The Family & Youth Casting Call, hosted by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association and the National Park Service along with other fishing and conservation organizations, is poised to once again help “set the hook” for children to learn about nature and fishing.

Held annually at Fletcher’s Cove in the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Washington, DC (this year’s event is Saturday, April 16, from 11am-4pm), the Family & Youth Casting Call features an action-packed day of fishing and numerous hands-on activities designed to engage, educate and entertain kids of all ages. Partners provide all the tools and training necessary for families to catch fish in the C&O Canal. Volunteer instructors are on hand to teach safety and basic fishing techniques, and bait and tackle is supplied for the day’s event. [For this event, a portion of the C&O Canal will be stocked with native fish and all children will have the opportunity to catch fish.]

When not fishing on the canal, children can complete a series of hands-on activities to earn their National Park Service Junior Ranger Badge. Learning stations set up around the facility will teach fly-tying, water quality testing, bug identification and more. There will also be plenty to do for the little ones including fish art, touch tanks and scavenger hunts.

A wiggling fish on the end of a taut line can be one of the most tangible connections between having fun outside and learning about natural resources conservation. The Family & Youth Casting Call is a wonderful opportunity for Washington, DC, area residents to begin fostering a life-long relationship with the outdoors.

For more information, visit www.familyandyouthcastingcall.com