As part of Delaware’s participation in National Fishing and Boating Week, June 2-10, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police will hold its 32nd Annual Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 2, 2018 The tournament will be held at Ingrams Pond in Millsboro, Akridge Scout Reservation in Camden, and Lums Pond State Park in Bear, with the park admission fee waived for tournament participants.
The tournament is open to youths ages 4 through 15. An adult must accompany youths under age 12 and contestants must bring their own fishing equipment. Prizes to all participants will be awarded at 1:30 p.m. in three age groups: 4-7, 8-11 and 12-15. The tournament is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. to register for the tournament.
The tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release approach to conservation.
“This event has grown tremendously since its start in 1986 and has involved more than 200 youths each year to sport fishing,” said Chief Drew Aydelotte of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, which sponsors the tournament.
In addition to the fishing tournament celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated June 2 and 3 as free fishing days when residents and visitors alike may fish in Delaware waters without a fishing license.
Anglers are reminded that even though they don’t need a license to fish on those two days, those who are age 16 and older are still required to obtain a free Fisherman Identification Network (F.I.N.) number, available online at www.delaware-fin.com or by calling 1-800-432-9228. Anglers also are required to comply with Delaware’s fishing regulations, including size and daily catch limits.
For more information on the Youth Fishing Tournament, including the registration form, please call 302-739-9913 or click 2018 Youth Fishing Tournament.