Article by Larry Jock
DNREC’s ‘Take a Kid Fishing!’ program set for May 18th
Do you know a child or young teen who might enjoy learning about fishing and trying their hand as an angler? The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife’s “Take a Kid Fishing” program invites budding anglers age 6 through 15 and a parent/guardian to come out and cast a line on three upcoming dates.
“Take a Kid Fishing” teaches young people fundamental fishing skills and conservation concepts. The program is sponsored by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife through its Aquatic Resource Education Center near Smyrna. Delaware Nature Society and Delaware State Parks partner with the Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide host sites for the program. Along with the angling, these free-admission fishing days also feature activity stations and prizes. Participants may want to pack a picnic lunch.
“Take a Kid Fishing” will be held on the following upcoming dates, with all fishing equipment provided:
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 18 – Abbotts Mill Nature Center, Milford, DE.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 15 – Father's Day Fishing at Wilmington State Parks (Brandywine Park).
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 13 – Judge Morris Estate, White Clay Creek State Park, Newark, DE.
While participation in “Take a Kid Fishing” is free of charge, entrance fees are in effect at Delaware State Parks host sites: for each vehicle, the cost is $3.00 with Delaware tags and $6.00 with out-of-state tags. Free admission passes will be available at the gate for pre-registered participants.
To ensure enough supplies are on hand for these free programs, pre-registration is required. To pre-register or for more information about the program, including how to volunteer as an instructor, please call Tess Belcher at 302-735-8656 or email [email protected].
Grandparents, parents, or others age 16 and older who wish to fish with the participants must have a current Delaware fishing license and a FIN number. A resident annual Delaware recreational fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for anglers aged 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.
