Reel in the Fun: Kids’ Fishing Camp
Reel Explorers Fishing Camp 2025
Join us at The WaterFront Center for the Reel Explorers Fishing Camp—an unforgettable adventure where kids learn to fish, catch and release, and explore the marine world aboard the oyster dredge Ida May. From hooking local fish like Porgy, Sea Bass and Fluke to exploring scenic coves and visiting historic sites, this camp blends outdoor fun with hands-on education—plus a taste of Oyster Bay and surrounding water’s maritime past.
Perfect for kids ages 8-16—choose the session that fits your young angler!
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Reel Explorers: Junior Anglers
Ages: 8-10
Dates: June 30 - July 3 (4 days, $600)
Focus: Basics of fishing, knot-tying, and lots of fun for younger kids.
Set sail on the Ida May, offering a stable deck for up to 10 young beginners to learn fishing and soak in Oyster Bay’s history.
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Reel Explorers: Bay Masters
Ages: 10-13
Dates: July 14 - July 18 (5 days, $750)
Focus: Intermediate skills with different types of gear for fishing, plus marine science.
The Ida May cruises to prime spots, where up to 15 campers hone skills on a historic boat that once worked these waters, guided by experts who know the bay and Long Island Sound inside out.
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Reel Explorers: Pro Casters
Ages: 13-16
Dates: July 28 - August 1 (5 days, $750)
Focus: Advanced techniques (gear, tackle, rigging) and deeper ecosystem/history lessons.
Aboard the Ida May, up to 15 teens tackle big fish on a legendary dredge, blending modern fishing with lessons from its 1925 oyster-dredging days.
What Kids Will Learn
Fishing Skills: Bait/rig selection, presentation, how to feel a strike, hook set, and angling Porgy, Black Sea Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, Snappers, and Striped Bass.
Techniques: Bottom fishing, chumming, drift fishing, trolling, and more.
Knots & Gear: Tie basic knots and use spinning or conventional tackle like a pro.
Marine Science: Explore tides, currents, and the local ecosystem with hands-on activities like dredging.
Outdoor Smarts: Understand weather’s impact and fishery regulations for future generations.
Sailing History on the Ida May: Step aboard the Ida May, a 1925 IDA MAY oyster dredge replicated in 2023, and learn how this working boat shaped Oyster Bay’s past while mastering fishing and teamwork on its deck.
A Day on the Water with Reel Explorers Fishing Camp
8:30 AM: Orientation—gear up and learn the day’s target species aboard the Ida May.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Fish Oyster Bay, Lloyd Neck, Huntington and Northport Bay, and the Eatons Neck Triangle with expert guides refining your skills on the Ida May’s historic deck, built for hauling oysters and now your catch.
12:00 PM: Lunch break on the water—fuel up!
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Dredge marine life, or visit a spot off Caumsett, Fort Hill, The Coast Guard Station, or Lloyd Harbor.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Cruise back on the Ida May with new stories to tell.
Why Our Camp Stands Out
The Ida May Experience: Campers fish aboard the Ida May, a replica of the 1925 oyster dredge launched in 2023 to preserve Oyster Bay’s heritage. With plenty of room for our campers, this working boat offers a stable platform packed with modern gear—perfect for learning from pros who share its history and secrets.
More Than Fishing: Dredging, crab traps, and marine science make every day an adventure.
Expert Guides: Our team brings the bay and sound to life with local knowledge and passion.
Small Groups: Maximum 10-15 campers per boat for personalized fun and learning.
All Gear Included: Rods, reels, bait—plus a knot guide!
Waterfront Legacy: The Waterfront Center’s mission is to connect people to the water through education and recreation.
Sibling Discount: 10% off
