YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARDBy Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association - November 1995 Newsletter)
Young Anglers Fishing For Striped Bass Again
After many years of striped bass size limits set at 32 inches to 34 inches, young anglers are once again showing signs of becoming interested in fishing for striped bass. With present New Jersey size limits set at 28 inches youngsters are re-entering the sport of surf casting for striped bass and enjoying successful experiences. According to many of the outdoor writers that attended The Fisherman magazine’s writers organizational meeting on November 15, 1995, young anglers are finally getting a chance to harvest striped bass again because of the lower size limit. It is more of an accomplishment for young anglers when they can contribute to their families meals by bringing home a fish for dinner once in a while. A majority of our young anglers are into catch and release, but it's nice to have the option of keeping a striped bass for table fare. You’re probably thinking young teens wouldn't be interested in standing on a cold beach in November to go fishing for striped bass, but their numbers are growing, at least in New Jersey, just check out the beach. Many people think children have it made today with all the new high-tech toys and computer game enhancements to keep them busy, but no toy or computer game can take the place of a youngster setting a hook on striped bass and back peddling up the beach to reel in a prize catch they can take home to show mom or dad. How many teenage kids have you heard say to their parents while sitting at a family meal, "remember that Ninga Turtle game I played in 1988 and I made it to the room of doom"? Not many but, if the topic of fishing comes up they will tell you every detail about their angling accomplishments, just like some adults.
I feel we must continue to work for better management of our aquatic resources and preserve all fisheries so our youth of today can enjoy harvesting a fish tomorrow. If young anglers know they have a reasonable chance of catching a fish, they will always make time for sport fishing. Nothing compares to hearing a youngster say .... "I want to go fishing".
Red Bank Middle School
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association's Youth Education Committee conducted a "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" program for members of the Red Bank Middle School's Urban Children's outdoor project. Miss. Donna Hughes, is the coordinator for the Urban Children's outdoor project and is considering a youth fishing program for their 1996 outdoor theme. She informed me the children are excited about fishing, environmental issues and recycling. If the Red Bank Middle School decides to initiate a "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" program the J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee will help support their efforts.
New Saltwater Fishing Guide
Dr. Eleanor Bochenek, Marine Agent for New Jersey Sea Grant and the Jersey Coast Anglers Youth Education Committee will develop a saltwater resource fishing guide to complement the existing freshwater "Pathway To Fishing" program. The saltwater fishing guide will be part of a project to teach students how to fish for saltwater species of fin fish and protect our aquatic environment offshore.
YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARDOUTDOOR SPORTSMEN SHOW
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association's Youth Education Committee, will conduct a knot tying and slide show along with a mini Pathway To Fishing program for children at Raritan Center Exposition Hall in Edison, NJ. The hour long program will take place Sunday, January 16, 1996 and parents are welcome to attend. Participating merchants at the hunting and fishing expo will offer special promotions at their booths for children attending the Jersey Coast Anglers Association's, Youth Fishing Seminar.
Be Safe - Enjoy Fishing !!!
Greg Kucharewski, a member of the Shore Surf Club, is the J.C.A.A. Youth Education Director. For information on aquatic youth education material write to: J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee, 1201 Rt. 37 East, Suite 9, Toms River, NJ 08753 or phone the J.C.A.A. office at 908/506-6565 voice mail box #1