Youth Education Report

YOUTH EDUCATION AWARD NOMINATIONS

There is still time to submit nominations for the JCAA Youth Education Award at the next JCAA meeting. Nominations can also be e-mailed to gkucharews@aol.com.

GOVERNOR’S SURF FISHING TOURNAMENT

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 at the Governor’s 16th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament. Special thanks go out to Nick DeMicco, Shore Surf Club for assisting at the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s “Fish Printing” booth. We also thank the many volunteers, judges and sponsors of the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament that make the tournament a great success.

HOFNOD CERTIFICATION

The JCAA Youth Education Committee would like to host a “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” certification training session during the month of February or March 2008. We will provide a signup sheet for JCAA member representatives to bring back to their club or organization. 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. The JCAA Youth Education Committee also provides HOFNOD, "TAKE ME FISHING," and commercial drug awareness materials to member clubs/organizations of JCAA. Throughout 2007 several fishing clubs and organizations have used the services of the JCAA Lending Library and ordered environmental support materials for their events. We are proud to support members within JCAA with materials for their events. Remember to provide us with a follow-up letter about your event so it can be part of the JCAA Newspaper. We would like to publish your success stories in the JCAA Newspaper. If your organization needs “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” promotional items for your event, please phone 732-785-9278 and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible and support your event with materials from the JCAA Lending Library.

YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD

Here's how a circle hook works. The most effective way to hook a fish with a circle hook is not to raise the rod in a quick motion, more or less to reel and lift at the same time. If you do the typical hook set, you will pull the hook out of the fish’s mouth. The fish grabs the baited hook and starts to swim away. The line tightens slowly and usually pulls the hook out of the throat and to the corner of the mouth, where the point rotates and pierces the jaw hinge or check. Once the fish is hooked, it cannot escape. According to manufacturers, advantages of the circle hook design include increased catch rate, higher lip hook rate, which greatly reduces mortality; ease of use because the fish hooks itself; and less snagging in certain bottom fishing applications. Remember, avoid the typical hook setting practice.

OUTDOOR SPORTSMEN 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.

[News Contents] [Top]