The simplest, safest, most fun way for kids to get into fishing. School integration, first-fish guides, parent dashboards, and tournaments made just for young anglers.
NGSS-aligned fish biology lessons for grades K-8. Free downloads for teachers.
Pond visits, hatchery tours, aquarium partnerships. Liability-ready templates.
FITS program by National Professional Anglers Association. In 400+ schools.
State DNR trout-in-the-classroom programs. Raise fry from egg to release.
Species-identification scavenger hunts and fishing journals for English class.
Printable worksheets, lesson plans, fish ID cards — all free.
Use a 1/0 hook, small split-shot, small bobber. Cricket, wax worm, or piece of nightcrawler. Cast near lily pads. Wait for the bobber to drop.
Tube jig on a long crappie rod. Slow jig near submerged brush piles. Crappies love shade and structure. Line: 6 lb braid to 4 lb leader.
Stocked trout ponds are perfect. Salmon eggs or PowerBait on size 10 hook. Wait. A bobber "pop" = set the hook gently.
Wet hands before touching. Hook out quickly with pliers. Return fish to water in under 30 seconds. Teach respect for the fish.
Every state runs 1-2 free fishing weekends/year. No license required for kids.
Bassmaster's youth division, ages 6–14. Prize trophies, no entry fees.
FFA-style community youth tournament with education components. Every state.
KBF Jr Division with parent co-angler. Youngest KBF pros started here.
Week-long conservation/fishing camps for ages 12–18. Scholarships available.
Submit via parent-verified app. Separate age brackets. Badges + shoutouts.
One-day tournaments specifically for parent/guardian + kid teams. Happens in every state.
Pair grandparent + grandchild. Life-skill transfer, multi-generational community.
Friday evening programs at state hatcheries — all gear and bait provided.
DIY starter tackle boxes with your kid. Labeled by species and season.
Big fish = breeders. Slot limits, catch-and-release basics for ages 6+.
Why clean water matters. Simple classroom experiments kids can run.
Never move fish or water between lakes. Zebra mussels, Asian carp basics.
Volunteer stream cleanups count as FT Conservation Hours.
Behind-the-scenes hatchery visits. See baby trout before they meet your hook.
Earn 3 patches: Stewardship, Identification, Water Health. Real embroidered patches mailed free.
See your kid's angler progress in real time — species learned, patches earned, safety quizzes passed, first-fish moments logged.
Every youth track activity assumes adult supervision at all times. Life jackets required near water. No youth fishes alone. Certified volunteer mentors are background-checked.