Youth Education Report
Mr. Ken Rylak, Chairperson of the Annual Youth Seminar, Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club received the 2022 Youth Education Award at the JCAA Sportsperson of the Year Dinner located at the Captains Inn, Forked River, NJ. Mr. Rylak was honored for promoting youth fishing and conservation education programs for youngsters and their families.
Mr. Rylak has been a member of the Fish Hawks for 18 years and a Board Member for 10 years. During that time, Ken has been involved in many club activities and focused on bringing new angling families to the Fish Hawks, to learn about fishing.
Since 2009, over 450 children have participated in the program and each child received a tackle box and rod & reel combo to take home. Ken takes immense pride in connecting children and families to learn about our natural resources and creating an opportunity for families to enjoy fishing well into the future. We were proud to present the 2022 JCAA Youth Award to Mr. Ken Rylak.
Ken takes immense pride in connecting children and families to learn about our natural resources and creating an opportunity for families to enjoy fishing well into the future.
See all the photos from the JCAA Sportsperson-of-the-year Dinner at this link.
This month, Brick Memorial High School students are scheduled to attend a tour of the NJ Marine Service Bureau and fish for blackfish. Sgt. Rob Frake, NJSP and other NJSP Troopers will provide a tour of the Point Pleasant Marine Police facility for high school students. Students will also experience a fast-boat water tour and discuss boating safety with the Troopers.
A lot of good work is being done by NJ HOFNOD instructors throughout the state. Please view NJ HOFNOD here to see all the good work each county in New Jersey is doing. To become a volunteer instructor please contact Liz Jackson or Alanna Newmark, NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife, Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs, 605 Pequest Road, Oxford, NJ 07683, 908-637-4125 x122.
Since June 2022, MA Deuce Deuce, Toms River, NJ surpassed the 2021 record of 251 veterans on boats and fishing from shore to over 460 veterans this year. I spoke to Eric Chamberlain, Event Chairman, Operation Hook It and we calculated all the veterans that were assigned to fish on boats, and Play HOOK-e from PTSD surf fishing, and shore events increased veteran participation. Congratulations to Eric and his team for coordinating all the trips for our veteran men and women.
The Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club helped with this effort and took veterans out fishing during the summer for blowfish. The membership of the Fish Hawks really supported our warriors. Read more here. Many more volunteer boat captains, private/party/charter captains and fishing clubs helped with this effort along with individual veteran advocates that provided their time, fuel, and support.
We remind all eligible disabled veterans to apply for an IBSP 2023 Mobile Sportfishing Permit to drive on the beach. Veterans must provide the following: Form DD 214 Honorable Discharge, Valid NJ Driver License and Registration, Veterans ID Card proof of service-connected disability. If you plan to fish on the beach you must register for a Free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registration Card. It is suggested new beach drivers take a beach safety driving course. NJBBA offers a beach driving course at this link. For more information about permits and hours contact: Island Beach State Park, 732-793-0506. Visit VVA Chapter 12 for Play HOOK-e veteran news and discounts.
We appreciate the time and effort Sean Moley took to work with Naval Weapon Station Earle Moral, Welfare, and Recreation officials to extend access to disabled veterans that receive less than 100 percent compensation. Veterans below 100 percent can now apply for access to the Earle Naval pier. Please follow instructions below to apply.