With so many different types of summer camps to choose from these days, from day camps to sports camps to standard camps, why should you choose a fishing camp? Not only will your child have fun and meet new friends who share an interest in fishing, but he will learn a life skill that will help him put food on the table should he need to do so at some point in his life.
Eight Great Fishing Camps
There are fishing camps all across the United States, so no matter where you live, you'll be able to find one that suits your needs. However, each camp has something a little different to offer, so after the first year or two you may want to consider going a bit outside your region to gain special expertise for your child.
Adirondack Camp, New York
Adirondack was started in 1904 by Dr. Elias G. Brown, who was an educator. It is an overnight, co-ed camp steeped with tradition and history. Although the camp isn't only fishing, the fishing specific weeks affords campers the opportunity to live a fisherman's lifestyle. Students learn:
- Boating skills
- Fishing techniques (campers fish for their suppers)
- How to filet and debone fish
- How to cook the fish they caught
If you're looking for a complete solution that will teach your child all the basic skills of fishing, this may just be it. The camp is located in Putnam Station, New York. Sessions range from two-weeks to a full summer and range in price from about $4,500 to just under $12,000 for a full session.
Barry Conservation Fishing Camp, New Hampshire
Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin, New Hampshire offers a one week camp to teach kids aged 10-16 how to fish. The camp is put on by UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H and New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and is held at the Berlin Fish Factory in the White Mountain National Forest. The Barry camp offers several advantages:
- It's small, so campers will be in a tight-knit group of 38 campers and 11 staff members, and only 6 other campers in a cabin.
- It's affordable: the cost for the week is $485. There are also scholarship opportunities.
- In addition to fishing, campers learn about conservation.
- It's associated with 4-H, so it's possible the camper can continue with the organization if he finds he loves it.
The camp is ideal for the child who wants a one week experience focused on fishing, but isn't ready (or doesn't want) to spend an entire summer fishing. Camp enrollment opens in mid-February.
Hidden Acres Fishing Camp, Iowa
Hidden Acres is a Christian summer camp in Dayton, Iowa that offers a one-week camp for fourth through eighth grade boys. In addition to over 600 acres, the camp features 75 buildings, 850 beds, three ponds, and modern amenities like an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. The fishing camp is about $360. There are four session weeks offered. At fishing camp, the boys will get to:
- Learn the basics of fishing
- Travel to different areas to learn different tactics for catching fish
- Learn about different types of fish species
- Enjoy a fish fry at the end of the week
The camp is ideal for the Christian family who wants their son to learn and enjoy a new hobby.
Fishing for Life High C's Fishing Camp, Minnesota
Fishing for Life High C's camp is located in northern Minnesota in one of three locations. Founded in 2004, Fishing for Life is a Christian organization that teaches kids how to fish and about the outdoors. They also have a special program for families of injured or slain soldiers. Features of the High C's Fishing Camps include:
- Daily Bible study
- 8-10 hours of fishing per day
- Fun and activities
- Outdoor activities and skills
There are a variety of different camp options to choose from, including day camps, overnight camps, father/son 'man' camps, and parent/child fishing camps. Prices for day camp start at about $270 for day camp and go up to about $500 for an overnight camp.
International Game Fish Association, Florida
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) fishing summer camp is held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida. The camp is highly regarded for its educational benefits and has a lot to offer campers:
- The average ration of adult to camper is 1:8 and never more than 1:10.
- Campers start each day at the museum, where they learn about topics such as "fishing techniques, conservation, marine biology, tying flies and jigs."
- Campers get a chance to participate in simulated fishing tournaments.
- Activities include going out on a drift boat, pier and shore fishing, and even "encounters with alligators."
This is a day camp and not an overnight camp, so if you do not live in the area, you will need to make hotel reservations and visit the area with your child or make other arrangements. They have regular and advanced camp options, with costs starting at $350 for the regular camp and $500 for advanced camp. They offer a $25 discount if registering for multiple weeks and a $25 sibling discount if two or more children in a family are registered.
Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp
Florida Fantasy is located in Tampa Bay and is unique because it offers kids an opportunity to learn to fish from the professional fishing captains from the area. They offer a week-long day camp as well as an overnight camp where you can choose inshore fishing or offshore fishing. In addition to actual fishing expeditions, kids will learn:
- How to tie a rope knot
- Go through casting clinics
- Get training in boat safety
- Take part in tournaments
The day camps start at $715 for the week, and run a bit more for late registration (after April 1st) or advanced camps. After-camp care is available for an additional fee. Overnight camps are approximately $1600.
Cheley Fishing Camp, Colorado
Cheley is located in Estes Park Valley in Colorado. The camp has been around since 1921 and is a four-week summer camp. The camp actually stretches across three different sites to accommodate different areas of interest and activities, including rock climbing and other outdoor events. Features of the camping week include:
- The camp is environmentally friendly and follows 'catch-and-release' protocol, allowing campers two trout per fishing outing. Any caught over that amount are released back.
- The camp teaches kids how to how to bait, real in and net the fish
- Kids will learn how to prepare the fish for cooking.
Cheley is accredited through the American Camp Association (ACA), which means the staff and camp must meet high professional standards. The camp offers two sessions per summer. The cost of one session is $6,200 or the full season (both sessions) runs $12,250. Registration opens as early as September, and an $800 deposit is due at the time of registration. They also offer a family camp (for four people) at a rate of $2700 (additional family members can join for a rate of $500 for the week).
Outdoor Texas
Outdoor Texas Camp is located in Bandera, Texas, and is an overnight camp for boys aged 9 to 16, and fishing and fly fishing are combined. It is a small camp, with space for about 28 campers. They also offer a saltwater fishing camp that includes a special trip or activity of the camper's choice, such as a shoreline surfing trip or fishing trip with a professional guide. Some of the skills taught during the week of camp include:
- Spin casting
- Bait and lures
- Techniques for fishing
- Fly casting and tying
Campers learn to fish with professional fishing captains and will also get a chance to try kayak fishing. The cost of the fly fishing camp is $1,245, and the saltwater fishing camp is $1,295.
Find a Local Fishing Summer Camp
While the above camps are wonderful options, you may not live in one of those areas. If you've been thinking, 'how can I find fishing camps near me'? here are a few tips that might help. To find out what's available in your area, watch the local newspaper and contact any sports retailers for additional information. Other ideas to find a nearby camp:
Get Help From Local Fishing Clubs
If you have any lakes or fishing areas in your vicinity, chances are there is a local fishing club or group near you that you can contact. They may offer fishing camps or clinics themselves, or they may be able to refer you to an organization that does. Local fishermen and women will also likely know the best locations for fishing, and those cities may be better bets to find a camp.
Check With 4-H or Agricultural Extensions
Another avenue for finding a camp more local to you is to check with 4-H groups or agricultural extensions in your area. They often have knowledge of things such as fishes resources or organizations they can direct you to. In some cases, they may even host or partner with a group that has a camp based around fishing.
Contact Your Parks and Recreation Department
Your city's Parks and Recreation Department is yet another place to check into for camp information. They may have information on their website or be able to give you information on upcoming day camps over the phone.
Camp Finders
When you're in the market for camps, fishing is an option you may be able to filter or sort with when using an online camp finder. KidsCamps.com allows has a dedicated fishing program and camp section under their Sports section. You can browse results or narrow by state.
Teach a Child to Fish
Teaching your child to fish is a skill that can help him throughout his life. If you want your child to pickup new fishing skills but don't want to send your child away or spend so much on a camp this summer, look into local programs and clinics that might be offered by sporting goods stores to spend quality time together. For example, Bass Pro Shops offers Family Summer Camp and has casting challenges from May through July in different areas around the country. If all else fails, enlist the best angler you know to teach your child a few fishing techniques this summer.
