Mark Gintert, Future Fisherman Foundation (F 3) Executive Director and Dawn Cook, Arkansas Fish & Wildlife Commission along with New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife Education Staff conducted a two-day “Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs” (HOFNOD) workshop at Cheesequake State Park. The HOFNOD workshop was part of the DFW’s education plan to expand NJ HOFNOD and restructure the program to better meet the expectations of measuring drug avoidance among school-age children that participate in HOFNOD multi-sessions. The NJ HOFNOD program will be conducted as an after school/weekend activity and also implemented by community faith-based organizations. The idea is to keep children engaged in the program over a period of time so that they may learn all the segments within HOFNOD. Participants will have a better understanding of HOFNOD and they can share their fishing and conservation experience with others to promote stewardship of the HOFNOD program.
The workshop was very informative and covered a variety of topics that included the following: Overview of HOFNOD by Mark Gintert F3 Director, Outline and Vision of NJ HOFNOD by Jim Sciascia, Chief of Information and Education, About Fish, Fish Anatomy Drill, Where Fish live and why, Fish Interaction Exercise by Liz Jackson, NJ HOFNOD Coordinator, Match the Hatch by Jessica Girglik, Design a Lure, and Education, Balance of Nature by Dawn Cook, HOFNOD Coordinator for Arkansas Fish & Wildlife Commission, Equipment Techniques, Knot Tying, Building your First Rig, Casting Practice, Backyard Bass, Casting Techniques, Fishing Safety, Where to fish in NJ, Rules and Regulations by NJ Conservation Officer, Catch and Release, Care and Harvesting Tips, Fish Cleaning, Pour a Pond/Scale Tale, Available Resources Support, Stewardship Role Playing, Teaching Tips and Techniques, Working with Volunteers/Background Checks, Media and Public Relations, HOFNOD High School Fishing (highschoolfishing.org), and Future HOFNOD Plans (futurefishermenfoundation.org).
We thank Mark Gintert and Dawn Cook for traveling to New Jersey to share their teaching knowledge and experience about coordinating successful HOFNOD learning segments. It was a pleasure to meet them and learn about new teaching methods such as the classroom “Pour a Pond” and “Balance of Nature” activity. As we completed the second day of training, I heard many positive comments about the workshop and how everyone was excited to bring new information about HOFNOD back to their organizations.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife is in the process of organizing trained NJ facilitators who will then train group leaders and support volunteers. If members in your fishing club or organization would like TO become part of the NEW NJ HOFNOD expansion, please phone 732-785-9278 or email gkucharews@aol.com and leave your contact information. You will be contacted about meeting the volunteer criteria for NJ HOFNOD requirements.
It takes the support of many volunteers to bring successes to the fishing community but sometimes individuals and sport-fishing organizations go above and beyond to make the future of fishing better for our youngsters. Please come out and support the recipient of the 2012 JCAA Youth Education Award, Jeff Johnson, at the JCAA Annual Dinner on April 14, 2013 at Crystal Point Yacht Club. Visit jcaa.org for reservations.
Over 35 children attended the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club’s Annual Youth Fishing Fun Night. Paul Harris, President New Jersey Beach Buggy Association (NJBBA), was the guest speaker for the evening and spoke about surf fishing safety. He had youngsters wide-eyed, alert, and hands being raised for responses to questions as he demonstrated the proper handling of a toothy 16 lb. bluefish mount. He explained the reasoning behind using needle nose pliers stored on his surf belt and how to safely remove a hook (without getting any fingers bit); the purpose of using waders and wearing a jacket over top with a safety belt; using a once empty pill bottle. He reviewed the contents of his easily carried small pocket size first aid kit; fishing fillet knife, safety and proper storage in a sheath; protection from sunburn with sunscreen, proper clothing, and sunglasses. JCAA Youth Education Member Tim Burden, NJBBA, was the youth education speaker and conducted a presentation about Water Safety that included: how to properly wear a life jacket, boat capacity measures, and personal safety awareness. Children also had a chance to ask questions about water safety. Tim brought our JCAA “Passport to Fishing and Boating” boat-mat to explain the importance of wearing a life jacket that fits snug during time spent around the water. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association Youth Education Committee has supported this event for a number of years by providing a fishing activity for children and supplying “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” decals, pledge cards, and prizes.
During March, Brick Cub Scout Pack #47 learned how to tie fishing knots and make fishing rigs. Since December 2012, Cub Scout Pack #47 learned the following: Fishing Ethics and Conservation Stewardship, Fish Biology, Where Fish Live, HOFNOD Videos, Knot and Rig Tying, Handling and Releasing Fish.
I witnessed some of the water conservation posters that the Cub Scouts completed as part of one of their February badge requirements. The Cub Scout posters were very creative and sent a clear message about keeping our waterways and environment clean. Good job, guys….I like the way you used the stickers we provided to jazz up the conservation posters.
Don’t forget about the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, the 2013 Skillful Angler Awards Program. Each year anglers have a chance to submit freshwater and marine fish that are close or over New Jersey state records which are recognized through the Skillful Angler Awards Program. Participation is open to all ages and skill levels. For more information about New Jersey’s Skillful Angler program, including minimum size requirements for entry, visit this link.
