The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers free fishing lessons, aquatic adventures and explorations of the Delaware Bay for children and young teens. Once they are hooked on fishing, they can try one of Delaware’s kid-friendly fishing ponds for a great day at the water’s edge.

Kids can learn the basics of fishing with the Take A Kid Fishing! program. Younger children can learn about Delaware’s amazing fish and aquatic creatures by participating in the Small Fry Adventures program. Kids of any age can learn even more with the Life in the Bay seining program.

Unless otherwise noted, DNREC’s family fishing programs are free, but pre-registration is required.

For more information, please contact Taylor Border at taylor.border1@delaware.gov.

Family Fishing

Learn more below about each of these programs and find a schedule of the next several upcoming events for each. Find listings for all upcoming events for each on the month-by-month Outdoor Recreation calendar.

Take a Kid Fishing!

If you’re looking for a fun, action-packed outdoor adventure for your children age 6 to 15, come out and join us for a Take A Kid Fishing! event. Sponsored by the Aquatic Resources Education Center, these events take place at ponds throughout the state.

Take A Kid Fishing! participants visit activity stations where they learn about fundamental fishing skills and conservation. Then they have an opportunity to fish and practice their new fishing skills. All equipment is provided.

Participation in the Take A Kid Fishing! program is free, but preregistration is required. To register, please email your name, the date of the event, and the number in your group to Pearlie Franklin at Pearlie.Franklin@delaware.gov.

Small Fry Adventures

Small Fry Adventures are perfect for youngsters age 4 to 7 who would like to learn about fish and other critters that live in a tidal salt marsh. Kids will have a chance to view marine life in the aquariums at the Aquatic Resources Education Center and make a simple craft with an aquatic theme.

To register, please email your name, the date of the event, and the number in your group to Pearlie.Franklin@delaware.gov.

Life in the Bay Seining Program

Life in the Bay events are geared toward children aged 6 and older (and adults) who would like to find out about fish and other aquatic critters that live in the Delaware Bay.

Staff from the Aquatic Resources Education Center will be on hand at Woodland Beach to seine for critters along the edge of Delaware Bay and help participants discover and learn about aquatic life found there.

To register, please email your name, the date of the event, and the number in your group to Pearlie.Franklin@delaware.gov.

Related Topics:  children, education, families, fish and wildlife, fishing, outreach