Kids Fishing Club – Summer Camp 2026
A Boat-Forward Fishing Camp for Ages 9–14
The Kids Fishing Club Summer Camp is a true on-the-water day camp built for kids who want to fish, explore, and learn from real captains in real river conditions. For 2026, the program has been intentionally redesigned to spend significantly more time on boats and less time on land, giving campers a deeper, more immersive fishing experience.
👉 Ready to reserve a spot? Scroll to the bottom of this page to access the registration form and secure your camper’s week on the water.
Camp is operated by FishThePotomac, Washington, DC’s premier fishing charter company.
Program Overview
Age Group
Ages 9–14
Open to beginners and experienced young anglers alike. Campers are grouped by age and experience to ensure safety, confidence, and skill progression throughout the week.
Our Fleet – Three Purpose-Built Fishing Boats
Campers rotate between three professionally operated vessels, allowing for small-group instruction and varied fishing experiences:
- Geronimo – 33’ Grady-White Express
- Betty – Boston Whaler Dauntless 230
- King Louie – Parker 2320 SL (a serious, no-nonsense fishing platform)
This three-boat setup allows us to:
- Keep group sizes small on each vessel
- Adjust daily plans based on conditions
- Match campers with boats best suited for specific techniques or species
Where We Fish
Campers explore a wide stretch of DC’s tidal waterways, including:
- The Anacostia River
- The Potomac River
- Waters north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
- Waters south of the Chain Bridge
Routes are selected daily based on weather, tides, current, and safety. Campers gain exposure to multiple river environments while remaining within carefully planned operating zones.
Fishing & Instruction Focus
Campers receive hands-on instruction in:
- Casting accuracy and distance
- Knot tying and rigging
- Bait and lure selection
- Fighting fish from a boat
- Safe fish handling and release
- Reading current, depth, and structure
- Conservation and river stewardship
Depending on conditions, species may include blue catfish, largemouth bass, white perch, striped bass (when in season), and other tidal river fish.
Boater Safety & Education
Safety is at the core of the Kids Fishing Club.
Campers participate in:
- Daily safety briefings
- On-the-water behavior training
- Basic navigation and river awareness
- Instruction aligned with DC, Maryland, and Virginia boating standards
Campers also have the opportunity to earn their DC, MD, or VA Boater Safety Card during the week.
Safety Equipment (Included)
- USCG-approved youth life jackets (required at all times on boats)
- First aid kits onboard every vessel
- Emergency communication equipment
- Shade breaks, hydration reminders, and sun management
All boats are operated by USCG-licensed captains, and all crew members are First Aid & CPR certified.
Staffing & Supervision
- 3:1 camper-to-adult ratio
- Camp led by USCG-Licensed Captain Tim Blanchard
- Experienced, background-checked crew
- Constant supervision on boats and at the dock
Group Size
Limited to 12 campers per session
Small groups ensure personalized instruction, safer operations, and stronger relationships between campers and staff.
A Typical Day at Kids Fishing Club (2026)
- 9:00 AM – Drop-off at The Yards Marina, safety briefing, load boats
- 9:15 AM – 12:30 PM – On-the-water fishing and instruction
- Midday – Snack, hydration, and short rest breaks (on boat or dock as conditions allow)
- 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Continued fishing, rotating boats, skill development
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Docking, gear wrap-up, safety recap, pick-up
Land-based time is minimal and intentional, used only for instruction, rest, or weather-related needs.
Cost & Registration
$950 per camper, per week
Includes:
- All fishing gear and tackle
- Bait and terminal tackle
- Boat time and fuel
- Professional instruction
- Safety equipment
- End-of-week fishing challenges and awards
Sibling / Buddy Discount:
$100 off the second registration when siblings or friends enroll together.
A 50% deposit is required to reserve a spot. Deposits are refundable until March 1.
What Campers Should Bring
- Packed lunch & snacks
- Refillable water bottle
- Lightweight, sun-appropriate clothing
- Closed-toe, non-slip shoes
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (strap recommended)
- Rain jacket (optional)
All fishing gear, safety equipment, and bait are provided.
Why the 2026 Program Is Different
- More time on boats
- Less time on land
- Smaller groups per vessel
- Deeper instruction
- A premium, experience-driven approach
This is a fishing camp for kids who want to fish for real, guided by professionals who live and breathe the river.