JCAA

      

Youth Education Report

by Greg Kucharewski

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 2002 Newsletter)

OUTDOOR SPORTSMEN EVENTS AND BOAT SHOWS:

There is still plenty of time to catch the action at Outdoor Sportsmen Events and Boat Shows. Recently, several members of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association attended a Sportsmen Event at Raritan Center. The main reason why so many JCAA members attended the Sportsmen Event was to help at the JCAA booth. JCAA members gave their time to help answer questions about marine resource issues, sell raffle tickets, and promote the sale of JCAA sportswear. Frank Richetti lent a hand at the JCAA Youth Education HOFNOD’s Casting seminar and modeled the JCAA “From Sea to Shinning Sea” tee shirt at Salon A. I am sure tee shirt sales did well that day. Many thanks to Frank and the guys at the JCAA booth that covered for him while he helped at our youth seminar. Boat shows and Sportsmen events are a good way to pass the cold days of winter. You can learn about the latest fishing techniques and new equipment. It is also a great opportunity to stop by the JCAA booth and ask questions about fisheries management. If you are asked to write a report for school, why not write about something you like to do. Fishing is fun and I am sure it would make a fine report. For starters, pick up the JCAA Newspaper at our booth. There is plenty of information about current fisheries management issues and aquatic conservation concerns. If you need more information our JCAA volunteers have a wealth of knowledge about saltwater fishing. Remember that there are plenty of shows coming up, so spend some quality time together and stop by the JCAA booth to say hello.

INDOOR PITCH CASTING:

We had several requests from parents at the indoor pitch casting seminar that wanted to learn how to make the cardboard fish we used in the demonstration. Cardboard Fish Instructions: 1. Cut a cardboard rectangle six inches wide and twelve inches long. 2. Draw the shape of a fish tail to the center of the width of the rectangle. 3. Fold the corners to form the fish head, but measure a quarter inch space in the center to accept the casting line and plastic lure/sinker. 4. Draw an eye on the first folded corner and a red gill below the eye on the second fold. 5. Paint or color the fish with crayons. Hint: Use bright colors and make five to seven fish. 6. Place the fish in a small school and practice casting to catch your newly made cardboard fish.

TEACHING KIDS TO FLY-FISH

Recommended reading: Title First Cast

165 b/w photos, 25 drawings, 6 x 9 .Based on a proven program for teaching fly fishing to children and youth detailed, illustrated guide to the acclaimed Fly Fisher Apprentice Program covers tackle, fly tying, casting, knots, wading. Any adult who has ever tried to teach a child to fly-fish will be eager for this book. Phil Genova, nationally known for his work as founder and director of the Fly Fisher Apprentice Program, shares proven techniques he has developed through the years to motivate and teach kids to fly-fish. His approach is that kids should have fun as they learn. His program, likewise, instills the concepts of environmental awareness and stewardship of the land that are integral to the sport.