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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 2006 Newsletter)
HOFNOD CERTIFICATION
The JCAA Youth Education Committee would like to schedule a sign-up “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” certification training session during the month of January and February 2006. We will provide a signup sheet for JCAA member representatives at the JCAA general membership meetings. Club representatives can bring the HOFNOD sign-up certification sheets back to their clubs and return the information to the JCAA Youth Education Committee. Members of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will present the HOFNOD certification program. Wayne Tonneson, NJ Conservation Officer and NJ State Coordinator for the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program, will assist the JCAA Youth Education Committee with choosing a training/certification schedule that will be suitable for our needs. If you would like more information about the upcoming HOFNOD certification program and youth fishing programs, please e-mail Greg Kucharewski at gkucharews@aol.com and place HOFNOD in the subject line.
FAMILY FISHING VACATION
I recently received this information from the Take Me Fishing Boating & Fishing News website. What could be more fun than a fishing fun vacation? Check it out and you will be surprised how many fishing vacation opportunities you will find.
Mention fishing lodges and most people picture a rustic cabin equipped with only the bare necessities. What they don't know is that many of today's fishing lodges have evolved considerably from those of yesteryear. Families who enjoy the outdoors are discovering that these new fishing lodges are complete vacation resorts, offering not only great fishing with top-notch guides and the most well equipped boats, but also a range of other activities. From nature trails to fine dining, luxurious accommodations and spa treatments, there's something for each member of the family. Hooked on the idea of a family fishing vacation? Start planning today. Find a fishing lodge by visiting http://www.takemefishing.org/facilitySearch.aspx?searchType=Asearch page and search by one of these keywords: lodge, camp, ranch, inn. Looking for your favorite fishing lodge, but don't see it listed? Help them populate their listings by using http://www.takemefishing.org/facilitySearch.aspx?searchType=A and just be sure to include one of the following words in the description: lodge, camp, ranch or inn.
$1,000.00 GRANTS
The website –http://www.nanfa.org/corcoran.shtml for the North American Native Fishes Association has small grants of up to $1,000 for projects to educate the general public about native North American fishes and their environment. The grants can be used for producing and distributing educational materials, stream surveys with public education as a primary goal, public lectures, nature center displays, school materials and displays, and teacher training workshops. The award was established in memory of past NANFA President Gerald C. Corcoran, who stressed public education regarding the continent's native fishes. NANFA is an organization made up of home and professional aquarists, university and other professional researchers, conservationists, anglers and naturalists. As its name implies, the group is dedicated to the study and conservation of North America's native fishes. Grant proposals are due March 31, 2006. Proposals will be evaluated and ranked by a review committee, and funding awarded on June 1, 2006. Qualifying applicants must be members of NANFA but non-members may submit their annual dues with their proposals.
HRFA YOUTH ANGLING 2006
The Hudson River Fisherman’s Association is well on their way with youth angler fishing events for 2006. I spoke to one of the HRFA members and more than nine events are planed for the upcoming fishing season. They planned the following for this Spring: April 8th on Piermont Pier: Piermont, NY, April 29th CATFISH DERBY on the Piermont Pier: Piermont, NY, MAY 7TH “HOOKED ON THE HUDSON.” This is their premiere event and it is held on Ross’s Dock under the George Washington Bridge in the Palisades Intestate Park. Remember, all the events are free and they will provide children with the use of a rod and a reel, bait and lunch. The HRFA membership does a great job supporting their youth events and all the volunteers make it a success. This is a great tool for young anglers learning to fish. Check out the HRFA’s Kaptain Katch’s Ship’s Log message. Ahoy mates! Kaptain Katch here to welcome you to the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association Youth Angler official news column. We’ve got a lot in store for you and the best part is you get to participate and make it all happen. Every month I’m going to be here and we’ll have news from you, that’s right! You fish and have lots to share. Send me your articles and I’ll put it in the Riverview’s Magazine, the official news magazine of the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, We’ll also have answers to the questions you send. You can send them in either by e-mail or snail mail (US Post Office).
OUTDOOR SPORTSMEN SHOWS
The JCAA’S Youth Education Committee, will be featuring special youth education seminars at upcoming sportsmen shows. Participating merchants at the hunting and fishing expositions will offer special promotions at their booths for children attending the JCAA's, Youth Fishing Seminars. Parents are also welcome to attend.