Youth Education Report
Members of the Newark Bait and Fly-Casting Club will host their annual kid’s fishing night at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located in Union, NJ. The seminar is scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Kenilworth VFW and it’s always a lot of fun for the youngsters. Children and their families are welcome to come and enjoy a night of fun-fishing activities and refreshments. The children that attend the fishing program always enjoy working with the membership of this club because they are devoted to teaching the joys of fishing. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee will provide prizes for this worthwhile event. Lis Jackson, NJ HOFNOD Coordinator is the guest speaker for the evening. If you would like to become a certified NJ HOFNOD instructor, please contact Liz Jackson, NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife, Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs, 605 Pequest Road, Oxford, NJ 07683, (908) 637-4125 x122. Visit the NJ HOFNOD website to view a group near you.
The veterans’ women and active-duty military spouses freshwater fishing workshop is not just about how to fish, but also about how to connect to other resources to gain knowledge about freshwater fishing opportunities in New Jersey. The workshop will be conducted at Ponderosa Estate Farm, Lake Julianna Millstone Township. Karen Noe, JCAA Youth Education team member is organizing the workshop and is working on a date and time during the Spring of 2024. For more information about the workshop, contact Karen Noe at (732) 245-2751.
We were contacted by the Hi-Mar Striper Club and Sandy Hook Bay Anglers. Both fishing clubs would like to support us by taking veterans out fishing. Karen Noe is working with club members that would like to support our Play HOOK-e from PTSD take a vet fishing. We will have more information in the next JCAA newsletter.
Keep in mind we have plenty of loaner rods and reels available for veterans and active-duty military families to utilize during the 2024 fishing season. The folks at Tsunami rods and reels were very generous in supporting our veteran family fishing programs. If you know a veteran looking to learn about freshwater and saltwater fishing and would like to borrow a rod and reel, please contact Karen Noe at the JCAA office or Don Marantz. If you know a veteran in need of a rod and reel and would like to learn about surf fishing, please contact Don Marantz at (908) 347-1434. We thank everyone at Tsunami Rods and Reels for their continued support.
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 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.
Be sure to visit the JCAA booth at upcoming fishing and boating shows. Stop by and meet our team. They can answer all your questions about saltwater fisheries management and pending regulations. You can also ask questions about upcoming JCAA used fishing merchandise that will be on sale during early April and May. Don’t forget to support the high school fishing flea markets that help our youngsters learn about fishing.
Sisters Afield: Register Here
Pequest Trout Hatchery: See Schedule
- Friday Fly Tying Basics (3-Part Class) - Feb. 2, March 2, and April 5
- Make Your Own Fly-Fishing Leader - February 7
- Cold Weather Hiking Essentials - February 13
- Winter Hike - February 14