Youth Education Report

START A SCHOOL FISHING CLUB

It’s easy to start a fishing club at your local school. Many schools throughout New Jersey are promoting outdoor activities such as saltwater and freshwater fishing. The first thing to do is research club activities in your school. If your school does not have a fishing club talk to school officials and request assistance in forming a school fishing club. Most schools have members on their Faculty or PTA/PTO parents that have some knowledge of fishing and would volunteer time to get your school’s fishing club up and running. Fishing is a great outlet for students and there is plenty to learn. Students can learn about the environment, state laws, regulations, water safety, and angling techniques. The best thing about fishing is that it’s a non-competitive sport. Students can have fun and relax and it helps them enjoy school and promotes higher self-esteem. If fishing equipment is needed you can contact the JCAA Youth Education Committee at gkucharews@aol.com and we can provide loaner fishing equipment to get you started.

NATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING WEEK (NFBW)

June 6 – 14 2009 is National Fishing and Boating Week. Last year, the JCAA Youth Education Committee coordinated fishing and aquatic education programs for the weeklong celebration of National Fishing Week. This year we will be working with disadvantaged students in Ocean and Monmouth County. If your fishing club is a member of the JCAA and you plan to hold an event for (NFBW), please let us know about your event and how many participants registered for your event. Member clubs that wish to conduct (NFBW) program and need guidance about how to organize an event can visit the RBFF web site www.rbff.org for information.

NEWARK BAIT AND FLY CASTING DINNER

This past April, I was invited to attend the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club Annual Dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located in Union, NJ. As always the Newark Bait and Flycasting Club had plenty of delicious food and traditional games/raffles. Their guest speaker was Mr. Stephen Carey, President of Fish Sense lures. Mr. Carey explained the design of his product and how the lure worked to catch fish in deep cold water during the early spring season. He also mentioned how easy it was for youngsters to use the lure and he shared some tricks to get your lure free if you happen to get snagged on the bottom. Fish Sense can be used in freshwater or saltwater and the lure can be adjusted by selecting where to position the snap on the lure. Mr. Carey said, “The company is fairly new and he is working hard with his partner to get their product recognized.” He also stated, “It’s a lot of hard work to bring a new product to market.” The Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club also announced their 28th Annual Kids Fishing Day Derby ran through May 8, 2009. This is another great event that the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club runs and there are over 200 children registered for the event. Many thanks go to Gary Yamamoto, Custom Baits, for being a great supporter of this annual fishing event for children.

NATIONAL YOUTH FISHING & BOATING GRANT REQUEST

The JCAA Youth Education Committee received word that we were not selected to receive the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) National Youth Fishing and Boating Grant. We will redesign our grant submission and give it another shot next year.

DONATION OF USED FISHING EQUIPMENT

We appreciate the donation of used fishing from Peg Gleman, Bayville, NJ. The five fishing rods and reels were refurbished by members of the Shore Surf Club and distributed to children at risk in Monmouth County. Hopefully, the children will catch their fish on a donated fishing rod and reel. Thanks, Peg!

[News Contents] [Top]