Youth Fishing Rodeos Kick Off Throughout Maryland

Events Planned to Get Youth Hooked on Fishing

Calling all future anglers! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering children – aged 3 to 15 – the opportunity to bait, cast and catch their own fish through our Youth Fishing Rodeo Program.

Designed to introduce young children to the joys of recreational fishing, participants – with or without previous experience – are mentored by experienced  volunteers and department staff to create a safe, educational and fun environment.

“Through this program children learn how to become better anglers and also taught to respect our parks, ponds, lakes and rivers,” Youth Fishing Rodeo Program Coordinator Michael Anderson said. “The Youth Fishing Rodeo has been a Maryland tradition for more 60 years, and we hope to continue nurturing the next generation of anglers and stewards.”

The Youth Fishing Rodeo Program has over 40 rodeos scheduled between April and October; these events draw nearly 3,000 youth anglers statewide. The complete calendar is available here.

Fishing and Boating Services staff release stock trout or hybrid sunfish for each rodeo event, assuring that youth fisherman have a good chance of catching that first fish.

Youth Fishing Rodeos are free of charge but participants are urged to register early as some rodeo events fill-up quickly.