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by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 1994 Newsletter)
In support of Fishing Club Appreciation Week, the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association presented a very successful training program for fishing clubs, civic organizations, schools and state agencies. New Jersey Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County and the Jersey Coast Anglers Association were sponsors for the 1994 Youth Fishing And Aquatic Resources Informational Training Session.
Larry Sarner, Marine Education Specialist for the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, explained the importance of introducing "Project Aquatic Wild" to students, in school, at an early age. Several interesting lessons and activities, from the aquatic education activity guide, were discussed.
A FREE six hour environmental education workshop for teachers is available. Those interested in obtaining information about locations should call 609-748-2031.
Bill Degnan, 1st Vice President of the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, described Project Access and how fishing clubs can work together to provide access for handicapped anglers. The Project Access video was viewed and Mr. Degnan explained how funds from the Governor's Annual Surf Fishing Tournament were used to purchase special surf wheel chairs for handicapped anglers to use at Island Beach State Park.
National Fishing Week material was made available to everyone attending the training session. Marie Frolio, of the NJ Beach Buggy Assn., suggested National Fishing Week would be the perfect time for an organization to introduce a youth fishing program.
The Future Fisherman Foundation's "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" and the cooperative effort, Pathway To Fishing program, were demonstrated by the J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee.
Community involvement and youth fishing programs from other states were discussed as well as the possibilities for supporting the efforts of each other.
All participants attending the training session received the 1994 Help Directory and Future Fisherman Foundation community involvement packet, along with supporting information from other agencies and manufacturers.
Many thanks to Dr. Eleanor Bochenek, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County and Marie Frolio, JCAA Aquatic Education Coordinator/ NJBBA, for coordinating the 1994 Aquatic Education and Youth Fishing Informational Training Session. Their help and dedication to our youth of today is greatly appreciated.
NEW IDEA FOR FISHING FAMILIES:
The JCAA Youth Education Committee displayed a model youth fishing tackle box and sports activity bag that was featured at the 1994 Youth Fishing and Aquatic Resources Informational Training Session. Children become bored at times, when the fishing action is slow, and need other activities to hold their interest. Major tackle and sporting goods manufacturers have supported this idea with donations of equipment. Some of these supporting companies are; Berkley, Flambeau, Red Ball, General Sports Craft, Cook Bates, The Fisherman Magazine, Colby's, Sports Authority, MotoPhoto, Illuminator Lures, Net Craft, Rieadco Corp., J&J Tackle, Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle, Zebco and Mustad & Sons.
We are open to suggestions on what can be incorporated into the sports activity bag and youth fishing tackle box. Please call or write the JCAA Youth Education Chairman with your ideas.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE
The JCAA Informational Library has youth fishing, aquatic education and drug awareness material available for fishing clubs, schools and civic organizations. Phone or write to take advantage of this free service. If your club is hosting a youth fishing contest or aquatic conservation seminar, please contact a member of the JCAA Youth Education Committee. They will be happy to assist you with information to make your project a success.
Greg Kucharewski, a member of the Shore Surf Club, is the JCAA Youth Education Chairman. Information on youth education material can be obtained by writing to JCAA ; 1201 Rt. 37 East, Suite 9; Toms River, NJ 08753. You may also contact Greg at 908-840-9197, Marie Frolio, Aquatic Education , at 609-581-1683 or Conrad Treusch, member club involvement, at 908-255-3622.