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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association September 2001 Newsletter)
Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association September 2001 Newsletter)
SURF FISHING EQUIPMENT UPGRADE
Saltwater rods and reels that were donated ten years ago for the first Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament at Island Beach State Park are in the process of being upgraded through funds generated from the tournament’s success. Over the past ten years, the loaner saltwater rods and reels were used for countless saltwater fishing instruction and youth fishing tournaments. The donated rods and reels had more hands on them than a deck of cards in Atlantic City. Imagine all the abuse this equipment took, broken guides, reel handles, bails, drag washers destroyed from sand and metal corrosion. I applaud the many volunteers it took to keep the equipment operable for children and their families to have a positive saltwater fishing experience. Recently, sponsors of the Governor’s Cup decided that the outdated heavy ten foot rods and die cast reels should be replaced with lighter seven to eight foot rods with matching graphite reels. The new saltwater rods and reels will be purchased through the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” special certified instructor program. Several sportfishing events at IBSP and NJ Outdoor Expositions include “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” awareness materials from the Future Fisherman Foundation. The equipment is stored in two special carts that were constructed by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife. Each rod and reel has an identification number and all equipment including terminal tackle is cleaned and inventoried after each use. The loaner equipment is available to state agencies, community organizations and outdoor clubs throughout the state of New Jersey that are willing to teach novice anglers about the joys of sportfishing.
FORT MONMOUTH FISHING DERBY
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee is teaching fishing to youngsters attending the Fort Monmouth School Age Service Center during June, July and August. TECOM/Vinnell Services, Base Support Contractor, Fort Monmouth employees collected funds to purchase “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” materials for the children participating in the fishing derby. The Army Community Service Center provided one teenage volunteer to support our Kids Teaching Kids about fishing program. Tommy McGarry, ACS volunteer, age 13, spends time untangling lines and baiting hooks for each fishing group. Tommy mentors younger children about keeping our environment clean and good catch and release methods.
POINT PLEASANT RECREATION
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee supplied the award winning Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program. Over 60 students participated in games and learning about how sportfishing is an alternative to drugs, alcohol, gangs and violence. All students received a goody bag filled with fishing literature, complements of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association.
UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
NYSP AND HOFNOD GREAT SUCCESS
What is better than one great program for children? The Future Fishermen Foundation’s "Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs" program was incorporated into the National Youth Sports Program activities at the University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio. Children attending the NYSP summer camp learned about fish biology, fish location and behavior, lures, bait, tackle, rods & reels, knot tying, water safety, casting techniques, hooking and landing fish, handling and releasing fish, local fishing regulations and drug awareness.
The task to teach 380 children fishing would be overwhelming without the support of the Ohio Division of Fish and Wildlife, Merickel-Farley Trout Club, NYSP Staff Members, and NYSP Junior Group. The children had plenty of help for their fishing day at Ottawa Park. Volunteer anglers baited hooks, measured fish, untangled lines, assisted with casting and fixed equipment. The largest fish caught and released was a 16” Large Mouth Bass. Nice catch for a fist time fisher. The children were very excited to learn the joys of fishing and win rod & reel prizes the Merickel-Farley Trout Club donated for the event. Several youngsters asked me if they could fish the next day and they seemed disappointed when I told them fishing was not on the schedule. The University of Toledo’s NYSP fishing program can only improve. Perhaps next year, we can fish at Ottawa Park for a few days and provide other outdoor events.
If you would like to help with our youth education efforts and offer some of your time to teach children the joy of fishing, please phone 732-785-9278 or e-mail Gkucharews@aol.com.