POTTSTOWN PA – If you’ve never learned how to fish, but always wanted to give fishing a try, your opportunities are becoming available on two July dates in Pottstown.
Thanks to a state grant, the Pottstown NAACP and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network are offering two free beginner- and family-friendly fishing lessons open to all ages. Fishing poles and all fishing needs for the lessons will be provided. Future dates for additional shoreline events also are planned, according to the Riverkeeper’s advance registration page.
“All you need to do is show up, eager to learn,” it adds.
- The first is scheduled for Thursday (July 17, 2025) from 10:30 a.m. to noon at The Ricketts Center, 658 Beech St.; and
- The second on July 31 (Thursday) also from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the borough’s Riverfront Park on College Drive.
Advance registration is required, and available online. Participants also will be required to sign a waiver before joining the activities.
Learn Fishing Skills, and Use Them Too
At Ricketts, instructors will teach the basics of fishing knowledge in an opening presentation accompanied by dry-land skills. Participants will learn how to tie knots, cast, untangle lines, and reel in a fish once it’s hooked.
The worm meets the water at Riverfront Park, sponsors say, by connecting participants to the outdoors. There they can “share multi-generational experiences, and build confidence in fishing,” the Riverkeeper Network says.
For those unable to attend the initial session, “no worries!,” the network proclaims. “We will have fishing experts on hand to assist with any fishing questions … Feel free to stop by at any time!” For both sessions, participants are urged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Dress for the weather, sponsors suggest. Wear closed-toe shoes; bring drinking water, and wear sunscreen or a hat.
The project is being funded in part under the R3 Education Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission, sponsors report.
Separately, An Early August Paddle
The Pottstown NAACP, the Riverkeeper Network, and The Ricketts Center also are collaborating to hold a free and family-friendly exploration to unlock Black history along the Schuylkill River. It is scheduled for Aug. 2 (Saturday) from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning at Take It Outdoors, 140 College Dr. Check-in starts at 10:30 a.m.
Justin Clement, from Pottsgrove Manor, will share stories about prominent and historical African American figures of the region at stops during the paddle. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Participants are asked to bring a reusable water bottle.
Advance registration is required, and is available online.
“The Schuylkill River Paddle: Unlocking Black History” is being financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program’s Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Other financing is offered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, administered through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership Mini-Grant Program.
Top photo from Getty Images on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
Bottom photo by Travels With The Post
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