Youth Education Report
As I was perusing through my emails this month, it was good to read about New Jersey and Florida IGFA Reel into Fishing programs. I read about Dr. Doug Zemeckis, Rutgers University and Jim Hutchinson, Managing Editor for The Fisherman Magazine that were part of the IGFA Fishing Camp team that shared information about aquatic education and sportfishing techniques with campers.
Along with the positive contributions of Martin and Palm Beach, County FL, the IGFA Fishing Camp instructors and their presentations, over a seven-week period, 152 youngsters completed fishing camp. Read more about the great work IGFA is doing with Fishing Camps.
The 9th Annual Play HOOK-e “Kid’s Wish’n to go Fish’n” (KWTGF) Take a Veteran Fishing Day on August 23, 2025, was a remarkable success. Veterans, active-duty military personnel and youngsters along with their families enjoyed a fun day at Ponderosa Estates Farm, Millstone, NJ to catch and release fish at Lake Julianna. The goal of the fishing day is to offer special needs children and disabled veterans a day to fish and feel the health benefits of getting in touch with nature while making good memories. Organizers are already preparing for the 10-year anniversary. Don Marantz, Event Chairperson, Vito Cardinale, Cardinale Enterprises Inc. and Randy Johnson, Laurita Winery improved parking coordination and expanded activities to provide a fun filled day for all in attendance.
Over 650 attendees enjoyed the festivities at Lake Julianna. A special thank you to American Warrior Outdoors Paul Hewitt and Rob Felicito, for their coordination of volunteers and organizing event changes. All children and veterans arriving at the event were greeted by the Lake Julianna welcome team volunteers. Children and volunteers received free tee shirts, and goodie bags. Corporal Philip A. Reynolds Detachment Marine Corps League, Freehold, NJ helped set the tone for a patriotic fishing event by providing a Color Guard and music for the opening ceremony. Over 60 volunteers were available to assist children and veterans that came to fish. Veterans attending the event also helped youngsters cast a line. Participants had the use of loaner fishing rods and reels, rigs, and Spring Lake Freezer Bait Company made sure there were plenty of worms for catching fish. The Vietnam Veterans of America Shore Area Chapter 12 presented their Eagle Award to the membership of the Jersey Shore Surfcasters Foundation (JSSF) for their generous support and member volunteerism since the first Play HOOK-e from PTSD event.
Paul Novello accepted the award on behalf of the JSSF membership. We thank everyone that contributed food, time, and funds to support this worthwhile event. Please view the online pictorial to see the happy faces of veterans and youngsters.
NJ’s second Free Freshwater Fishing Day will be Saturday, October 18, 2025, when no license is required to fish regardless of age.
This fall, consider becoming a HOFNOD instructor. New Jersey HOFNOD facilitator workshops are hosted by the DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife. It is well worth the time to learn creative aquatic activities to teach youngsters the importance of becoming environmental stewards. This workshop is a great learning experience. Hooked On Fishing Team Leader Training, October 18-19, 2025, at Center for Aquatic Science. If you are interested in attending a NJ HOFNOD workshop, please phone or email Liz Jackson, NJ HOFNOD Coordinator Phone: (908) 637-4125 x122 or email: liz.jackson@dep.state.nj.us.
We will announce the recipient of the JCAA Youth Education Award in the November issue of the JCAA Newspaper.
Join us at the JCAA Sportsperson of the Year Dinner on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Captain’s Inn, to celebrate and recognize a host of individuals that go beyond to make recreational fishing better for future generations.
Tim Brennan, Brick High School Health and Physical Education teacher/NJ HOFNOD Instructor invites you to visit their fishing club Facebook page. Recently, his new class visited Double Trouble State Park and learned about canoeing. Tim is now preparing his class for fall fishing trips.
Students are encouraged to continue learning about aquatic education and practice fishing skills outside of school activities. The class is always willing to accept donations of working equipment and tackle. Feel free to email the class leader Tim Brennan at tbrennan@brickschools.org. Visit the NJ HOFNOD website for program updates.
NJBBA offered youngsters a fun surf fishing day at their 29th Annual Children's Surf Fishing Tournament September 13th, 2025. I remember the first Junior Children’s Surf Fishing Tournament that was held on September 18, 1993. See the 1993 NJBBA Newsletter below:
The membership of NJBBA still continues to do magnificent work for our young people and the fishing community. View their kid’s surf fishing pictures on Facebook.
This might seem like a tricky task but with the help of our Play HOOK-e from PTSD volunteers and adaptive equipment we are able to walk veteran anglers to their favorite beach fishing location.
We also received letters from veteran family members stating how appreciative they are for giving them a few hours to recover from their caregiving responsibilities. Most caregivers are also dealing with age-related challenges. Thank you all that donate your time to help our veterans.
Most tackle dealers offer discounts to veterans. Here is a list of local tackle dealers to support.