No experience required for this free fishing fun in Baltimore on September 6
Kids who are avid anglers, or who want to try fishing for the first time, are now welcome to sign up for the 2025 Maryland Rod & Reef Youth and Family Fishing Derby on September 6 at Port Covington Marina. This free event — hosted by Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Maryland and Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) — is part of CCA Maryland’s annual Oysters, Brews & Blues festival. It offers families a chance to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay’s natural resources and culture right in the heart of Baltimore.
At the 2025 Maryland Rod & Reef Youth and Family Fishing Derby, kids and families can fish from shore or join a boat trip to fish on a restored oyster reef at Fort Carroll. The Fort Carroll oyster sanctuary reef in the Patapsco River is home to millions of protected oysters and provides exceptional habitat for dozens of fish species. The annual Rod & Reef event helps demonstrate how oyster sanctuaries can support species that anglers like to catch such as striped bass, blue catfish, and white perch.
“Kids of all ages and skill levels will focus on catching as many species of fish as they can,” said David Sikorski, CCA Maryland Executive Director. “The Rod & Reef Derby at Oysters, Blues & Brews is a fun family activity, and a great opportunity for the Baltimore community to learn about the Bay’s important critters and how restored oyster reefs benefit a diverse ecosystem that few ever get to see.”
In addition to providing great habitat, oysters naturally clean the Harbor. An adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. During its 2024 to 2025 oyster gardening season, CBF planted nearly 185,000 oysters at Fort Carroll.
“There’s nothing like reeling in a fish to connect kids to the hidden world underwater, and spark excitement in learning more,” said Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director. “Baltimore’s youth are the future of Bay saving, and on-the-water experiences help kids develop a lifelong passion for protecting the Bay, which will ultimately lead to a healthier future for all.”
CCA Maryland and Combos for Kids volunteers will provide on land and on water fishing experiences at this event. Trips will depart at noon and 3 p.m. on a 30-person charter boat. Additional boats will provide flexible on water experiences during the 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. timeframe. All required gear will be provided, and all trips are free of charge.
“Our focus at Combos for Kids and Angler’s Sport Center is to connect a new generation of anglers with our Bay and to introduce people to our local waterways in a memorable way. We are proud to return as partners for the Maryland Rod & Reef Derby at Oysters, Blues & Brews,” said EJ Harman, Combos for Kids Director and Co-founder.
In addition to fishing opportunities, the Maryland Rod & Reef Youth and Family Fishing Derby will include hands-on learning activities, a fish touch tank, and more. CCA Maryland and CBF staff and volunteers will be on site building reef balls, installing cages to create an oyster garden, and offering educational opportunities for attendees of all ages.
Event details:
- When: Saturday, September 6 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m
- Where: Port Covington Marina, 321 E Cromwell St, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Who: CCA Maryland & CBF
- What: A free family-friendly outdoor event featuring a youth fishing derby, live music, oyster tastings, local brews, and educational and hand-on oyster restoration activities for all ages. For the fishing derby, all experience levels are welcome and all gear will be provided.
Interested attendees can learn more about the Maryland Rod & Reef Youth and Family Fishing Derby and register here.
