Nina Taylor 
Winter keeps many anglers off the water. However, one January weekend brings the whole fishing community indoors. The Philadelphia Fishing Show returns to Oaks, Pennsylvania, from January 8 to 10, 2027. Whether you chase trout in local streams or tuna offshore, you will find gear, advice and good company under one roof.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip. You will learn the dates, hours, ticket details, exhibitors, seminars and travel tips. Additionally, you will find handy tables, a packing list and answers to common questions. Let us get started.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Here is a snapshot of the key details. However, the organizers have not yet confirmed every item for 2027. Therefore, the hours and prices below follow the 2026 edition. Please check the official website before you travel.
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | Friday, January 8, to Sunday, January 10, 2027 |
| Venue | Greater Philadelphia Expo Center |
| Address | 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456 |
| Show hours | Friday noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (2026 pattern) |
| Adult ticket | $12 at the door (2026 price) |
| Ages 6 to 12 | $6 (2026 price) |
| Ages 5 and under | Free |
| Parking | Free on site |
| Organizer | Back Bay Adventures |
| Phone | 732-330-5674 |
| Website | phillyfishingshow.com |
Dates and Show Hours
The 2027 event runs from Friday, January 8, through Sunday, January 10. That gives you three full days of fishing talk, demos and shopping. Notably, the show moved to January in 2026. Before that, it ran in mid-February. The 2027 dates keep the earlier timing, so you can start your fishing year sooner.
Past shows opened at different times each day. Friday started at noon and closed at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday opened at 10 a.m. Saturday closed at 6 p.m., while Sunday closed at 5 p.m. If the 2027 hours match, Friday gives you the shortest window. Saturday gives you the longest.
| Day | Date | Hours (2026 pattern) |
| Friday | January 8, 2027 | 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Saturday | January 9, 2027 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Sunday | January 10, 2027 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Plan to arrive early on Saturday. Crowds usually build by midday, and popular seminars fill up fast. In contrast, Friday evening and Sunday afternoon often feel calmer. Therefore, they suit visitors who prefer to browse at an easy pace.
Venue and Directions
Where the Show Takes Place
The event fills the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at 100 Station Avenue in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Oaks sits in Montgomery County, northwest of Center City Philadelphia. The hall offers about 75,000 square feet of exhibit space. As a result, you can walk between booths, seminar rooms and demo areas without feeling cramped.
Getting There by Car
Most visitors drive. The venue sits close to Route 422, which links Oaks with Reading, Valley Forge and the Philadelphia area. Likewise, the Pennsylvania Turnpike lies nearby for anglers who travel from farther away. Enter 100 Station Avenue in your map app and follow the signs on arrival.
Parking
Parking is free on site, which saves you money. However, busy hours can fill the closest rows. Therefore, arrive early or carpool with fishing friends. A shared ride also gives you more room to haul home your new gear.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets sell at the door. At the last show, an adult ticket cost $12. Kids aged 6 to 12 paid $6, and children aged 5 and under walked in free. That price structure makes the weekend easy on a family budget.
| Ticket type | 2026 price | Notes |
| Adult | $12 | Sold at the door |
| Child, ages 6 to 12 | $6 | Sold at the door |
| Child, ages 5 and under | Free | No ticket needed |
Payment matters here. Reports from the last show say the box office took cash only. ATMs stood inside the venue. Even so, you can save time by bringing cash with you. Additionally, small bills help at booths that sell bait, snacks or small tackle items.
Prices may change for 2027. Therefore, confirm the latest rates on the official website or by phone before you leave home. Look there for any coupons or special offers too.
Exhibitors: What You Will Find
The exhibitor floor is the heart of the event. Past shows brought well over 150 vendors, and one local news report counted about 240 booths. Companies and small makers alike set up displays. Visitors browse tackle, boats, rods, reels, apparel and marine electronics. You will also meet fishing lodges and charter services that want to book your next trip.
| Exhibitor type | What you can do there |
| Tackle makers | Handle rods and reels, compare lures and ask about line choices |
| Charter captains | Book trips, compare prices and learn which species bite each season |
| Fishing lodges | Plan a getaway and ask about guides, rooms and packages |
| Boat dealers | Step aboard and compare layouts, motors and fishing features |
| Marine electronics | See fish finders and chart plotters in action |
| Apparel brands | Shop for waders, jackets, gloves and hats |
| Local artisans | Find handmade plugs, baits, art and gifts |
Charters and Lodges
Face-to-face talks beat online research. You can ask a captain about boat size, trip length and target species. Moreover, you can compare several operators in one afternoon. Many exhibitors also offer show-only deals, so ask before you walk away.
Tackle and Gear
Small local brands stand beside big names. At past events, vendors such as MX Plugs and Fresh Baitz sold handmade lures and baits. Check the official exhibitor list before the show, then mark the booths you cannot miss.
Boats and Electronics
Shoppers who plan a big purchase will like the hands-on approach. You can sit at a console, read a screen and ask a rep direct questions. Consequently, you leave with a clearer idea of what fits your boat and your budget.
Show Schedule and Seminars
Seminar Rooms
Seminars add real value to your ticket. At the last event, three seminar rooms hosted rotating talks. Local guides and fishing experts shared tips on technique, seasonal planning and regional waters. Topics ranged from inshore fishing to offshore trips. The Fisherman magazine presented the seminars in 2026.
The organizers have not yet posted the 2027 seminar lineup. Therefore, check the official website in the weeks before the show. Then pick your top three talks and note their times. Because seats fill quickly, arrive a few minutes early.
Sample Plan for Each Day
| Day | Best for | Suggested plan |
| Friday | Quiet browsing and early deals | Walk the whole floor once, then book charters and lodges |
| Saturday | Seminars and demos | Attend two or three talks, then watch live demonstrations |
| Sunday | Final purchases and family time | Revisit your favorite booths and try the trout pond |
Use this plan as a guide, not a rule. However, one idea works for everyone: walk the floor first, buy second. Prices and products vary from booth to booth. As a result, a quick lap helps you compare before you spend.
Attractions for the Whole Family
This event is more than a shopping trip. Past shows featured a trout pond where visitors could cast a line indoors. Kids loved it, and adults did too. In addition, the venue showed off the Hawg Trough, a 5,000-gallon aquarium used for live demonstrations.
Hands-on demos run throughout the weekend. You can watch experts tie flies, rig baits and explain gear. Furthermore, the relaxed mood makes it easy to chat with other anglers. Many visitors say the conversation is half the fun.
- Try the trout pond with your kids.
- Watch live demos in the aquarium area.
- Ask exhibitors for tips on local waters.
- Meet fellow anglers and swap stories.
Smart Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little planning goes a long way. Use these tips to make your day smooth and fun.
- Bring cash. The box office took cash only at the last show.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk on hard floors for hours.
- Carry a tote bag. Brochures, samples and small buys add up fast.
- Make a short list of gear you need, so you avoid impulse buys.
- Take photos of price tags and booth numbers to compare later.
- Eat before you arrive or plan a snack break to keep your energy up.
- Dress in layers. Winter weather outside and warm halls inside call for easy-to-remove jackets.
What to Pack
Keep your bag light. A notebook, a pen and a phone charger cover most needs. Additionally, bring a copy of your fishing license details if you plan to ask guides about local rules. A small measuring tape also helps when you size up rods or storage boxes.
How to Get the Best Deals
Show prices can beat store prices, but only if you shop smart. First, compare similar items at two or three booths. Next, ask whether the vendor offers a bundle. Many sellers cut prices when you buy several items together. Finally, check return policies for big purchases.
Timing matters too. Some vendors lower prices late on Sunday so they carry less stock home. However, popular items may sell out by then. Therefore, buy must-have gear early and wait on the extras.
Why Visit in January
January feels slow for many anglers. Boats sit in storage, and rivers freeze in some places. However, this is the perfect time to prepare. You can service reels, replace old line and plan the trips you want to take. Therefore, an early show helps you shop before spring rush season begins.
The timing also helps with bookings. Charter captains and lodge owners fill their calendars months ahead. When you meet them in January, you can lock in dates before the best days disappear. Moreover, many exhibitors share fresh news about regulations, seasons and fish runs.
Who Should Attend
Almost every angler will find something to enjoy. Beginners can learn basics and try a rod in the trout pond. Experienced anglers can plan trips and test new gear. Families can share a low-cost day out. Likewise, boat owners can shop for upgrades and book winter service chats.
The show also suits anglers who dream of a big trip. You can talk with lodge owners and captains, then compare options over a few hours. In short, it works as a one-stop planning day for the year ahead.
Planning Your Stay and Meals
Oaks and the nearby towns offer hotels and restaurants for visitors who travel a long way. Book early, because winter weekends can still bring crowds to the area. Additionally, compare a few hotels on price and distance. A short drive to the venue saves time each morning.
Food options at the venue may vary. Therefore, plan a meal before or after your visit. Fishing friends often make a day of it with a group lunch. Meanwhile, families can bring a few snacks for kids if the rules allow it. Ask the venue about outside food when you call.
Quick Planning Checklist
- Confirm dates and hours on the official website.
- Save the address in your map app.
- Withdraw cash for tickets and booth buys.
- Pick three seminars and write down their times.
- List the gear and trips you want to price.
- Charge your phone and pack a tote bag.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Fishing Show returns from January 8 to 10, 2027, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. You can expect a full weekend of exhibitors, seminars, demos and family fun. Past shows offered free parking, affordable tickets and a trout pond that kids love.
However, hours and prices for 2027 may differ from 2026. Therefore, confirm the details at phillyfishingshow.com or by phone before you go. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes and make a short plan. With that prep, you will enjoy a fun start to your fishing year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2027 show?
It runs from Friday, January 8, to Sunday, January 10, 2027.
Where does the show take place?
It takes place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456.
What are the show hours?
The 2026 hours were noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Confirm the 2027 hours on the official website.
How much do tickets cost?
At the last show, adults paid $12 and children aged 6 to 12 paid $6. Children aged 5 and under got in free. Check for 2027 price updates before you go.
Can I buy tickets online?
Past reports say tickets sell at the door. Visit the official website to see whether the organizers add online sales for 2027.
Does the show take credit cards?
Reports from the last show say the box office took cash only, and ATMs stood inside the venue. Bring cash to be safe.
Is parking free?
Yes. Parking was free on site at the last show.
Is the show good for kids?
Yes. Kids can try the trout pond, watch aquarium demos and enjoy a family-friendly crowd.
What will exhibitors sell?
Expect tackle, rods, reels, boats, marine electronics, apparel, bait, art and trip bookings with lodges and charters.
Who do I contact for more information?
Call the organizer, Back Bay Adventures, at 732-330-5674 or visit phillyfishingshow.com.
