvania turkey hunting, deer hunting and coyote hunting. Be sure to catch American sporting legend Ted Nugent's presentation "Ted, White and Blue" on Friday and Saturday and also his Nugent Challenge at the archery range on Saturday.
Jan. 23-25
The Fly Fishing Show
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Garden State Exhibit Center
Somerset, N.J.
Directions
Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The name says it all: This is the fly-fishing show, arguably the best anywhere. Saltwater fly fishing, freshwater fly fishing, fly tying, rod building, casting, travel—you name it, nearly every fly-fishing topic is covered. The seminar subjects are too extensive to list, but here are a few: small stream tactics, striped bass fishing, sailfish and marlin fishing, Great Lakes steelhead and salmon fishing, Montauk fishing, all kinds of other travel destinations, and fly tying. Fly celebrities, authors and tiers are on hand. Fly tackle, gear, books and other products are on sale. If you’re a fly fisher, this show's probably the best.
Feb. 4-8
Atlantic City International Power Boat Show
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Atlantic City Convention Center
Atlantic City, N.J.
Directions
5-Day Show Hours
This boat show is so big that the walk from one end to the other is a hike! Almost every possible type of boat is featured: luxury motor and sailing yachts, sport fishers, performance boats, personal watercraft and inflatables. So is a 440-booth Marine Marketplace with marine accessories, marine technology, engines, nautical gifts and more. Take the kids to the Kids Cove, where they can splash around in self-steer paddle boats on a mini lake. A slate of fishing and boating seminars is also included.
Feb.7-15
Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show
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State Farm Show Complex
Harrisburg, Pa.
Directions
9-Day Show Hours
The Harrisburg Show, as it’s called, is the biggest anywhere in the region, so big that fishing and hunting are featured in separate buildings. Whatever’s included in any other outdoor show is probably displayed here. Buy tickets online, avoid the lines and also get a free subscription to Field and Stream, Outdoor Life or Saltwater Sportsman. Visit the on-site Cabela's store, the offical retailer of the show. |
March 5-8
World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition
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At the Field House at SUNY Rockland Community College
Suffern, N.Y.
Directions
Thursday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Friday: 12 noon-9 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
One of the largest fishing, hunting and outdoor shows in the region, The Suffern Show, as it’s known, features exhibits from most major manufacturers, reportedly the largest number of manufacturers at any show in the metro New York area. So companies such as rod and reel manufactures display the full array of their latest products, one of the main attractions. But the full gamut, and a large number, of every other kind of outdoor exhibitor, from tackle shops to guides and charters, are also featured. A large schedule of fishing and hunting seminars, including presentations by famous anglers such as Shaw Grigsby, are included each day. The Bass Academy, an intense class with Grigsby, Alton Jones and other top anglers, is new this year. This show attracts one of the largest crowds, and there’s a reason. It’s got everything an outdoor show offers.
March 20-22
The Saltwater Fishing Expo
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Garden State Exhibit Center
Somerset, N.J.
Directions
Friday: 12 p.m.-8p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
When the Saltwater Expo debuted two years ago, the buzz from the fishing industry was simply this: That’s a great idea, a show devoted to saltwater fishing, located in the heart of a region chock full of the anglers. Exhibitors cover every aspect of the sport, including inshore and offshore fishing, light-tackle to big-game tackle, and everything between. See the latest products from manufacturers. Grab a deal on gear at special show prices from local retailers. Book a trip on a charter with captains from the local area to exotic locations. Check out the latest saltwater-fishing boats, boat motors and kayaks. Or enjoy the saltwater fishing seminars.
April Dates To Be Announced
Wildwoods Boat Show & Fishing Expo
Visit Last Year's Web Site
Wildwoods Convention Center
Wildwood, N.J.
Directions
Info on this year's Wildwoods Boat Show & Fishing Expo is yet to be released, but last year's was the largest yet, the folks from the show said. Vessels from top boat manufacturers including Four Winns, Grady White, Mckee Craft, Century and World Class Catamarans exhibited last year. The Fishing Expo usually includes fishing tackle, rods, reels and accessories, and fishing seminars and workshops are usually scheduled. |
