During 2015 the New Jersey DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will be hosting Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) training for volunteers of youth-centered community and/or faith-based organizations looking to offer an ongoing or year-round youth fishing, conservation and aquatic education program. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association will provide training funds for two members from each member club of JCAA that would like to participate in the HOFNOD training. To receive an application from JCAA email: gkucharews@jcaa.org.
The International Game Fish Association New Jersey Representatives are hosting their 18th Annual banquet and auction on April 17, 2015 at Doolan’s Shore Club, Spring Lake, NJ from 7 to 11 p.m. The banquet and auction benefits the IGFA Junior Angler and Conservation Programs.
Every year we travel to the IGFA Education Center in Dania, FL and I am always amazed at when the buses of young students arrive to learn about conservation and fishing. All their heads are looking up at the fish suspended from the ceiling. It’s good to see them looking up for a change.
If you would like to attend and support this event please contact Jeff Merrill at 908-451-1110 or email jeffmerrill2@verizon.net.
Don’t forget about the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife’s 2015 Skillful Angler Awards Program. Each year anglers have a chance to submit freshwater and saltwater fish that are close or over New Jersey state records are recognized through the Skillful Angler Awards Program. Participation is open to all ages and skill levels. Visit their web site and check out the 2014 winners.
NB&FCC annual Kids Fishing Derby is held each year at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, N. J. and is free for children 16 years of age and younger. Adults may enter for a nominal charge.
The Derby runs for three weeks starting from April 11 and going through May 2, 2015. The registration booth is located at the gazebo on the lower lake and registrations will be accepted from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on the first Saturday of the derby only. Children that have registered will receive a gift bag at the derby location up until 2:00 P.M. on the first Saturday of the derby.
Prizes for the derby will be awarded at the Newark Bait And Fly Casting Club's meeting on June 2, 2015 at 8:00 P.M. For additional information email info@nbfcc.org.
Save the date Saturday, May 9, 2015, the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association will host the 30th Annual Hooked on the Hudson, at Ross Dock, Palisades Interstate Park, Hudson Riverfront located immediately north of the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey. For detailed directions check the park website njpalisades.org. Please go to the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association's Web site www.hrfanj.org for more information. Volunteers for the Annual Hooked on the Hudson always do a fine job of making sure everyone enjoys a day of fishing fun.
Get ready to enter the largest surf-fishing tournament along the Jersey Shore. The Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament will be on Sunday, May 17, 2015. Don’t miss a day of family fun! Pick up a brochure about the tournament at Island Beach State Park or at your favorite tackle dealer. The contest is reasonably priced. Register early and save. The JCAA Youth Education Committee is helping novice anglers at the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament and this will require extra volunteer hours from member clubs in JCAA.
NF&BW Free Fishing Days in New Jersey have changed to June 13 and October 17, 2015. The first FREE day will be held on June 13, 2015 during the summer as is traditional. This day is part of the National Fishing and Boating Week which highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing to enhance peoples' quality of life and to preserve our country's natural beauty.
The second Free Fishing Day will occur after fall trout stocking on October 17, 2015 to bring attention to this great fishing opportunity. On these two days, residents and non-residents may fish New Jersey’s public fresh waters without a license or trout stamp. All other regulations, including size and daily catch limits, remain in effect.
Residents and non-residents may fish the public waters of New Jersey without a license or trout Stamp. All other regulations apply. For those anglers just starting out, the Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many programs and classes to advance from beginner to expert. The Pequest State Trout Hatchery in Oxford, Warren County offers free fishing programs. Pequest offers a Natural Resource Education Center with a variety of exhibits and displays on wildlife, a butterfly garden, picnic areas and hiking trails. There is also a handicapped-accessible fishing site along the Pequest River. Last year the JCAA Youth Education Committee coordinated fishing and aquatic education programs for the week-long celebration of National Fishing Week. This year we will be working with students in Monmouth and Ocean County. Member clubs that wish to conduct a National Fishing Week program can phone 732-785-9278 and we will guide your organization through the process. Phone if you have questions and please record your event. Let the JCAA Youth Education Committee know how many National Fishing Week participants supported your program.
During early spring, there are a number of places to try your luck fishing for winter flounder. The following locations are easy to access from shore: Point Pleasant Canal - Bay Avenue - Pinebluff Ave., and by the bridges. Manasquan Inlet - both sides - are productive and the Mantoloking bridge area: Shark River Inlet and Barnegat Inlet. You might also hook into a Striped Bass if you are using worms, but fresh clams work well for both species. Cut the clams into small strips and use a small hook. Winter flounder have a mouth about the size of a Cheerio.
Remember to check the New Jersey Marine Digest for rules and regulations.
