Youth Education Report

FREE FISHING DAYS IN NJ

National Fishing and Boating Week, June 2 - 10, 2012: Free Fishing Days in New Jersey are Saturday & Sunday June 16 & 17, 2012. Residents and non-residents may fish the public waters of New Jersey without a license or trout Stamp. All other regulations apply.

For those anglers just starting out, the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many programs and classes to advance from beginner to expert. The Pequest State Trout Hatchery in Oxford, Warren County offers free fishing programs. Pequest offers a Natural Resource Education Center with a variety of exhibits and displays on wildlife, a butterfly garden, picnic areas and hiking trails. There is also a handicapped-accessible fishing site along the Pequest River. Last year the JCAA Youth Education Committee coordinated fishing and aquatic education programs for the week-long celebration of National Fishing Week.

This year we will teach students about saltwater fishing at Ocean & Monmouth County public schools. Member clubs that wish to conduct a National Fishing Week program can phone 732/785-9278 and we will guide your organization through the process. Phone if you have questions and please record your event. Let the JCAA Youth Education Committee know how many National Fishing Week participants supported your program. For more information about National Fishing Week in New Jersey check out: njfishandwildlife.com/ffd.htm

PROMOTE DRUG AWARENESS AT YOUR SCHOOL

Combine environmental education, the excitement of sportfishing and drug prevention into one powerful package and what do you have? The innovative Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs (HOFNOD) program!

The program's primary objective is to develop qualified people to implement the HOFNOD curriculum (K-12) through community networks. Through the program, students and families will learn how to fish and to become stewards of the resource.

By linking hands-on instruction in fishing and environmental stewardship information, the program introduces valuable life skills, positive role models and healthy alternatives to the many negative social pressures influencing the next generation. Providing the enjoyable activity of fishing and a solid foundation to live a drug-free lifestyle, award-winning HOFNOD is considered to be one of the most effective drug prevention programs available by educators, drug prevention specialists and law enforcement personnel across the country. For more information about the “Hooked on Fishing Not On Drugs program phone 732-785-9278 or email gkucharews@aol.com and place HOFNOD in the subject line.

JCAA YOUTH EDUCATION MATERIALS

National Fishing and Boating Week and “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” materials are available to JCAA member clubs and organizations.

Please let the JCAA Youth Education Committee know if your organization needs drug awareness and fishing promotional items for your next fishing event. The JCAA supported two youth events during the month of May and supplies are being replenished. If you are hosting a large event this summer or fall, please phone 732-785-9278 and we will return your call as soon as possible.

SALTWATER FISHING DIGEST

If you did not have a chance to pick up a copy of the 2012 NJ Saltwater Marine Fishing Digest, don’t worry, you can receive a copy of the digest online at the following link: www.njfishandwildlife.com/digmar.htm on the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife website.

MONMOUTH COUNTY HOFNOD PRESENTATION

The JCAA Youth Education Committee will present a HOFNOD learning program in Monmouth County during National Fishing and Boating Week. Students from the Monmouth County ARC will learn the following activities and lessons: Disabled Access fishing locations in Monmouth and Ocean County, fish biology/environmental education and life skills, fishing rules and equipment maintenance. Activities - fish scale tale, knot tying, backyard bass casting exercise, (gyotaku) Japanese fish printing, and fish identification.

Veteran anglers think about donating some of your time to teach children the joy of fishing. Please call 732-785-9278 or e-mail gkucharews@aol.com.

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