DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces ‘Take a Kid Fishing!’ program dates

Registration now open for May-July events throughout the state

DOVER – Do you know a child or young teen who might enjoy learning about fishing and delight in having the opportunity to catch a fish? DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife invites budding anglers age 6 through 15 to come out and learn to fish with a parent, grandparent, or guardian on six upcoming “Take a Kid Fishing!” events.

“Take a Kid Fishing!” events are offered free of charge to all participants, and will be held on the following dates:

  • 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, May 18, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, June 1, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8, Lums Pond State Park, Bear
  • 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, June 15, Aquatic Resources Education Center, Smyrna
  • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, July 13, Redden State Forest, Georgetown
  • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20, Lums Pond State Park, Bear

Fishing equipment is also provided by the Division of Fish & Wildlife free for use by participants. To ensure that enough supplies are on hand for these events, pre-registration is required. To pre-register for a “Take a Kid Fishing!” event, or for more information about the program or about volunteering as an instructor, please email Mary Rivera at mary.rivera@delaware.gov.

“Take a Kid Fishing!” teaches youngsters fundamental fishing skills and conservation concepts, including catch-and-release. Along with the angling experience, these free fishing events also feature activity stations and prizes. Packing refreshments and a picnic lunch is encouraged.

Most parents, grandparents, or others age 16 and older who engage in fishing with “Take a Kid Fishing!” participants must have a current Delaware fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free FIN 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, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on the 2019 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 sponsored by the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Aquatic Resources Education Center, with host sites provided by the Division of Fish & Wildlife and DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, and the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. Some of the fishing tackle for these events is donated by Cabela’s located at the Christiana Mall.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 118