Southern Maryland Fishing And Outdoor Adventure Fair Returns March 21–22 In Leonardtown

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Maryland fishing enthusiasts and families will gather at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds for the 2026 Southern Maryland Fishing & Outdoor Adventure Fair, a two-day event featuring fishing vendors, youth activities and boating safety demonstrations.

The fair starts Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and continues through Sunday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Leonardtown. Admission is $5 cash at the entrance, with children ages 12 and under admitted free.  

Organized by the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization (SMRFO), the event brings together fishing and outdoor vendors selling rods, reels, tackle, outdoor gear, artwork and crafts, along with food, door prizes and family activities including a kids casting contest. 

“The fair will be a great experience for families with children,” said Phil Zalesak, president of SMRFO. “Children can learn casting skills, win brand new fishing rods, ride a boat simulator to learn how to pilot a boat and operate a fire extinguisher simulator to see if they can put out a fire.”

Among the highlights of this year’s event are two hands-on training demonstrations sponsored by The American Boat Company. 

The company will provide a boat piloting simulator, allowing visitors to experience what it’s like to operate a boat and learn basic handling skills in a safe environment. 

Attendees will also be able to try a fire extinguisher simulator, which allows participants — especially children — to practice responding to a fire emergency and learn whether they can successfully extinguish the simulated flames.

Zalesak said that many visitors are surprised by the range of exhibitors participating at the fair.

“What may surprise attendees most is the variety of vendors,” Zalesak said. “People will see everything from boats, motors and electronics to charter services, fishing tackle, crabbing supplies, artwork, clothing and food.”

Government agencies expected to attend include the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reserve Officers, and the St. Mary’s County Health Department.

The fair will also include a Maryland Boater Safety Course, hosted by America’s Boating Club Southern Maryland, with classes beginning Saturday morning and the certification exam scheduled for Sunday. 

America’s Boating Club Southern Maryland Boater Safety Course

• Class begins Saturday Mar. 21, at 9 a.m.
• Exam and certification Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Register: call (240) 718-8286 or email uspowersquadronsomd@gmail.com

Youth Fishing Camps Teach Skills And Conservation

In addition to hosting the fair, the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization assists with youth fishing camps in Calvert County at Flag Pond Recreation Area in July and in St. Mary’s County at George Washington Carver Elementary School in August, introducing young participants to fishing skills and Chesapeake Bay stewardship.

“SMRFO volunteers support fishing camps in St. Mary’s County and Calvert County,” said Phil Zalesak, president of the organization. “Campers learn how to tie a fisherman’s knot, build a bottom rig from scratch, tie a lure to a leader and fish with bait and lures.”

Zalesak said the summer camps combine classroom instruction with hands-on fishing and conservation activities.

Campers also participate in environmental projects such as building reef balls, concrete structures that provide habitat for oyster spat and other marine life in the Chesapeake Bay.

“From a conservation perspective, campers build reef balls that become homes for oyster spat and provide habitat for fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries,” Zalesak said.

The camps also emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork. In addition to a casting contest, campers vote on a “Fishing Buddy of the Week” award recognizing the participant who was most helpful to others.

The St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds are located at 42455 Fairgrounds Road in Leonardtown.

Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization Fishing Camp

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