Fishing activity may be compromised by wind and cold this month, but there is certainly plenty to do on four February weekends, regardless of the weather. A trio of fishing flea markets and the always popular New York Sportfishing Federation’s Forum & Auction will get you out of the house, keep you thinking fishing, and help ward off cabin fever.
It all starts this weekend – Super Bowl weekend in fact. This Saturday, February 4th, the Long Island Winter Fishing Flea Market, hosted by Surfcaster’ Journal and sponsored by Tsunami, Costa Del Mar and Otter Tails will be held at the Student Activity Center at Hofstra University in Hempstead. In addition to the many vendors, there will be two free seminars, one by John Skinner on fluke fishing, and another by rod building expert, Lou Caruso. There’s a free door raffle with a pair of Costa Del Mar polarized shades given away every hour along with other prizes. Also, the first 400 attendees will receive products from the event’s sponsors. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and admission is $10 – children 12 and under enter free. For more info, go to www.lifishingshow.com.
The Route 110 Fishing Flea Market on February 4th has become a Super Bowl Sunday tradition for many anglers who spend the first half of their day perusing the aisles of the show before delving into all the fanfare of the Super Bowl. This is the longest running fishing flea market in the region. It is located in Camelot Hall, at 585 Broadhollow Road (Route 110) in Melville. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is $5. Children under 12 get in for free. As always, there will be loads of new, used, custom and antique fishing tackle for sale. For more information call 917-312-0506.
The New York Sportfishing Federation Forum & Auction settles into the Freeport Recreation Center Saturday and Sunday, February 18-19. It is well attended by local tackle shops and captains and there are always some good deals to be had on tackle. It also features ongoing seminars by some of the regions best anglers. The highlight of the weekend is the annual auction which kicks off on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. It features lots of great items and fishing trips up for bid. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, contact Capt. Joe Paradiso at 631-786-8418.
The following Sunday, February 26, the East Meadow Fishing Flea Market, the largest fishing flea market on Long Island with vendors from five states, takes place at Temple Emanu-el, located at 123 Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. It features a wide array of new, used, and antique fishing tackle along with nautical items. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is $5, with children under 12 free. For more info call 917-312-0506.
