Kids Fishing Club Fall Program
Six Saturdays of Fishing, Learning and Adventure on the Potomac River
Ages 12–16 | Saturdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Washington, DC
School may be back in session, but some of the best fishing of the year is just getting started.
The Kids Fishing Club Fall Program is a six-week Saturday experience for young anglers who want to build real fishing skills, spend meaningful time outdoors and become more confident on and around the water.
Each week combines guided fishing on the Potomac River with hands-on instruction at the DC Tackle Shop, our home base at The Yards Marina. Participants will learn how to select tackle, rig rods, tie knots, understand changing river conditions, handle fish safely and make better decisions on the water.
No previous fishing or boating experience is required.
Program Details
Length: Six Saturday sessions
Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Ages: 12–16
Tuition: $1,200 per participant
Enrollment: Limited to 6 participants
Home Base
DC Tackle Shop
The Yards Marina
301 Water Street SE
Washington, DC
The DC Tackle Shop serves as our meeting place, learning center and home base throughout the program. Participants will gather there before and after fishing trips and may spend part of each session learning about rods, reels, tackle, bait, electronics, boating safety and seasonal fishing techniques.
More Than a One-Day Fishing Trip
Fishing takes patience, practice and time on the water.
The six-week format gives participants the opportunity to build their skills from one session to the next. They will learn from changing weather, tides, water temperatures and fish behavior while gaining confidence with every cast.
Some days may be filled with fast action. Other days may require patience, problem-solving and adjusting the plan. That is part of becoming a better angler.
What Participants Will Learn
Throughout the program, participants may work on:
- Casting accuracy and control
- Knot tying and rigging
- Rod and reel setup
- Bait and lure selection
- Fish identification
- Safe fish handling
- Boating and waterfront safety
- Fishing electronics and fish finders
- Reading tides, weather and river conditions
- Conservation and responsible angling
- Teamwork, patience and sportsmanship
Our goal is not simply to help kids catch fish. We want them to understand why fish are where they are, how equipment works and how responsible anglers approach a day on the water.
What Makes the Program Special
Learn by Doing
This is a hands-on program. Participants learn by casting, rigging, fishing, asking questions and helping prepare for each outing.
Build Skills Week After Week
Unlike a single fishing trip, the six-week format allows young anglers to practice, improve and apply what they learned during the previous session.
Small Groups and Personal Instruction
Enrollment is limited to just 6 participants. Keeping the group small allows for closer supervision, more personalized coaching and more time with a rod in each participant’s hands.
A True Fishing Home Base
The DC Tackle Shop gives participants a dedicated place to learn the skills that happen before and after the boat leaves the dock. They will gain a better understanding of tackle, equipment, preparation, maintenance and the fishing industry.
A Community of Young Anglers
Kids Fishing Club brings together participants who share an interest in fishing, boating, wildlife and the outdoors. Many leave with new skills, new confidence and new friends.
What’s Included
Tuition includes:
- Six Saturday program sessions
- Guided fishing on the Potomac River
- Instruction from experienced fishing and boating staff
- All rods and reels
- Bait and tackle
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
- Safety equipment
- Hands-on instruction at the DC Tackle Shop
- Weekly program photos
- End-of-season recognition and awards
Participants do not need to bring their own fishing equipment.
What’s Not Included
Participants should bring:
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Rain gear when needed
- Closed-toe, non-marking shoes
- Any required personal medications
Lunch is not provided. Because sessions end at 1:00 PM, participants should eat breakfast before arriving and may bring a small snack if needed.
Transportation to and from the DC Tackle Shop is not included.
Tuition
Six-Week Fall Program
$1,200 per participant
A 50% deposit is required at registration to reserve a spot.
The remaining balance is due before the first session.
Enrollment is limited to 6 participants.
Why Is the Program So Expensive?
That is a fair question.
Operating a safe, high-quality youth fishing program on the water is expensive, and we do not cut corners.
We pay our captains and staff fairly because experienced, dependable and attentive people are the most important part of running a safe program. We also maintain our boats, motors, fishing equipment and safety gear to professional standards.
Tuition helps cover:
- Experienced and properly compensated staff
- Boat fuel and maintenance
- Fishing equipment, bait and tackle
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Insurance, permits and operating expenses
- Small group sizes
- Equipment repairs and replacement
- Access to the DC Tackle Shop as a dedicated home base
We understand that $1,200 is a meaningful investment for most families.
If your child would love to participate but the cost is creating a genuine budget challenge, please give us a call. We cannot make promises in every situation, but we will always try to have an honest conversation and see whether there is a way to make it work.
We would rather hear from you than have a young angler miss out without asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range is the program for?
The Kids Fishing Club Fall Program is designed for young anglers ages 12–16.
Does my child need to bring fishing equipment?
No. We provide all rods, reels, bait, tackle, life jackets and safety equipment.
Does my child need previous fishing or boating experience?
Not at all. The program welcomes beginners and experienced young anglers. Our staff adjusts instruction based on each participant’s experience and comfort level.
What if my child is not a strong swimmer?
That is okay. Participants are provided with properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets while aboard our boats. Activities are closely supervised, and safety remains our top priority.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Light rain, cooler temperatures or cloudy conditions will not necessarily cancel a session. If river conditions are unsafe because of high winds, thunderstorms or severe weather, we may adjust the schedule, modify the activities or spend more time learning at the DC Tackle Shop.
Will every session take place entirely on the water?
No. Our goal is to spend as much time fishing as conditions safely allow, but the DC Tackle Shop is also an important part of the program. Participants may spend time there learning knots, preparing equipment, discussing fishing strategies and studying weather, tides and river conditions.
What will participants learn at the DC Tackle Shop?
Topics may include knot tying, rod and reel setup, lure and bait selection, tackle organization, fish identification, boating safety, conservation, fishing electronics and equipment maintenance.
How many participants are accepted?
Enrollment is limited to 6 participants so we can provide better supervision, more personalized instruction and more fishing time.
When does the program meet?
The program meets for six Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Where do participants meet?
Drop-off and pickup take place at the DC Tackle Shop at The Yards Marina.
Because the shop is located in The Yards near Nationals Park, families should allow extra travel time when the Washington Nationals have a home game or when other neighborhood events are taking place.
How do registration and payment work?
A 50% deposit is required during registration. The remaining balance is due before the first session. Complete cancellation and refund terms will be provided during checkout.
Ready to Join Us?
The Kids Fishing Club Fall Program gives young anglers six Saturdays to learn, practice, explore and grow.
Space is limited to just 6 participants.
Reserve your child’s spot today and help them take their fishing skills to the next level.