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Youth Fishing Programs



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.

Contact Us

Mary Rivera
Aquatic Resources Education Center
302-735-8666

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 youth fishing programs are free, but pre-registration is required.

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.

A happy child is seen fishing at a pond.
Upcoming Take a Kid Fishing! Events

April 3, 2024, 9:30 am -- Silver Lake Park

April 4, 2024, 9:30 am -- Aquatic Resources Education Center

May 4, 2024, 9:00 am -- Aquatic Resources Education Center

May 25, 2024, 9:00 am -- Lums Pond State Park

June 1, 2024, 9:00 am -- Aquatic Resources Education Center

June 12, 2024, 9:00 am -- Aquatic Resources Education Center

June 29, 2024, 9:00 am -- Aquatic Resources Education Center

July 2, 2024, 9:00 am -- Aquatic Resources Education Center

July 13, 2024, 9:00 am -- Redden State Forest

July 18, 2024, 5:00 pm -- Silver Lake Park

July 27, 2024, 9:00 am -- Bellevue State Park

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 Mary Rivera at Mary.Rivera@delaware.gov.

Small Fry Adventures

Upcoming Small Fry Adventures
No events are currently scheduled

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

Upcoming Life in the Bay Events
No events are currently scheduled

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 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.

Fly Fishing Lessons

Learn fly fishing from local experts in a free, two-part fly-fishing class. For more information, please contact Mary Rivera at Mary.Rivera@delaware.gov.

Become a Youth Fishing Program Volunteer

Three children and two adults examine an aquatic plant in a natural setting.

We are currently seeking volunteers to help with our youth fishing programs. The activities are fun and easy – you do not have to have any special knowledge of fishing in order to volunteer.

We have some volunteers who are avid anglers and others who prefer to help kids with activities such as knot-tying or fish printing. There is something for everyone who would like to get outdoors and join other volunteers in a great program for kids!

To volunteer, contact Mary Rivera at Mary.Rivera@delaware.gov.




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