Local lakes are slowly thawing, snow is melting, and anglers around the Seacoast are dusting off their gear for another season. But, for those tired of the same old tackle and in search of a more alluring lure, there’s hope. The Coastal Conservation Alliance of New Hampshire (CCANH) is hosting its first annual tackle and gear flea market on Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth.
All types of fishing and boat gear are welcome, from fly and saltwater fishing equipment to life jackets, fish finders, rods and reels, and everything in between. Like any good flea market, plenty of food and beverages will be available for sale for famished shoppers.
Admission is $3. Proceeds from admission and table rental fees go back to CCANH, which will use the money to help fund marine conservation efforts, including its oyster shell restoration program. Sellers will keep whatever money they make from gear sales.
“The fishing community around Portsmouth is a tight-knit group of guides, captains, and recreational anglers that have a common goal of conservation,” said Zak Robinson, a board member for CCANH. For details, visit ccanh.org.
If the deals aren’t biting at the flea market, anglers can venture over to the Kittery Trading Post for Fishingfest. Along with deals on gear, the event also features appearances on Saturday, March 21, beginning at 9 a.m. by local podcasters Dave Kellam and Clay Groves, otherwise known as the Fish Nerds; TV host Dan Kennedy of “Go Fish with Dan Kennedy,” and a book signing on Sunday, March 22 at 10 a.m. with fly tying experts Sharon E. Wright and Dave Klausmeyer. Visit ktpevents.com for more information. — Larry Clow