We reeled in the crowds - the third Fishing and Survival Festival 2025 goes down in history

For two days, Targi Kielce was pulsating with the energy of people for whom contact with nature is more than just a hobby.  Over 10,000 visitors, 160 companies from Poland, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and the UK, two expo halls packed with equipment, demonstrations, conversations and excitement  – more than just a trade fair. But a large, vibrant gathering of a community that truly enjoys being together.

Right from the start on Saturday, it was clear that this show would be special; guests from all over Poland crowded the entrance, coming not only to benchmark and buy new equipment but also to gain knowledge and make the most of the opportunity to test it. And first and foremost - to meet their idols, the ones they know from their phone screen. Expo Hall 6 was home to a lure-testing pool, where manufacturers demonstrated their models, and visitors could compare the performance of wobblers, soft lures, and roosters in practice. Most photographers and camera operators gathered around the reservoir. The space was throbbing with vibrant fishing discussions  - some talks lasted for several dozen minutes.

 

 

 

Wobblers, fishing rods, boats and… a unique atmosphere

The right atmosphere right from the start; this perfect ambience arises on its own when so many enthusiasts meet in one place. This impression of intensity and authenticity was repeated in the guests’ feedback. Marcin Styczyński "Siwy Feeder", who has participated in hundreds of industry events, recapitulated the event: – I have been to many events, but this one will remain in my memory for a long time. And this reflection indicates the general atmosphere well – something important happened here; the expo halls displayed a vast variety of items – from handmade wobblers, through boats and pontoons, to advanced survival equipment. The festival builds its reputation on this diversity. Well-known brands from large stores, small craftsmen creating lures in garage workshops, alongside companies presenting modern engines, echo sounders, technical clothing and outdoor accessories are at the show.

Many exhibitors emphasised that the footfall was greater than they expected. Krzysztof Rudyk, the MR Baits brand-creator, recapitulated briefly but accurately: – The organisers did a good job, which was evident from the turnout. Adam Słowik from FlyFish, who, despite his young age, has already made a strong mark on the Polish crafts scene, had a similar perception: – The trade fair was top-level organised, top-notch. We will definitely see you next year.

This year's show was not only bigger, but also more mature. An expanded OUTLET zone, well-thought-out logistics, good expo stand layout and more space for workshops. All this contributed to an effect that guests summed up in one word: "wow".

 

 

 

A high-level survival festival

The survival zone also attracted crowds; first-aid workshops, demonstrations on how to stop bleeding, building shelters, lighting fires using various methods, and practical classes led by specialists with many years of experience meant that groups of curious visitors gathered at each booth.

The SASQ Survival Academy was very emotional when giving feedback on the event. The weekend at the Fishing and Survival Festival exceeded our wildest expectations.  We haven't seen so much good energy in one place for a long time.
Additionally, the presence of the Lublin Partisans headed by Paweł Szlendak highlighted the character of this zone – practical, stark, close to nature and tradition. Szlendi has already announced that he will return next year.

 

 

 

Influencers didn't disappoint the festival milieus; the festival didn't disappoint the influencers

The featured guests group at this year's festival included many well-known and popular fishing enthusiasts. On stage we could see  Przemysław Groch, known as "Kaprtiolog", Krystian Grad, Anna Szraucner ", Fishing Queen", and Tomasz Pietruczuk ", ITSBORN2FISH", to name a few. Influencers talked about fishing techniques, modern fishing equipment, and also about how to build your brand online. Łukasz Żółty "Lucio" and Beata Wojewoda "Hej tu rybka [Hey, here's a fish]" dominated the photo walls, and Daniel "IMOD" Ciszek did not leave the influencer zone for two hours, offering autographs and photos.

Klara Em reported on her social media: “Thank you for the wonderful atmosphere and setting of the trade fair.” "Fishing Queen" Anna Szraucner pointed out what everyone who passed through the expo halls saw: “The event that has grown significantly. Two expo halls packed with expo stands, a new OUTLET format and the organisers’ commitment ensured that the festival will become even more famous." All those involved: exhibitors, guests, reverberated one more opinion that appeared in different versions, but always with the same intention. Robert Kruppa of Fantastic Lures put it most simply:  “Great atmosphere and great people.”

 

 

 

A festival that enhances the fishing community

This year's festival was an event that did not end with shopping, lectures and workshops;  it was also a space for conversations about passion – those conducted at the expo stands, in the aisles, on and off stage. A space for building a community returns to Kielce. Kielce is a place vibrant with activities.

This weekend demonstrated a clear point: this festival keeps growing, not only in numbers but above all in the quality of the experience. Those who attended this year’s festival already know one thing: they cannot miss the show in 2026.