On May 22nd, Father Time (a community organization made up of fathers) hosted its tenth Family Fishing Derby on the beach in Keansburg NJ. Skies were overcast, but a faint view of the NYC skyline was present. Approximately 150 children and parents participated. Activities included seine netting, fishing, tie dying, sand art, hot dogs, sand castle building and many prizes. The Father Time crew was honored to host a school bus full of kids and families from the new chapter of Father Time recently started in Cumberland County. www.pa-of-nj.org. The derby winner of the coveted Raritan Cup this year was Julia Reis with a 28 inch striper caught on clams with her dad John. Father Time is very grateful to the Silverton Fishing Club for its generous donation of surf combo rods custom made and refurbished by Bill Browne and Harry Richards. These rods were donated to the children who came up from South Jersey. It was a delight to snap a picture of the kids and their new rods and then tell them they could keep them-compliments of the Silverton Fishing Club. One boy broke out in a huge smile and wanted to confirm that he could keep the rod: saying: "You mean I can keep this?" The children put the rods to good use down on the sand immediately afterwards. Like the Silverton club. Father Time believes that promoting mutually enjoyable outdoor activities between dads and their children-serves as important bonding experiences that can evolve into a lifetime of fun and closeness- keeping kids on a positive track.
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has made the 2010 Marine Digest available online in PDF and interactive Flash formats. The PDF version can be downloaded in its entirety and in smaller segments. The print version will begin arriving soon in coastal bait and tackle shops, marinas, sporting good stores, and marine supply stores. Additionally, a PDF version of the 2010 Marine Recreational Minimum Size, Possession Limits and Seasons Summary Card is also available. To view (and print) the Digest and/or summary card, or access the Flash version, visit this page on the division’s website. If you need assistance please email njfishandwildlife@dep.state.nj.us.
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Director is invited to visit Toledo University from June 25, 2010 until July 5, 2010 and support their annual National Youth Sports Program (NYSP), Youth Fishing Program. NYSP is a program that helps children build the skills and the confidence they need to tackle future challenges. Toledo University’s National Youth Sports Program, The National Youth Sports Program (NYSP), provides summer recreational, sport, and educational enrichment programming for approximately 200 youths aged 10 to 16. The Toledo University NYSP program received grants from local sponsors to keep the program self-renewing and fund educational field trips for youngsters participating in the NYSP Youth Fishing program. Our JCAA Youth Education Committee will provide guidance about the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program and “Take Me Fishing” campaign. Marine aquatic education will be discussed for children visiting coastal states during the remainder of their summer vacation. As in past years, the Merickel-Farley Trout Club membership and Olander Park is a great supporter of this program and it could not be possible without their help.
During August the JCAA Youth Education committee will teach children from the Fort Monmouth Youth Child Development Center about crabbing and water safety. Children will learn how to use several types of crab trapping devices and how to make a drop-line that can be used after dark. They will also receive a copy of the NJ Marine Digest to look up the rules and regulations and NJ state size and crab limits. Children attending will learn about the “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program and how to properly wear a life vest.
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.
