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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association October 2004 Newsletter)
CRABBING SEMINAR
On Wednesday, July 21, 2004 the JCAA Youth Education Committee conducted a Crabbing Seminar at the Fort Monmouth Marina for children attending the Ocean County Private Industry Council (PIC). PIC is operated under a grant between Ocean County PIC and Cook College under the direction of Kenneth Karamichael. At the Marina students learned how to make a drop-line for Blue Claw Crabs and use different style crab traps to catch crabs. They also learned about the necessity of aquatic conservation and why it is important to throw back under size crabs. Students from Lakewood South, South Toms River, Jackson, and Toms River, were given the opportunity to experience the Barnegat Bay several times and their favorite crabbing location was Brick Bayside Park. We thank the owners of E-Z CATCH for their generous donation of crab traps for this event. Each student received a goodie-bag of crabbing equipment and information about upcoming fishing/boating events. We often receive letters from students and parents and I would like to share a few thank you letters from the Summer Program PIC students.
“Dear Mr. Greg, Thank you for teaching us about crabs. It really helped me catch more crabs. Thanks a lot. Alfredo.”
“Dear Mr. Kucharewski, It was a pleasure to have met you. It was an interesting seminar, which I enjoyed. Learning more about crabs will benefit all of those who I choose to share my knowledge with. Thanks for the goodie bag and informative information that you provided. Sincerely, Kandice.”
“Dear Mr. Greg, I learned where to catch crabs and how big they need to be to keep them. I now know the difference between male and female crabs. Thank you for sharing your knowledge about crabbing. I will take that information with me in life. From Billy.”
“Dear Mr. Greg, Thank you for giving us the items to use to catch crabs. I enjoyed going crabbing every Friday. Thank you for showing your items to catch crabs. Thank you very much. Your Friend, Jyrome.”
YOUTH EDUCATION SUPPORT
During the month of September, we supplied information and materials to the Ocean County Private Industry Council Club, Cook College, Fort Monmouth School Age Services, and Monmouth County Ocean Township School System. Interest in youth fishing programs within the membership of JCAA is growing. If you would like to help with our youth education efforts and offer some of your time to teach children the joy of fishing, please phone 732-785-9278 and leave a message and we will return your call ASAP.
ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK 10/3/04
The Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament will be held Sunday, October 3, 2004 at Island Beach State Park, New Jersey. Don’t miss it! This family fun event is the largest surf-fishing tournament along the East Coast. The J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee will coordinate fishing and aquatic education programs for children and their families during the surf-fishing tournament and before the awards presentation. Featured programs will include: “Distance Casting” by The Shore Surf Club, “Catch the Backyard Bass” by the J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee, “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs”, “Water Works Wonders” program information by JCAA, “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, along with a variety of informational booths that support the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament. Special arrangements are made for handicapped anglers. Balloon tire equipped beach wheelchairs are available for anglers with disabilities. Volunteers will be on hand to assist any anglers with special needs who want to fish on tournament day. The JCAA Youth Education Committee is helping novice anglers at the Surf Fishing Tournament. This will require extra volunteer hours from member clubs in JCAA. If members in your fishing club would like to help others learn the joy of surf fishing, please phone 732-785-9278 or e-mail gkucharews@aol.com and place IBSP in the subject line. Help is needed to provide assistance for disabled anglers, youth anglers, and novice anglers. This is a fun day. Come out and share your surf fishing expertise and help cast a line of caring.
YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD OUTDOOR SPORTSMEN SHOWS
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association's, Youth Education Committee, will feature special youth education seminars at upcoming sportsmen shows. Participating merchants at the hunting and fishing expositions will offer promotions at their booths for children attending the Jersey Coast Anglers Association's, Youth Fishing Seminars. Parents are also welcome to attend.