Saturday, July 16, 2011

Maryland launches youth fishing club

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened its virtual doors to a free online fishing clubhouse for anglers between the ages of 5 and 15.

“This fishing club is a fun and helpful way to instill a sense of community and environmental stewardship in young anglers and their families,” said DNR’s Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell.

The club will allow DNR to interact with young anglers and their mentors to promote upcoming youth events across Maryland, share fishing stories on the youth angler’s log and access dependable information on how to succeed in fishing.

“We eventually hope to learn from our young anglers what works for them in developing an appreciation for the outdoors, so we may better support them in their endeavors,” said Letha Grimes, the club’s coordinator.

Membership in the Maryland Youth Fishing Club is free and subject to parental approval. New members will receive a Maryland Youth Fishing Club Patch and access to helpful information from DNR and experts from partner fishing organizations across the State.

To join the Maryland Youth Fishing Club visit dnr.maryland.gov/keepfishing.

For more information, contact Letha Grimes at lgrimes@dnr.state.md.us.

Keep up with the Maryland Fisheries Service by following @MDDNRFISH on Twitter.