Maryland’s Youth Fishing Rodeos
Posted on: May 8, 2019 By: FHMDFor more than half a century, Maryland has been hosting youth fishing events. Not only do these events carry on the fishing tradition throughout the state, they also give youngsters a chance to hone their skills and even develop a hobby that can last a lifetime. Getting kids away from their phones and video games and into the outdoors can teach them valuable life lessons, and it’s a great way to spend quality time with your little ones.
This year, Maryland will once again offer opportunities for young anglers through 44 youth fishing rodeos in 15 of Maryland’s counties. Free and open to anyone 16 years of age and under, these events started in March and run through the fall. To make sure that 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 these fishing rodeos.
In Maryland, youth fishing rodeos give roughly 5,000 children a chance to participate. According to the Outdoor Industry’s 2017 Special Report on Fishing, American youth, ages 6 to 17, embarked on 144.4 million fishing outings in 2016. Children went on 78.1 million outings and teens 66.3 million outings. Also, a majority of current anglers were introduced to fishing during childhood. Only 17.4% tried fishing at age 12 or older.
Be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online for a full list of youth fishing rodeos going on this year.
Youth fishing events aren’t reserved just for children under 16 years old. Companies like Yeti and Bass Pro Shops hold High School and College fishing tournaments in Maryland as well, such as those in Harford County in late May and early June.
These kinds of events introduce fishing to kids, help pass down the sportsman tradition to a new generation, and encourage them to get outdoors. So get out there and pass along your passion to your little ones.
Before heading out, be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online for all necessary information, licenses, and regulations. Also, check out the Plan Your Trip section of our website to find lodging options, fishing charters and guides, and outdoor retailers to get the most out of your fishing trip in Maryland.
Why not add a relaxing road trip to your itinerary while you’re fishing in Maryland? Take a little time with the family on your fishing trip to cruise our state’s scenic byways.
Images courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Flickr account
