The winter show season is underway again in the Northeast, with plenty of options this month for folks already suffering from cabin fever and in search of a few winter deals.
This week, the world’s oldest and longest running boat show, the New York Boat Show runs from Wednesday through Sunday, January 21-25, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. First established in 1905 at Madison Square Garden, this show is widely believed to be the world’s very first boat show, with some boats arriving on horse-drawn trailers in those early days.
Interesting historical note, the Wheeler Yacht Company – builders of Hemingway’s Pilar – was a Brooklyn-based boat builder founded in 1910, and was one of the prominent exhibitors at the New York Boat Show for decades, earning “queen of the show” honors 15 times before their shipyard closed in 1965. Not to worry, there are still New York built boats built on display at the Javits Center this week, including The Fisherman’s Dream Boat builder from Steiger Craft (booth E53) which went into production in 1972
If you want to get in on the Dream Boat Fishing Challenge again in 2026, be sure to stop by The Fisherman’s subscription booth (booth 658) and get your Danco pliers with a new or renewing subscription, while supplies last.
Show hours are noon until 8 p.m. from Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Adult admission is $20, children 12 years and younger allowed in free with a paid adult admission, and there are discount tickets available online when you “bundle and save” online.
For more details go to nyboatshow.com.
For fly enthusiasts, The Fly Fishing Show returns to the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 23-25. Show hours are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature fly fishing instruction, along with lessons in fly-tying and knots. Of course there will also be plenty of exhibitors from tackle vendors to guides and lodges all three days.
“The Edison Fly Fishing Show has been the biggest event in fly fishing for decades,” said show director Ben Furimsky, adding “We can’t be more excited and proud to continue this legacy.” One-day admission is $20, just $5 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and under. Scouts in uniform get in free, while military members with valid ID get in for $12.
The New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center is located at 97 Sunfield Avenue in Edison. For more details visit flyfishingshow.com.
For your next chance at a set of Danco pliers with a subscription to The Fisherman – after the New York Boat Show – mark January 30 through February 1 on your calendar as the New England Fishing & Outdoor Expo moves to the Best Western Royal Trade Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA. This show draws a lot of custom swimbait and tackle makers from around the country.
Admission is $20 at the door, or $15 if purchased in advance. Show hours: Friday Noon to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Look for our New England edition staff at booth # and visit nefishingexpo.com for more information.
Also next week in the New England region is the Hartford Boat Show at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT presented by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA). The CMTA Hartford Boat Show runs from January 29 to February 1, with show hours from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. on Friday Noon, Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General admission at the door is $17 per adult, free for kids 12 and under, and attendees can save $2 on admission by purchasing tickets in advance at hartfordboatshow.com/tickets.
To cap it all off, the East Islip Fishing Show will take place on Saturday, January 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AMVETS Post 18 on Carleton Avenue in East Islip. Anglers can expect a solid mix of saltwater and freshwater tackle, custom gear, and show-only deals from local vendors, making it a worthwhile mid-winter stop to stock up and talk fishing. Admission is $6 (cash only). For vendor information or advance tickets, call (631) 615-4263 or email office@fishermanfleamarket.com.
For more events coming up this winter visit The Fisherman Magazine online or pick up the January print edition.
