Let's Go Fishing Family Fun Day

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will host a FREE day-long family event called Let’s Go Fishing! on Saturday, June 11th from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. The purpose of this fun, hands-on event is to introduce kids and their families to the world of fish and recreational fishing. The event will consist of a morning and afternoon element. After learning and practicing fishing-related skills at the refuge visitor center in the morning, kids will have an opportunity to practice their luck at fishing on the refuge beach during the afternoon element. During the morning session, which begins at 9:00 am, older kids will complete a series of fun, hands-on “fish learning stations” that will focuson such things as local fish identification, rod and reel assembly, predator-prey relationships, live and artificial baits, and casting target practice. Concurrent activities for younger kids will include a marine touch tank, fish printing, “make-a-fish,” and fishy button-making. Event participants may arrive at the refuge visitor center anytime between 9:00 am and noon.  Following participation in the morning activities at the visitor center, kids will have a chance to practice their new fishing skills on the refuge beach, where refuge volunteers experienced in surf fishing will provide additional guidance and support. The refuge will provide loaner rods and reels. Beginning at 11:00am, a free shuttle bus will run between the visitor center and refuge beach at Lot 1. The afternoon session will conclude at 3:30 pm, with the last shuttle leaving the beach at 4:00 pm.