Let's Go Fishing Summer Program

 

A logo that says "Let's Go Fishing"

NPS Photo

Get outdoors this summer by participating in the Let’s Go Fishing summer program at First State National Historical Park! The Let’s Go Fishing summer program is a FREE public program that teaches youth and families how to fish or enhance their fishing skills. The program will be offered 4:30pm to 6:30pm on June 22nd and June 23rd. Each program day is structured the same and participants only need to attend one to learn everything they need to start fishing this summer! During the program, youth and their families will participate in activities that will help build a foundation for safe, enjoyable fishing, and an appreciation for the watersheds they live in.

When and where is it?

Check-in for all the programs will start at 4:15pm with the programs starting promptly at 4:30pm. We highly encourage arriving on time, so you have enough time to explore all the fun activities. You have a choice of 2 different dates to find the one that best fits your schedule. Below are the locations for each of the programs:

Date:	Location:	Address:	Body of Water:	Closest DART Bus Stop:	Availability:
Wednesday June 22nd 2022	Brandywine Valley (Smith Bridge Parking Lot)	Brandywine Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803	Brandywine Creek	Woodlawn Road, please note there is a 2 mile hike or a 5 minute car ride to/from this bus stop.	40 people
Thursday June 23rd 2022	Fort Christina	Fort Christina 1110 East 7th street, Wilmington, DE 19801	Christina River	8th Street/ 9th Street you may have to walk a block or two to get to the site	30 people

*Small groups are limited to 6 people.*

Who can participate?

All ages are encouraged to participate, but the content has been created for youth 13-15 years old. Everyone in the family is encouraged to get involved. No fishing experience is required, but please let the park know if anyone in your family has fishing experience.

How much does it cost?

This program is 100% FREE to attend! However, anyone who would like to fish on June 22nd or June 23rd and is between the age of 16 and 65 will be required to have a Delaware Fishing License. The cost of that Delaware fishing license is $11.00 for in-state residents and $22.50 for out-of-state residents and can be purchased through the state on the DNREC website.

Do I need my own fishing equipment?

No. All fishing gear and equipment will be provided for you.

Can I bring my own gear if I have it? For safety, all participants will be required to use a barbless hook, which we will provide. If you have your own fishing poles, gloves, and tackle box, you are welcome to bring your own supplies.

Program Overview:

The nature of the program will be festival style, allowing participants to enjoy the activities at their own pace during the given time. Participants can take breaks at any time throughout the activities for restrooms, snacks etc.

During check-in, each person will be given a program guide to help navigate their way through the fun and interactive activities. These activities are being presented and created by local organizations. After completing an activity, you will receive a special stamp in your program guide. You must obtain at least 2 stamps before you can start fishing. Once you have received 5 stamps you can go back to the “check-in” table to be sworn in as an official Junior Angle and receive your Junior Angler Badge – make sure those cameras are ready!

Fishing: You must obtain at least 2 stamps on your program guide before you can go to the fishing station. Once you arrive to the fishing station your activity leader may ask that you practice casting on land prior to casting in the water. Once everyone is confident, you will be given a pole with a hook and some bait. Staff or volunteers will be nearby to help your group while you fish. To ensure that everyone gets a chance to fish we will be restricting each person to an hour.

If you catch a fish, you can carefully take it over to the fish tank for a special activity stamp! The tank will allow you to get a closer look at the fish and a chance to see how it moves through the water. When you are done, your fish will need to be safely returned to the water – ask the activity leader for help.

What to Expect:

Check-in & Orientation Upon arrival you will need to sign-in at the registration table, so we know that your party has arrived. For participants 16 to 65 fishing on June 22nd or June 23rd, you will be asked to show your active Delaware Fishing License. If you do not have one you will not be allowed to have a pole in the water, but you will be able to participate in the program and help anyone 15 and under fish. During check-in you will receive a brief welcome and safety talk along with a handout that will help guide you through the program.

Restrooms
Portable restrooms and hand sanitizer will be available for you to use.

How do I register?

Simply e-mail the park's Educational Technician the following information:

Number of participants you are registering and the following information on each participant:

• First name, Last Initial
• Age
• Status of Fishing License (only for participants 16-65)
• Level of fishing experience on a scale of 1 - 3
• (0 - I have never fished in my life, 2- I have only done this once or twice, 3 – I go fishing all summer)
• Any special accommodations
• Your two preferred program dates, labeled “1st choice” and “2nd choice.”
• Phone call to contact you in case the program is cancelled due to weather.
• If you would like to schedule a phone call to discuss any questions or concerns.

We encourage you to register as soon as possible as spots will be limited to roughly 40 participants per day and will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will close one week prior to each event date at midnight or when there are no longer any openings, which ever happens first.

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A Special Thank You to Our Partners:

This program was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation with the generous support of L.L. Bean. However, this program would not have been possible without the amazing partnering organizations, listed below, who have donated their time and expertise to this summer program. Big thanks to everyone who helped create this fun experience for us all.

• The Nature Conservancy in Delaware and Pennsylvania

• Delaware Nature Society

• Stroud Water Research Center

• Legacy Land & Water Partners
• Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
• Kalmar Nyckel Foundation