Fishing Fair Hooks Southern Maryland Anglers For Spring Return At St. Mary’s Fairgrounds

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — With a burst of enthusiasm and three exclamation points, the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization announced what many local anglers wait for all winter: “THE FISHING FAIR IS COMING!!!”

The post, shared Feb. 1 on the organization’s Facebook page, signaled the return of the Southern Maryland Fishing & Outdoor Adventure Fair, set for March 21-22 at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds.

For a region where fishing is both pastime and tradition, the annual event marks the unofficial start of the spring season.

Doors open Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Inside, visitors will find vendors offering rods and reels, lures, tackle, umbrellas and outdoor sports gear, along with paintings, crafts and other handmade goods.

Organizers promise more than shopping. The fair will feature food, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Young anglers can take part in a kids casting contest and games designed to spark an early love for the water.

Admission is $5 cash at the entrance. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

This year’s event also includes a Maryland Boater Safety Course hosted by America’s Boating Club. The class begins Saturday at 9 a.m., with the exam and certification session scheduled for Sunday at 9 a.m. Participants can register by calling 240-718-8286 or by emailing uspowersquadronsomd@gmail.com.

The fair is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization Inc., a group dedicated to promoting recreational fishing and outdoor activities in the region.

As winter loosens its grip, the fairgrounds in Leonardtown will once again fill with the sounds of casting demonstrations, conversations about the one that got away and families planning their next day on the water.

For local anglers, the message posted in early February was simple and clear: It’s almost time to fish.

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