Sport Fishing Show Reels In Thousands Of Eager Anglers

By Kevin Murnane
“It’s like being a kid in a candy store,” described Pasadena Sportfishing Group President George Bentz. The “Candy Store,” of course, is the annual Pasadena Sport Fishing Show, which was held February 19 and 20 at the Earleigh Heights Fire Hall.

“With over 150 vendors, this is the best fishing flea market in the state of Maryland,” assured Bentz.
The history of the flea market can be traced back almost 20 years when George held the event at the Old Waterbury Inn in Pasadena. Soon after, he moved it to the Orchard Beach Fire Hall and then finally ended up at the Earleigh Heights Fire Hall, where it is currently held each year.
Due to its growing popularity, Bentz also was forced to add an additional day, making it a weekend-long show. At 8:00am on Saturday, February 19, it was clear just how famous the annual extravaganza has become. Cars were parked all along Magothy Bridge Road, and the waiting line to get in stretched well around the building.
Fishing enthusiasts from as far away as the Eastern Shore were in attendance. And to even the casual observer it was obvious show-goers are getting excited about the upcoming fishing and crabbing season as they mingled and swapped both stories and supplies.
“We’ll get 3,500 people through these doors, and they stay all day,” said Bentz. “We have a great atmosphere at this event. What other flea market provides pit beef and oysters on the half shell at 8:00am in the morning?” he asked.

Captain Dave Marr, a commercial crabber, attended the show with his friend Jimmy Meiklejohn of Wye Mills. “We spend the day looking through everything. Believe me, this is the best show in Maryland. We attend them from Ocean City on up and this is by far the best one,” praised Captain Marr.
With such a large number expected this year, the 150 vendors on hand were clearly prepared for the thousands of fishing enthusiasts in attendance. One particular vendor, Clair Dobry of Pasadena, showcased her decorative crab shells. Dobry’s booth exhibited hundreds of decorated shells - from sport teams to lighthouses.
Clair expected to sell at least 600 shells each day. “This show rivals SunFest in Ocean City as far as what I will sell in a given day,” she confessed.
Proceeds from this event are used to sponsor all the activities The Pasadena Sportsfishing Group offers throughout the year. One of the great programs they currently sponsor is the Kid’s Fishing Derby, held twice a year at Downs Park and Lake Waterford. The Derby introduces the joy of fishing to area children.
“We’ll have several hundred kids participate in the event, and we’ll provide hot dogs, beverages, bait and even fishing poles if needed,” said Bentz. ”We want to expose the kids to fishing and hopefully introduce them to a lifelong hobby,” said Bentz.
The flea market also supports the monthly Pasadena Sportfishing Group meeting, which is offered the second Monday of every month at 7:30pm at Earleigh Heights Fire Company Hall. “We always have fish talk at the meetings,” added Bentz. The next meeting is Monday, March 14. For more information, call George Bentz at 410-439-3474.