I personally would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers that were at the JCAA Booth at the 2025 Saltwater Fishing Expo (March 14th to 16th). The recreational community needs more people like them to get involved. This is one way to talk to people that have the same interests as us but may be unaware how things happen but complain they are unhappy with certain if not all regulations that are imposed on the recreational community. People that work the JCAA Booths try to educate and provide ways to get the information to them. Also letting them know that if they want to enjoy fishing in the future they need to get involved now. I asked the volunteers that worked at this year’s booth to send me a summary of their experience at the show which a few have done and will share. Below is a list of volunteers and the clubs they belong to.
- Joe J. Camarata - Manasquan Fishing Club (MFC)
- Jack Pongracz - Manasquan Fishing Club (MFC)
- Michele Kohler - Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, Volunteer for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Clubs
- Don Marantz - Newark Bait and Fly-Casting Club
- Gen Wong - Newark Bait and Fly-Casting Club
- Bill Distaso - Sandy Hook Bay Anglers
- Barry Hessinger - Sandy Hook Bay Anglers
- John Toth - Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County
- Steven Blumenthal - Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County
- Karen Noe - Shore Surf Club
- Steve Machalaba - HI-MAR Fishing Club
- Tom Fote - Many Clubs
Some of the feedback I received from the volunteers:
“Well attended show. Fishing seminars were educational. Saw a number of attendees carrying reels and poles in hand.”
“Well ran show for saltwater enthusiasts and great deals on tackle.”
“It was great to see so many booths with great products at great prices as well! I stocked up! Lots of information in the seminars too!”
“I got to see all of my old friends in the industry.”
“The Expo that is the best show for all saltwater tackle!”
“Having the list of new 2025 saltwater regulations at the JCAA booth was a good attractant to get visitors to the JCAA booth to sell JCAA raffle tickets and talk to.”
“Plenty of vendors for so many saltwater tackle needs!”
“It was a pleasure meeting with local charter boat captains and representatives from other fishing clubs. I was also able to patronize a few of the tackle venders which support our club by providing door prizes for our two-day fluke tournament captains meeting.”
“It’s always an enjoyable time perusing the tackle Isles for new tactics and techniques.”
“It is great to talk to people with the same interests and learn different areas to fish.”
You may want to volunteer next year, just reach out to me and I will put you on the list. This goes for any shows that JCAA has a booth.