DOVER – Do you know a child or young teen who might enjoy learning about fishing and how to catch a fish? DNREC’s “Take a Kid Fishing!” program is partnering with City of Dover Parks & Recreation on Friday, Aug. 26 to provide budding anglers age 6 through 15 and their parent/guardian an opportunity to come out and learn to fish. Fishing instruction and activities will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. at Dover’s Silver Lake Park.
Sponsored by the Division of Fish & Wildlife through its Aquatic Resources Education program, “Take a Kid Fishing!” teaches young people fundamental fishing skills and conservation concepts. Along with the angling experience, these free-admission fishing events also feature activity stations and prizes. Fishing equipment is provided, but participants may want to pack a picnic dinner. Some of the fishing tackle for this event has been donated by Cabela’s at Christiana Mall.
Preregistration is required to ensure enough supplies are on hand for this free program. To preregister for “Take a Kid Fishing!” or for more information about the program or about volunteering as an instructor, please email Mary Rivera at mary.rivera@delaware.gov.
Parents, grandparents or others age 16 and older who wish to fish with participants on “Take a Kid Fishing!” days must have a current Delaware fishing license. A resident annual Delaware recreational fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware, although exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses if they so choose to help support fisheries management efforts.
Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older also are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free FIN number.
Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.
For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on the 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk and from license agents throughout the state.
“Take a Kid Fishing!” is part of Delaware’s Children in Nature Initiative, a statewide effort to improve environmental literacy in Delaware, create opportunities for children to participate in enriching outdoor experiences, combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Delaware’s multi-agency initiative, which partners state and federal agencies with community organizations, is in conjunction with the national No Child Left Inside program.
Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Vol. 46, No. 295