Youth Education Report
The Play HOOK-e/Operation Hook It 7th Annual Veterans, Disabled Children and Active-Duty Military Fishing Day. The goal of the veteran, active-duty military, and disabled children fishing day is to feel the health benefits of getting in touch with nature while making good memories with friends and family while fishing.
Veterans and families that have disabled children and other special needs are welcome to register for the 7th annual event. Attendees and their guests are invited to fish at Lake Julianna to catch and release big fish and then join Mr. Vito Cardinale and his staff of volunteers for a free BBQ that will provide soft drinks, pizza, hamburgers & hot dogs, and other goodies. Admission is free but registration is mandatory through Eventbrite. Come join us at Ponderosa Estates Farm, Millstone Township. Don Marantz, Event Chairman, Vito Cardinale, Cardinale Enterprises, and Randy Johnson, Laurita Winery always make this a fun event for children with disabilities and other special needs. The event includes a fishing fun day for children and honoring disabled veterans, along with active-duty military from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Disabled Veterans and children with mobility challenges will have use of 4x4 transportation around the lake, along with fishing assistance if needed. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Jersey Shore Chapter will assist with fly fishing instruction. Boating Education and Rescue (B.E.A.R.) will bring their mobile education booth and “Hooked on Fishing not On Drugs” loaner rods and reels. Mike and Debbie Bennett B.E.A.R. and volunteers will teach youngsters and families about fishing ethics.
Don Marantz, Event Chairman stated: “We have plenty of door prizes, terminal tackle, bait, and other fishing equipment available to ensure that participants have an enjoyable time at Lake Julianna. “Come out and catch a smile.”
Many thanks to our volunteers that came to assist active-duty military and veterans at Naval Weapons Station Earle. Special thanks to MWR Staff, Sean Moley, Peter Locke, Jim Vinciquera, Steve Klusas, and Ron Vanone did a great job of helping the newbies learn to fish on the pier. Roy Hartley supplied more custom loaner rods and reels, so everyone had a new rod and reel to fish with.
JCAA Veteran Outreach, Play HOOK-e Go Fishing will assist upcoming fishing programs to promote saltwater fishing. We thank our friend Roy H. for all the custom rods and reels he provides for our veterans. This year our selection committee will decide who will receive the custom Vietnam Service Ribbon rod and reel.
This is a terrific opportunity for youngsters to learn about fishing. The youth fishing program, "Reel Into Fishing!", is hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) in partnership with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) on August 16-18. Learn more about this exciting free program. Contact: Douglas Zemeckis (County Agent III – Assistant Professor) at zemeckis@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Last year, MA 22, Operation Hook It, provided 392 Veterans with the opportunity to participate in Operation Hook It for FREE. Veterans fished from shore, jetty, pier, and private/party boats. During the 2023, fishing season boaters & captains will again support our heroes and offer more free boat trips. Eric Chamberlain, Kevin Nolan, and Paul Hewitt encourage our veterans to register and update their information. Click here for info on Operation Hook It and registration link.
Please contact Kevin Nolan (knolan@ma22.org) if you would like to have a speaker at your next fishing club meeting.
Newark Bait and Fly-Casting Club hosted their annual fishing trip on the Mi-Jo out of Atlantic Highlands for veterans/disabled veterans. All the veterans had plenty of fun on the Mi-Jo trip.
George Brown and his crew of expert anglers volunteer to teach beginner surf fishing clinics at Island Beach State Park. Register and learn from some of the best fishing experts along the Jersey Shore.
