The Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program's Youth Fishing Challenge is a statewide event to promote fishing among youths and their families. In 2016 it is being held on the first of the state's two Free Fishing Days, Saturday, June 11, when no license is required to fish regardless of age. Registered youth participants will be eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch during the event. Youths must be present at the conclusion of the event to be awarded prizes. Those who are lucky enough to catch a trout tagged as part of the "Hook-A-Winner" Program will receive a special prize following the event. Extra volunteers will be needed at Leonardo State Marina, 102 Concord Ave., Leonardo, NJ 07737, phone: 732-291-1333, website. Event locations and information are listed at this link.
If you would like to volunteer time with a NJ HOFNOD group to support the 2016 Fishing Challenge, Contact Liz Jackson for details, NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife, Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs, 605 Pequest Road, Oxford, NJ 07683, 908-637-4125 x122.
The JCAA Youth Education Committee is accepting nominations for the 2016 Youth Education Award. 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. 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 fishing events. Submit your nominations in writing (250-500 words) and email the JCAA Youth Education Committee, gkucharews@jcaa.org.
This is the seventeenth year the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Chairman is invited to visit the University of Toledo and assist with their National Youth Sports Program NYSP, Youth Fishing Program.
NYSP is a program that helps children build the skills and the confidence they need to tackle future challenges. The University of Toledo's National Youth Sports Program provides summer recreational, sports, and educational enrichment programming for approximately 200 youths-aged 10 to 16. Our JCAA Youth Education Chairman will provide guidance about the Future Fisherman Foundation’s Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs program and demonstrate a variety of angling techniques. Marine aquatic education will be discussed for children visiting coastal states during the remainder of their summer vacation.
NF&BW Free Fishing Days in New Jersey have changed to June 11 and October 15, 2016. The first FREE day will be held on June 11, 2016. 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 15, 2016 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 J.C.A.A. 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.
The Jersey Shore Chapter of Project Healing Waters is reaching out to veterans that would like to learn about fly casting. They will meet the first Sunday of every month – 10:00 – 1200 Noon at Lake Como, NJ. Everyone is asked to meet at the Gazebo on the Lake. For more information, visit their website.
The Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association will have their organizational meeting for their Junior Mate Training Program at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2016 at the New Jersey Maritime Museum, Dock Road West Ave., Beach Haven, NJ. The BHCFA Junior Mate Program is co-sponsored by Berkley Fishing and offers more opportunity for junior mates to become better anglers. Youngsters must register for the Junior Mate program and applicants must have parental signatures and permission forms completed. For more information about the Junior Mate program, please phone: Capt. John Lewis at 609-670-5980 or Capt. Jimmy Zavacky at 609-915-2498, visit www.BHCFA.com.
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee will assist NJ HOFNOD Boating, Education, And Rescue (B.E.A.R.) by providing assistance during the NJ HOFNOD Fishing Challenge June 11, 2016.
Debbie and Mike Bennett are NJ HOFNOD certified instructors and host by-weekly boating/fishing and environment learning sessions for approximately 60 youngsters.
