The Aquatic Resources Education Program offers free opportunities for new and existing anglers to learn fishing skills and techniques. Programs vary from beginner to advanced and youth to adult. Please check out our offerings below!
Youth Angler Education
Learn to Fish:
Learn to Fish events were developed for families looking to explore angling together. This program is open to all ages and encourages families to participate together. Families will learn Rules and Regulations, the ins-and-outs of a tackle box, casting practice, and knot tying. The events are booked by local libraries. Please check with your local libraries program schedule.
Learn to Fish - Library Events
Fishing 101:
Fishing 101 events will occur throughout the year and at various state parks. Registration will be free and open to the public. The target age range is 8-15 years old, but not limited to this. When upcoming events become available to register they will be published by the Department of Natural Resources online, via email subscription newsletters, and listed below.
No upcoming events currently available
Afterschool Fishing Club:
This program is a “train the trainer” modeled program where both students and teachers will be trained on fishing and how to run a fishing program. The target audience will be High Schools who will then be encouraged to offer fishing programs to Elementary and Middle schools near them. DNR staff will conduct two educational day’s for new schools joining the ASFC program.
Afterschool Fishing Club (ASFC) Overview
Afterschool Fishing Club Reporting Form
Adult Angler Education
Fishing Instructor Training:
You may request a fishing instructor training for you and your staff. This training will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to run beginner fishing lessons through your organization. This opportunity is available to youth organizations, schools, scout troops, parks, nature centers, community groups, etc…
Completing a Fishing Instructor Training will qualify you to borrow fishing gear from the state for extended use, for free.
Requirements to request a training:
- Must have at least 10 participants to request training.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have and/or acquire a fishing license prior to the training.
Requirements post training:
- Must report on use of borrowed equipment.
- Must maintain all borrowed equipment.
- Must return any borrowed equipment upon completion of fishing lessons.
Angler Mentorship Program:
The Angler Mentorship Program hosts an extensive educational program for adults. The program dates and times vary each year. The program accepts a cohort of 9 individuals that learn fishing techniques and skills together, once or twice a week, over the course of 3 weeks in the summer. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites each member to continue to engage with the program by participating in angler workshops, hosting an angler workshop, and volunteering as a mentor for future cohorts.
When registration for the 2024 cohort is available, you will find the registration link here.
Angler Workshops:
An extension of the Adult Angler Mentorship program, these workshops aim to target more specific topics in angling. Sessions in which someone can learn a new style or technique, target a new species, and/or try out different equipment or a new location. These workshops will range from an hour(s), to half day or one full day event.
When these workshops are available to register, you will find the registration link here.
Date
| Topic
| Location
| Time
| Registration Link
|
---|
Saturday 7/6/2024 | Excursion- Topwater Frogs for bass & Snakehead | Transquaking river boat access. Drawbridge Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613
| 12:00 pm at the ramp. Earliest return time 5 pm. | **Coming Soon!
|
Saturday 7/13/2024
| Excursion- Topwater Frogs for bass & Snakehead | Transquaking river boat access. Drawbridge Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613
| 6:00 am at the ramp. Return at noon. | **Coming Soon!
|
Contact
Chelsea Miller
Aquatic Resources Education
Chesapeake and Coastal Service
MD Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave., E-2
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-8705
Chelsea.Miller@maryland.gov