Youth Education Report
This fishing day was always a favorite event for Tom Siciliano, Past President JCAA and Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County. I can remember volunteering with Tom when this event first started. The Fishing Tournament is raising funds to make Ace’s dream come true. Ace is diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a rare and severe form epilepsy), Agenesis of the corpus callosum (the structure connecting the brain’s left and right hemispheres is partially or completely absent), and neuro disability. Ace loves water, and it provides great therapy. Ace dreams of an above-ground swimming pool for play and therapy.
George Brown and his crew of expert angler volunteers are gearing up to teach beginner surf fishing clinics at Island Beach State Park. Register and learn from some of the best fishing experts along the Jersey Shore. Learn how to tie knots, how to read the beach, what species to catch and how you can improve your skills! Every Friday morning starting July 11th, till August 30th. Cost: Still only $10. Register here.
The Jersey Coast Shark Anglers will co-sponsor a fishing trip for veteran men and women with Play HOOK-e from PTSD, Vietnam Veterans of America, Shore Area Chapter 12. Register early this fishing trip will fill up fast. Manasquan Elk’s will also help and make sure our veterans have a fun fishing experience. Phone Karen Noe and Michele Kohler to reserve your space. We thank the membership of JCSA for making this an annual event. View their website here
Yes, we are traveling back to NJ to attend the 10th Anniversary festivities and see all our NJ friends at Lake Julianna.
The 10th Annual Play HOOK-e Veterans, Children and Active-Duty Military Fishing Day will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Lake Julianna, Ponderosa Estates Farm in Millstone, New Jersey. Celebrating a decade of service, the event honors the program’s long-standing mission of supporting post-traumatic stress disorder veterans, active-duty military personnel, and disabled children through a free day of fishing, fellowship, and family-centered outdoor activities. Since its founding in 2017, Play HOOK-e has grown into a meaningful multigenerational tradition that promotes healing, mentorship, and community connection.
JCAA member clubs please pass our flyer along. Don Marantz wants to reach a new goal of 1000 participants. Okay Don, I might bring my guitar and sing a tune or two with the VVA 12 Guitars 4 Vets group at Lake Julianna.
The JCAA Youth Education Committee is accepting nominations for the 2026 Youth Education Award. Youth Education Award Criteria: Promoting “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs (HOFNOD),” Certified HOFNOD instructors, number of fishing or aquatic education events, JCAA lending library usage, and creativity for promoting youth events. We already have one nomination from Berkeley Striper Club. Submit your nominations in writing and email to gkucharews@jcaa.org.
A fun time was had by all that attended the NJ HOFNOD Fishing Challenge at Echo Lake. Spring Lake Liveliners Fishing Club volunteers were doing a wonderful job of assisting children with casting. The event was sponsored by: Howell Township Department of Community Relations, Howell Township Municipal Alliance, The Optimist Club of Howell, Spring Lake Fishing Club, NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS), Saker ShopRite of Howell. All participants enjoyed fishing and catching fish. JCAA volunteers were also helping youngsters catch their first fish.
Veterans aboard the Mi-Jo enjoyed a fun fishing trip hosted by the Newark Bait and Fly- Casting Club. As always Rich MacDonald and his volunteers do an excellent job organizing the annual veteran fishing trip.
