YOUTH ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARDBy Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association May 1995 Newsletter)
National Fishing Week, June 5 - 11, 1995
Free Fishing Days in New Jersey are Saturday & Sunday June 10 & 11, 1995. Residents and non-residents may fish the public waters of New Jersey without a license or trout Stamp. All other regulations apply.
Last year the J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee, coordinated fishing and aquatic education programs for the week long celebration of National Fishing Week, Cast Across America 1994. The total number of participants were 855. This year we hope to extend the number of National Fishing Week participants from last year and encourage member clubs from JCAA to hold a youth fishing program during National Fishing Week. Member clubs that wish to conduct a National Fishing Week program, can phone in the number of participants in their event to the JCAA office. All National Fishing Week participant totals will be calculated and counted in the grand total for New Jersey. Also during National Fishing Week, if your club would like to help collect funds for children with cancer that want to go fishing. Please contact Greg Kucharewski, "Kid's Wish'N To Go Fish'N" 908/840-9197. We have donation canisters available.
Members of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Shore Surf Club, Monmouth & Ocean County Girl Scouts, local residents and students from Monmouth Regional High School spent time on Earth Day April 25, 1995 cleaning the area of Lake of the Lilies, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Members of the Shore Surf Club clean the area bi-monthly and participate in a major cleanup annually. Lake of the Lilies as their adopt a lake site since 1988.
D.A.R.E. TO GO FISHING:
The JCAA Youth Education Committee, will attend the D.A.R.E. To Go Fishing Steering Committee meeting Thursday, May 18, 1995 at the Nacote Creek Law Enforcement Office.
The JCAA Youth Education Committee, will support a recent grant submitted by Dr. Eleanor A. Bocheneck, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County and approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cooperative Funding Program (ES-USDA and FWS-USDI). Funds received from the grant will be used to develop "A Program To Educate Disadvantaged Youth About The Aquatic Environment and Recreational Fishing". Project Description: Utilizing existing materials such as "Pathway To Fishing", FFF "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs", Project Aquatic Wild, as well as other resources a booklet geared to middle school students will be developed stressing anadromous and coastal fisheries habitat as well as coastal environmental issues and resources. Some key areas that will be covered are: wetlands ecology, non-point and point source pollution, watershed management, estuarine and marine ecology, marine debris and endangered and exotic species. A second component of the guide will emphasize fishing and include: fish biology (including some common freshwater, anadromous and marine species of Mid-Atlantic); fish habitat; various types of rods/reels; casting methods; tying knots; baits and lures; angler ethics; and catching, releasing and handling of fishes (including tag and release). This resource booklet will be developed from April through June 1996, with a review of the contents from the program participants.
To promote National Fishing Week in June 1996, the resource booklet will be used for a short program (middle school youth) at one of the local schools in Ocean County. Thirty disadvantaged middle school students (5th and 6th graders) from Ocean and Atlantic Counties will be selected from local schools to attend a two day program (July 1996).
Marie Frolio, JCAA Aquatic Education Coordinator, will attend the Coastal Workshop for Teachers at Wetlands Institute Stone Harbor, New Jersey May 20 - 21, 1995. Topics for the weekend workshop: Principles of Wildlife Management, Marine Resources and their importance to people, Wetlands and Wildlife, Delaware Bay Migration, Teachers Networking Session and Beast of the Barrier Islands. Please keep in mind free workshops for Project Aquatic Wild will take place throughout the state for more information please phone Larry Sarner, NJ FG&W, - I&E 609/748-2031.
Hudson River Fishing Association:
Congratulations to the Hudson River Fishing Association, for conducting another successful youth fishing derby this past month. We heard through the grapevine that all participants enjoyed the days activities and had lots of fun. That's what it's all about!!! Their membership is dedicated to promoting youth fishing in urban areas and teaching children about protecting our aquatic resources.
They Are Hooked:
After a lesson about fishing by a JCAA youth education instructor the first grade class at McGalliard Elementary School, Hamilton Township, NJ is hooked. The class will be traveling to Island Beach State Park, for a field trip and a hands on learning experience that will be conducted by aquatic educator's Marilyn Truesh, Island Beach State Park and Marie Frolio, JCAA Youth Education Committee. Activities from the Project Aquatic Wild Curriculum will be discussed.
Dr. Eleanor Bocheneck, will attend the NJ Division of Science and Research meeting Monday, May 15, 1995 and submit the JCAA Youth Education response concerning the development of a lesson plan for schools in the Newark Bay Complex. Key concepts will include: History of environmental contaminants, Adverse Health Effects, Ecological Aspects, Geographical Aspects, Preventive Measures, and Continuing Activities. See JCAA editors note for detail information.
Summer Fun Youth Fishing & Crabbing Tournament:
The JCAA Youth Education Committee will assist the Seaside Business Association, with the promotion of a summer youth fishing & crabbing tournament. Plans were developed earlier this month to initiate healthy outdoor activities for families visiting the popular vacation resort. The Seaside Business Association will offer family entertainment and activities every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the summer along with free beach days. Contact their funtastic hotline 1-800-SEA-SHOR(E) for an event schedule.
The Girl Scouts of Brick, NJ and several service organizations in Brick Township, will host a fishing program entitled "Kid's Teaching Kid's" during National Fishing Week, June 5-11, 1995. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association will support this event by providing fishing equipment, aquatic education material, and guidance to promote a successful Pathway To Fishing & "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" event.
YOUTH ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD
- SURF CASTING SEMINAR - The JCAA Youth Education Committee, will conduct a FREE surf casting seminar 11 am., Sunday, June 11, 1995 at Area #19 Island Beach State Park, NJ. JCAA educators and volunteers from the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, will use the 25, ABU Garcia fishing rods and reels that are available for surf fishing instruction at the park. A variety of surf casting techniques will be demonstrated and the correct use of saltwater terminal tackle. The free surf casting activity is part of the National Fishing Week, Take A Friend Fishing celebration. There is a fee for anglers entering Island Beach State Park, to attend the surf casting seminar. Please phone Marie Froilo JCAA Aquatic Education Coordinator for more information 609/581-1683.
- National Fishing Week Event, Sunday, June 11, 1995, Surf Casting Seminar and Beach Fun at Island Beach State Park, NJ. Free use of surf fishing rods and reels or bring your own equipment. Expert surf fishing instructors will demonstrate the basics of surf casting.
- June 11, 1995 National Fishing Week activities at Lake Riviera, Brick Township, NJ. Events include: Fishing Contest, Games for children, Fishing Flea Market, "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" and Pathway To Fishing program will be presented.
- June 18, 1995 Seaside Heights, NJ will begin their annual Seafood Festival to extend the National Fishing Week celebration, along with the Future Fisherman Foundation's "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" to promote their new family entertainment image. Seafood In Seaside 10 AM -7 PM, Seafood, Arts and Crafts, Entertainment, Youth Casting Event, Rides, and fun for the whole family. Sponsored by the Seaside Business Association.