JCAA

      

Youth Education Report

by Greg Kucharewski

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association November 2002 Newsletter)

JCAA YOUTH EDUCATION AWARD

The Shore Surf Club will receive the Jersey Coast Anglers Association 2002 Youth Education Award for their continued promotion of family fishing and providing “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” programs for middle school students.  The award will be presented at the JCAA Annual Sportsperson of the Year Award Dinner, November 10th, 2002.

GETTING HOOKED AT IBSP

Over 200 children received “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” goodie bags for participating at the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s drug awareness activity booth located at the Governor’s 11th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament.  Wayne Tonnensen, NJ Conservation Officer and NJ State Coordinator for the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program demonstrated saltwater fly tying and taught children the art of tying a Clouser Minnow.  Several children had a chance to experience tying a Clouser Minnow and Wayne Tonnensen patiently guided youngsters through the proper sequence to tie the perfect Clouser Minnow.  I’m sure a youngster will catch a trophy fish on their saltwater fly creation.  Great job, Wayne!  I learned a few tricks myself. 

Special thanks go out to Morgan Murphy for assisting at the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s fish printing booth.  Morgan, sixteen years old, attended JCAA youth programs since 1991 and now is an active volunteer for our HOFNOD programs.  He is part of our “Kids Teaching Kids” fishing program.  The JCAA fish printing activity would not have been possible without the generous donation of towels from Mr. Peter Donnelly, President Royal Wiping Cloth, Fishing Towels and a long time advertising sponsor for JCAA.  We also thank the many volunteers, judges and sponsors of the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament that make the tournament a great success.

WOMEN LEARN SURF FISHING

The “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” surf fishing clinic at Island Beach State Park, New Jersey was a phenomenal event.  Women and a small group of men learned the basics of surf fishing and saltwater fly casting hosted by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife with the support of many volunteers from environmental organizations and fishing clubs.   The following stations were presented: New Jersey saltwater rules and regulations, fish biology, reading the beach, presentation of baits, using artificial lures, rods and reels, knot tying, fly/surf casting, fish fillet/cleaning, and equipment maintenance.  Several participants stated the surf fishing clinic was fun and they would continue to go surf fishing.  Approximately eighteen to twenty BOW people registered to fish the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament and some caught fish that were measured for the prize competition.

BILL S-1778

Bill S-1778 will support state “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” programs.  Please write to your legislators and ask them to support bill S-1778.  Funds from drug related crimes would be channeled into state programs that offer HOFNOD’s training/certification and youth fishing programs.

OUTDOOR SPORTMEN SHOWS

The Jersey Coast Anglers Association's, Youth Education Committee, will feature special youth education seminars at upcoming sportsmen shows.  Participating merchants at the hunting and fishing expositions will offer promotions at their booths for children attending the Jersey Coast Anglers Association's, Youth Fishing Seminars. Parents are also welcome to attend.