The Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show is set to return to the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville from March 20-22, according to a community announcement.

The event is expected to feature more than 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest in fishing, hunting and outdoor equipment, boats and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend free seminars and demonstrations led by experts in various outdoor activities.

The show, billed as the largest of its kind in the state, will run from 3-8 p.m. March 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 21 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22. Discounted tickets are available online at https://www.ctfishingoutdoorshow.com for $12, while tickets purchased at the door will cost $15. Children under 12 can attend for free.

Contests for attendees

Two new contests will be introduced March 21: the National Wild Turkey Federation-sanctioned “Connecticut Nor’easter Turkey Calling Championship,” and a “Closest to the Trout” Fly Casting Contest.

The turkey calling championship will begin at 11 a.m. and feature callers from as far as Pennsylvania and Vermont competing in different divisions, including a Senior Open. The winner of the Senior Open will qualify to compete in the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 2027 Grand Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee.

Matt Wettish, a turkey hunter and champion caller who is a member of the New England Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame, will host the event. Participants age 7 and older can register at the event.

The fly casting contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. Participants can register at localflyco.com.

Organizers say visitors can expect a wide range of activities and attractions designed to appeal to both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers.

The show will feature fly casting demonstrations, opportunities to meet and schedule tours with charter boat fishing captains and hunting outfitters, and tips on dog steadiness training. Fly-tying demonstrations and hands-on activities, including a laser shot range, will be available.

The Kids Fun Zone, expanded to three times its previous size, will offer hands-on activities for toddlers through teens. Highlights include dog-training demonstrations, an educational wildlife show featuring snakes, birds of prey, a fennec fox and a hedgehog, and expert-led seminars on fishing, archery and hunting safety. There will also be prize giveaways, a kid’s casting corner and hourly children’s scavenger hunts.

Attendees will have the chance to learn how to use inflatable life jackets from the U.S. Coast Guard and view a 14-foot brook trout sculpture by artist Joey Rizzo. The Connecticut Firearms Auction will showcase upcoming military and historic guns and provide information on selling antique and collectible firearms.

Free parking is available, with the nearest option being the Winter Garage. More information about the show can be found at ctfishingoutdoorshow.com.

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