Have you thought about taking your kids fishing? It can be a little overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much fishing experience yourself. These local events provide great opportunities to learn to fish with your kids. Some of these events even provide the rods, bait, and more free!Â
Don’t forget to register in advance!
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce your child to the sport of fishing?
Is your family looking for more ways to enjoy this activity together?
We’ve got some local family-friendly fishing events that everyone can enjoy, no matter their skill level!
Until moving to South Carolina, I’d never lived more than a few minutes from the ocean. Some of my most treasured childhood memories are of my father teaching my sister and me to fish. Watching my father continue this tradition with my children fills my heart with joy. Fishing is such a great way to teach children patience.
With the exception of the small lake in the Florida Community I grew up in, whose fish had a passion for stale Entenmann’s donuts, most of my fishing was done in saltwater. Moving to the Upstate and having no saltwater to drop a hook in, was an adjustment for me.
However, we are lucky in the Upstate, that there are so many bodies of fresh water to fish from. Freshwater fishing permits are only $10, and children are covered with a permitted adult. Organized fishing events are nice because usually there are people there to help beginners, whether they be kids or grown-ups.
2021 Family Fishing Events
Due to COVID-19 precautions, 2021 fishing event dates have yet to be announced. We will update the info as things are announced, and are including links to where the most up-to-date info can be found for each type of event.
Readers can always check our New & Improved Kidding Around Event Calendar for up-to-the-moment info about local events.
SCDNR Fishing Rodeos
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources hosts several Fishing Rodeos across the Upstate annually. These are a great opportunity to enjoy fishing with your children, and at most of the events, the children receive a rod/reel combo and tackle. This is not guaranteed, so it’s best to come prepared. There are usually SCDNR officers on hand to help you and your children with tips and guidance.
Local events are usually held at Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center, Croft State Park, The Draper Wildlife Area, and other places across the Upstate.
Check The SCDNR website for posted Fishing Rodeo events
SCDNR Fishing Clinics
The SCDNR also hosts family fishing clinics. You will learn how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, and everyone will get to test their skills fishing. Kids from ages 4 to adults are welcome, so plan to attend and enjoy the outdoors by making this a Family Fun Day!
Check The SCDNR website for posted Family Clinic events
Take A Kid Fishing with Spartanburg Parks
You supply the pole, and they provide the bait. We really enjoyed this free event in past years. There were prizes given out by raffle ticket, and they stocked the water with fish before the event. The bait is provided, but if you are new to fishing and not comfortable with impaling a wriggling worm on a hook, there is a limitless amount of synthetic bait available at local retailers.
Check The Spartanburg Parks website for posted events
Fishing Events at Cabelas in Greenville
We love the events at Cabelas. They are fun, free, and full of information about fun outdoor activities. In addition to free fishing clinics, they also offer a fun Kid’s Summer “camp” with several weeks of activities and events.
Check the Greenville Cabelas Facebook Page for posted events