PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) Program, in partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and others, announces a free saltwater youth fishing event and a kayak fishing workshop for children and adults.
WHAT: Take Me Fishing Day WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10 | 10 AM-3 PM WHERE: Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown
DEM, USFWS, and Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island are sponsoring this family-friendly program. Both children and adults can take part in surf casting clinics, fish painting, fish observation, cool casting contests, scavenger hunts, and more. Loaner salt water fishing poles with lures will be provided. The first 116 kids to arrive will get a free tackle box to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the USFWS National Refuge System. For more information, call 401-619-2680.
WHAT: Learn to Kayak Fish WHEN: Saturday, September 21 | 8 AM-1 PM WHERE: Captain Wilbur Kelly House on the Blackstone Bikeway, Lincoln
Do you know how to fish but want to get a little closer to the action? Now is your chance to learn how to kayak fish. RI Kayak Bassin' will provide instruction on what you need, kayak safety, and fishing techniques while the RI Kayak Center will be providing the kayaks. The program is free of charge. Space is limited and registration is required. To register click here. For more information, contact Kimberly Sullivan at 401-539-0019 or via e-mail at kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
DEM's ARE Program is a federally funded program designed to enhance the public's understanding of their aquatic resources by providing safe and responsible fishing training opportunities. As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for Rhode Island families. According to USFWS, there are around 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the state economy each year.
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