The Maryland Department of Natural Resources released details about opportunities for young people to experience fishing through 44 youth fishing rodeos in 15 counties statewide.
Youth fishing rodeos in the state connect 6,000 thousand young people with the Maryland outdoors each year. Events start in March and run through fall. Anyone 16 years of age and younger may participate.
“For a lot of kids participating in a fishing rodeo, it is their first real angling experience,” Fishing and Boating Services Director David Blazer said. “These events reflect a commitment across the state by the department, our partner organizations and many individuals to help youth develop a passion for fishing and for stewardship of our natural resources.”
To ensure participants have the opportunity to reel in a catch, the department helps raise and supply thousands of hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout for this year’s fishing rodeos.
Maryland’s youth fishing rodeo program receives financial support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.
All youth fishing rodeo events are free and open to the public. Due to space limitations at some venues, attendees should call the individual event’s contact to assure space is available.
Hancock’s Tonoloway Rod & Gun Club will once again host a fishing rodeo, set for Saturday, May 11. The event will start at 8 a.m. The event is open to youth ages three to 15. Contact Leroy Mann at 301-302-9112 for more details.
Other events in Washington County include:
April 6 at Beaver Pond in Fort Frederick State Park, starting at 8 a.m. Ages 3-15. Contact Jeremiah Corbin at 301-842-2155 for details.
May 4 in Sharpsburg, starting at 7 a.m. Ages 3-15. Brandon Smith at 301-491-4866 for details.
May 4 at Boonsboro Pond, starting at 7:30 a.m. Ages 3-15. Contact Kim Miller at 301-432-5141.
May 11 at Antietam Creek, North American Rod and Gun Club, starting at 9 a.m. Ages 3 – 15. Contact Patrick Leap at 301-331-3166.
June 1 at Cushwa Basin, starting at 9 a.m. at the C&O Canal National Historic Park. Ages 3 – 15. Contact Hope Midock at 301-582-0813.
June 15 at Pangborn Park, starting at 9 a.m. Ages 3 – 15. Contact Bill Beard at 301-745-6444.