Youth Education Report

CASTING FOR A DRUG FREE FORT MONMOUTH

Over 100 children from the Fort Monmouth Youth Services Summer Camp participated in a casting and safety event located at the School Age Services tennis courts. Children learned to cast a spin cast rod/reel and how to catch plastic fish that were placed on the tennis court at various distances. Each child that caught a fish received a "I Helped Cast Across America" sticker. A total distance of 9,880 feet were recorded for the day including casts that were over the fence. The JCAA Lake of Opportunity (funds donated to purchase prizes for children) were used to purchase prizes. Each child received "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" material and ball caps that read Fort Monmouth is Hooked on Fishing from the US Army Garrison Substance Abuse Directorate. Many thanks go to all the volunteers that made this a safe and successful event for everyone.

TAKE A DISABLED VETERAN FISHING

The JCAA Youth Education Committee and members of Vietnam Veterans of America will assist disabled veterans that would like to fish at the Governor's 17th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament, Sunday, October 5, 2008. Special arrangements are made for handicapped anglers. Balloon tire equipped beach wheelchairs (capacity 250 lbs.) are available for anglers with disabilities. Volunteers will be needed to assist anglers with special needs who fish on tournament day. To volunteer or to make arrangements for a handicapped angler, please contact Greg Kucharewski at 732-785-9278.

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 shortfalls 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 derbys provided by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

PRESS RELEASE NJ FISH & WILDLIFE

The 17th annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, October 5 at Island Beach State Park. This popular event draws nearly 1000 participants every year. Funds generated through the tournament are used for a myriad of programs including: improving access to public fishing areas, construction of access ramps for disabled anglers, marine education and surf fishing instruction programs, educational displays for Island Beach State Park's interpretive center and the purchase of specialized wheelchairs that provide beach access for disabled and elderly anglers. The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Trophy," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Length of the fish determines the winner, not weight. Anglers wishing to participate in the tournament are reminded to register now: doing so entitles you to save on the adult registration fee, be eligible for special prizes and avoid delays when entering the park. The early entry incentive ends September 14. After this date anglers will be required to register at the tournament. The tournament is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association. A brochure with information about the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament as well as a registration form can be accessed by visiting: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm.

SAD NEWS FROM NEWARK BAIT AND FLY CASTERS

He was known as "Mr. Fred" to the many children that attended youth fishing programs and fishing tournaments throughout New Jersey. Mr. Fred Bercaw passed away after a short illness. He was devoted to teaching children about fishing and had a great sense of humor when children asked questions about fishing. When he taught children about casting his kind demeanor and patience was never-ending. Every year Fred worked hard to solicit prizes for children that fished or were interested in fishing. He will be missed.

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