Youth Education Report
Brick Memorial High School Fishing Club students are finishing the fishing season with Tog fishing at the Point Pleasant Canal and scoring a few trips on the Miss Michelle charter boat.
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A lot of excellent work is being done by NJ HOFNOD instructors throughout the state. Please view the NJ HOFNOD website here to see all the good work each county in New Jersey is doing. To become a volunteer instructor please contact 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.
Paul and Joyce Lenzo from the Forked River Tuna Club received the 2023 JCAA Youth Education Award at the JCAA Sportsperson of the Year Dinner. Paul and Joyce were honored for promoting youth fishing and conservation education programs for youngsters and their families. (Please read Paul Haertel’s article for detailed information.)
The husband-and-wife team were involved in many club activities and always willing to teach families about the many Forked River Tuna Club fishing programs.
We thank Sean Moley for all his time and hard work to keep our veterans learning about fishing at the pier. A new vetting program is in place at the pier. Between now and December 31, 2023, individuals needing access to the Waterfront area are encouraged to visit the Visitor Control Center at Building C-68 (where all fishing patrons went to have their photos taken and get their badge printed) to create their unique PIN. This service is available from Monday to Friday, between 0700 and 1500 (except federal holidays). During your visit, you will have the chance to register a personalized PIN number within your DBIDS profile. This PIN number will be your unique second factor for accessing the Waterfront AVG gate. This window is provided to ensure everyone's needs are addressed. Installation security kindly request that you avoid waiting until the eleventh hour to take action. If you have any questions please phone Naval Weapon Station Earle Moral, Welfare, and Recreation at 732-866-2448.
We remind all eligible disabled veterans to apply for an IBSP 2024 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, info available at this link. For more information about permits and hours contact Island Beach State Park at (732) 793-0506. Also, visit VVA Chapter 12 for Play HOOK-e veteran news and discounts.
Don’t wait till the fish are biting to have rod and reel repairs done. January, February, and March are the perfect months to get your equipment ready for the 2024 fishing season. During the holidays, please stop by your local tackle dealer and check out their bargain bins. You never know what you will find. Many dealers offer gift certificates for rods/reels and new gear. Tip: Shop locally and visit our tackle dealers list for veteran discounts.
We received another supply of new Tsunami rods and reels that will allow us to expand our Play HOOK-e from PTSD program to other organizations and veteran families. Thirty-four rods and reels will be distributed to our Play HOOK-e Volunteer Leaders. The leaders will monitor the loaner rods and reels and be sure the equipment is utilized to the maximum. We will also give rods and reels to veterans that are living on limited funds and are not able to afford fishing equipment. We have trained volunteers that know how to work with veterans and their families.
