Recent Events
Maryland’s Free Fishing Day – June 14th
What a day! Over people joined us at Merkle Natural Resources Management Area to celebrate Maryland's Free Fishing Day.
Kids caught their first fish, grandparents shared stories, and everyone discovered the joy of patience by the water. From our early morning coffee to the closing circle, families created memories that'll last a lifetime.
The highlight? Watching three generations work together. There were kids teaching each other how to cast, parents and grandparents sharing fishing wisdom, and everyone celebrating each catch like it was the biggest fish ever caught.
Watch highlights from our June 14th Free Fishing Day event
Melanated Earthling Explorers Camp (August 13th Event) â€" Building on Success
Our second YFL event built on the success of June, welcoming even more families to Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and Visitor Center. The event featured expanded fishing opportunities, enhanced learning stations, and deeper community connections.
Key highlights included:
- Advanced fishing techniques and demonstrations
- Family team competitions
- Environmental stewardship activities
- Community celebration and recognition
The August event strengthened our community bonds and showcased the growing impact of youth fishing education!
Watch highlights from our August 13th community fishing event
Ongoing Programs
Girls Fish Too
Fly Fishing. Bonding. Confidence. Joy.
We believe the outdoors is for everyone—and that includes our girls. Girls Fish Too creates memorable fishing experiences for young girls alongside their moms, grandmoms, aunts, and female cousins in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Whether it's your daughter's first time holding a rod or you're curious about fly fishing yourself, this is your space to learn together, laugh together, and grow stronger—one cast at a time.
Already familiar with traditional fishing? Our on-site fly fishing expert will introduce you to this graceful art form, showing you techniques that connect you more intimately with the water and its rhythms.
No experience needed. Just bring your curiosity and your crew of amazing women and girls. Together, we'll prove that Girls Fish Too!
Blue Catfish Bounty
Catch an Invasive. Feed the Community. Celebrate Together.
The Blue Catfish Bounty brings the community together around fishing with a real purpose behind it.
Blue catfish are an invasive species overwhelming our local waterways, and we're taking action to reel them in for a good cause. After each Blue Catfish Bounty event, we transform the day's catch into a vibrant neighborhood fish fry—a celebration open to everyone, featuring delicious food, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Help clean up our waterways, learn about conservation, and celebrate community—one plate at a time.
Supporting our Blue Catfish Bounty is similar to buying Girl Scout cookies—you're contributing to something meaningful while enjoying something wonderful. But instead of cookies, it's golden, crispy, fresh-caught fish served alongside a day of community connection and memories.
What to Expect at Every Event
We provide all the gear—rods, bait, tackle, everything. You bring your family and your enthusiasm. Events include fishing instruction, nature activities, and often end with learning how to clean and cook your catch together.
Stay Connected
Want to know about our next event? We're planning our summer schedule now.
