Youth Education Report

JCAA FLUKE TOURNAMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the JCAA membership volunteers, contestants, sponsors, and merchants that supported the JCAA Fluke Tournament. Funds from the Fluke Tournament help provide needed drug awareness literature, fishing equipment for disadvantaged youth, and aquatic education materials to promote environmental stewardship. The JCAA Youth Education/Drug Awareness program has grown over the years and each year we teach as many as 4,000 children and their families, the joys of fishing. Our youth fishing program is highly recognized by the State of New Jersey and we support other state programs by demonstrating the use of partnership materials such as: the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs program, National Fishing and Boating Week, and “Passport to Fishing and Boating.” During the month of June, 2008, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee provided fishing instruction and materials to several hundred families in Monmouth and Ocean county. Members of the JCAA Youth Education Committee and Vietnam Veterans of America, NJ Chapter 12, presented a fishing program for children that are temporarily homeless during National Fishing and Boating Week. Children learned how to safely fish from a boat, prepare for a boat trip, and how to properly adjust a life vest. Children also learned about National Fishing and Boating Week and how to take advantage of the many fishing and boating opportunities in Monmouth and Ocean County. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee supported this worthwhile event by providing “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” and “Passport to Fishing and Boating” packets for all the youngsters. If your fishing club or organization would like information about JCAA youth education seminars, please e-mail, Gkucharews@aol.com and if time allows we will help support your event.

SECOND REQUEST FOR LETTERS

Due to lack of funding issues this year, the youth fishing derby season that generally takes place during the months of May through September will be suspended due to budget short falls and less staffing within the Division of Fish and Wildlife. This is a great disappointment to the many fishing clubs and organizations that depend on the support of the Division of Fish and Wildlife to assist with providing derbies and educational programs to New Jersey children and their families. We request letters be written to bring the Derby program back and give young anglers and their families the opportunity to experience the fun of participating in a fishing derby and learning about fish identification. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association will send a letter on behalf of its membership to reinstate the youth fishing derby for fiscal year 2009. Please address your letters to the JCAA, Youth Education Committee, 1201 Highway 37 East, Toms River, NJ 08753. The letters will be forwarded to the State Office of Information and Education supporting the reinstatement of the youth fishing derbies provided by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Pequest Trout Hatchery - PRESS RELEASE

Weekday dates for group programming (http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqprog.htm) at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center are still available for July and August. Groups with a minimum of 15 participants in grades 2 and up may schedule group programs. The basic program consists of a video about the hatchery followed by a guided tour. This program runs for two hours and can accommodate a maximum of 100 people. Fishing education classes are offered from April through October to groups with between 10 and 25 people. Classes cover safety, ethics, technique and equipment followed by an actual fishing experience on Pequest's trout stocked education pond. All equipment is provided, however, you must supply the bait. Groups may also combine the two programs for a four-hour education experience at the hatchery. The day will start off with the video and tour of the facility. After a break for lunch, the group and staff reconvene for the fishing education portion of the program. There are picnic facilities on the grounds, but no vending machines or indoor/sheltered eating facilities. Students will be outdoors for part of the program and should dress accordingly. Programs are conducted rain or shine and there are no rain dates. There are no fees charged for the programs. For further information or to schedule a program please call 908-637-4125.

BE SAFE-HAVE FUN-ENJOY FISHING

Greg Kucharewski, a member of the Shore Surf Club, is the J.C.A.A. Youth Education Director. If you would like to help with our youth education efforts and offer some of your time to teach children the joy of fishing please phone 732-785-9278 or e-mail Gkucharews@aol.com.

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