Visitors will get a two-for-one as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show returns to Peterborough later this month, combining with Muskies Canada’s Muskie Odyssey for an even bigger show spread between multiple venues.
Billed as Canada’s largest fishing and tackle show, the fifth annual regional event takes place at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), Morrow Building, and Kinsmen Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 29.
More than 250 vendors — 30 more than previous years — from major fishing brands, custom bait makers, retailers, and boat dealers will be on hand. Expert seminar speakers will include Bob Izumi and Jay Siemens, Tom Huynh, and Nick Cousvis.
A $20.35 general admission ticket provides access to all venues — a bus will shuttle visitors between the PMC and Kinsmen. Children 12 and under get in free with the purchase of a general admission ticket (limit of two children’s ticket per adult).
The show has grown exponentially since Kyle and Leanne Carruthers started it as the Bowmanville Tackle Swap and Fishing Show, which ran for eight years before the relocation to Peterborough in 2022.
Kyle attributed the growth to the show being built by anglers, for anglers.
“From the start, we focused on creating an experience — not just rows of booths, but real energy, real personalities, and real connection,” he said, adding it feels more like a reunion than a trade show. “We bring together top national brands, innovative tackle builders, and seminar speakers who are both knowledgeable and approachable.”
Kyle expects this year to be the biggest yet. The upward trend continued in 2025, despite challenging weather, drawing several thousand anglers.
“The first year was a leap of faith, but the response from both industry and anglers was immediate and overwhelming,” he said. “Since then, the show has grown steadily each year, expanding vendor space, increasing seminar programming, and adding features like the outdoor Boat Yard and Tackle Swap.”
Organizers aim to make CANCAST the premier spring kickoff event for Canadian anglers: a place where brands launch products, industry relationships are built, and the next generation of anglers feel inspired to be part of the sport, Kyle added.
Muskies Canada is a non-profit angling organization dedicated to the conservation, research, and promotion of sustainable muskellunge. Founded in 1978, it has more than 800 members in 13 chapters nationwide.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.ca, at 705-743-3561 ext. 2, or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office at 151 Lansdowne St. W.
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