JCAA

      

Youth Education Report

by Greg Kucharewski

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association November 2001 Newsletter)

NJBBA FISHING FUN FOR KIDS

For the sixth consecutive year, the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association (NJBBA) and the Park sponsored a youth fishing tournament at Island Beach State Park.  On this first day of autumn and the beginning of the "fall" fishing season, 63 young folks came out with their families and friends for a spirited day of fun, learning and competitive fishing.

Earlier in the day fish were plentiful as a school of bait swam south along the shore of the park, then a net boat came in and demonstrated what happens when they come perhaps too close to shore and net the plentiful blues and stripers and whatever. Maybe it was the sight of the hoards of young folks and their families descending on the beach, surf rods in hand!   Or maybe it was too much sun and fair weather, but the fish were soon spooked & "out for lunch" and try as they might, the young folks didn't catch and release too many.

As this was a Future Fisherman Foundation registered and sanctioned HOFNOD (Hooked on Fishing & Not on Drugs) event, there were experiential learning exhibits and demonstrations. JCAA provided HOFNOD materials and D.A.R.E. Police Officers from Seaside Park and Berkeley Twp. brought vehicles and handouts for all ages. Legendary folks like Butch Colvin and Capt. Mike Corblies from Coastal Guides shared techniques and secrets of fishing with an attentive audience! There was knot tying, lure selections, bait, casting and more for all the folks in attendance!

After the fishing and weigh-ins there were catches that did warrant the big, donated prizes & trophies! Thomas Barnes, 9 & Timothy Barnes, 7, won the custom made rods. Miss Amanda Dejulia, age 2!, landed a snapper blue for a lot of prizes and 3 other blues were prizewinners. Everyone went home happier and smarter for the experience because of the tireless hours, equipment, food & refreshments, and just plain selfless effort put forth by the numerous "volunteers" who put together this event! Folks and businesses too numerous to mention here were unbelievably generous in their continued support of this event. A gracious & heart-felt "thanks" to you all; you know who you are!

Perhaps the greatest reward of all is the realization that we have many young folks as repeat participants now; their smiles are contagious! We even have a few young folks who will be "graduating" to adult status in Clubs, and they got their start here. Many come back for the Governors Cup in a couple of weeks, and this event is the springboard for their success in that adventure. Again, "thanks" to one & all; it was another great event!

Participants enjoyed learning about surf fishing techniques at the 10th Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament that was held Sunday, October 7, 2001 at Island Beach State Park, New Jersey.  The surf-fishing event was a huge success and families learned the basics of surf fishing with the help of several event sponsors.  Many thanks to the volunteers that give their time to make this event the largest family-oriented surf fishing tournament along the east coast.  Proceeds from the event are used to purchase disabled-access surf wheelchairs, outdoor educational equipment, aquatic/drug awareness education programs and life saving equipment.

Special thanks to Dr. Eleanor Bochenek, Nick DeMicco, Billy Williams and Ed Norvilis for volunteering their services at the JCAA Youth Education Booth.  Great Job!

2001 YOUTH EDUCATION AWARD

The J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee will present the 2001 Youth Education Award to the Friends of Island Beach State Park at their annual holiday party.

YOUTH EDUCATION SUPPORT

During the month of October we supplied “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” information and materials to the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, Shore Surf Club, Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament and the Long Branch Elementary School.  Interest in youth fishing programs within the membership of JCAA is growing.  If you would like to help with our youth education efforts and offer some of your time teaching children the joy of fishing please phone 732-785-9278 or e-mail Gkucharews@aol.com.