Did you know that Chesapeake is home to the largest one-day fishing flea market on the East Coast? The Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association has put on their Fishing Flea Market event for over 15 years. This year’s event, to take place on Saturday, March 2nd, is set to be the most impressive yet with over 140 vendors selling fishing items, accessories, and accouterments and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere attendees can enjoy as they browse.
According to the association’s website, The Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association (GBFA) is a family oriented organization working to introduce new anglers to recreational fishing while promoting the conservation of local resources. GBFA’s members practice a diverse range of recreational fishing including freshwater to saltwater, surf to
pier, and inshore to offshore fishing.
GBFA is currently operating under the leadership of club president Butch Pierce. Pierce is passionate about the sport as well as the organization and its impact on the residents of Hampton Roads.
“Our club, located in Great Bridge, is over 25 years old and we currently have 152 members,” Pierce said of the organization. “The club provides many events and benefits throughout the year for residents of Chesapeake and the surrounding cities. Just this past year we bestowed 13 scholarships to high school seniors to help in continuing their
education.”
The club also sponsors various charitable events and fishing tournaments each year including Wish-a-Fish and inshore party boat fishing for senior and disabled residents of the Hampton Roads area.
The club’s meetings, which occur monthly, offer members the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable speakers who present on various local fishing topics. Membership is open to anyone with a passion for fishing, and they have members hailing from North Carolina all the way to Maryland and West Virginia. Members enjoy many perks, but the
most notable is friendship and a common love of the sport.
To learn more about GBFA, its events, scholarship opportunities, and membership please visit FishGBFA.org.
