Kids can land first fish at DNR-sponsored events

ALBANY — If you think this is the summer to let your kid catch their first fish, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is ready to help make that goal a reality with a series of youth-oriented events.

“It is a special moment when you see your child catch their first fish, or their second fish, and so on,” Scott Robinson, the chief of fisheries for the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, said. “Fishing together helps build a connection for both of you to remember for years to come.

“Family and Kids fishing events offer a great place to get started. Volunteers and staff organizing the event are focused on helping your child have a great experience and develop a love for fishing before they try to ‘tackle’ it on their own.”

These events will be held throughout the year across the state on both public and private waterways. They typically take place at a location with a successful catch rate to make the experience even better for new anglers. Many events have on-site volunteers to help those who are new to fishing. Some events even offer additional options, such as lunch or snacks, prizes and educational information.

Family and Kids fishing events are sponsored across the state by multiple partners, such as counties and municipalities, conservation groups, civic clubs and others. The Wildlife Resources Division co-sponsors many of these events by providing channel catfish or trout to improve fishing, educational materials for participants and guidance for sponsors.

Three of these events are scheduled in Southwest Georgia:

· Ft. Gaines, May 11 

· Lakeland Ga Flatlanders Pond fishing Derby, June 1

· Paradise PFA Kiwanis Kids Fishing Event, June 8

For information on these events and others scheduled around the state, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/KidsFishing then click on the Find a Kids Fishing Event link. Here you will find the listing for all kids events scheduled this year and information relating to the date, time and any registration or additional requirements. Tips on fishing with kids and a “Kids First Fish Certificate” are available as well.

Georgia offers prime fishing opportunities with public access to more than 91,000 acres of ponds and impoundments. For more information on fishing in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.

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