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By Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association (Mid-Summer 1999 Newsletter)
During June, July and early August the JCAA Youth Education Committee was busy supplying JCAA member clubs and organizations with a variety of fishing/crabbing equipment to promote marine sport fishing.
Throughout the summer several organizations have borrowed fishing equipment and learning aids to teach youngsters about the joys of fishing. The JCAA has also supplied drug awareness material from the Future Fisherman Foundation’s "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" program. Our on hand quantity of drug awareness materials are now depleted and we are looking to replenish our supplies for upcoming outdoor sportsmen events and boat shows. If your fishing club or organization is planning a youth fishing event for the fall of 1999 or the beginning of the year 2000 and will need sport fishing promotional material, please phone 732-785-9275 to let us know the amount of items needed for your event.
Keep in mind that we have 50 saltwater rods and reels available at Island Beach State Park. The rods and reels are to be used by member clubs and organizations that would like to host a saltwater fishing class.
Students participating in the Ocean County PIC program in conjunction with the Cook College Youth Development program under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Karamichael and the horticulture program of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School were involved in several activities based along our New Jersey shore. The JCAA Youth Education Committee supplied saltwater fishing handouts and drug awareness material for students attending the PIC program.
On August 2nd the students visited the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium at Fort Hancock in Sandy Hook. They were guided by Brian Harris, who introduced the students to life in the salt marsh while they seined to discover what marine life lived there and why. They found in the biohabitat of the salt marsh , silversides, anchovies, crabs and sea robins. Along with the "hands-on activity of seining, beachcombing the ocean front for shells and evidence of marine life", Brian gave an explanation of the littoral formation of Sandy Hook and the role that it has played in history with its close proximity to New York Harbor.
On August 4th, students were joined by Nicole Vaccaro an Intern from the Ocean County Marine Extension office for an outing at Brick Township Bayside Park for some recreational crabbing. Students were introduced to the drop line technique of crabbing and helped to develop their skill and adeptness at handling a net in landing that crab nibbling on the bunker.
On August 5th, the students joined Marine Extension Agents for a tour of the docks of Viking Village at Barnegat Light. A tour of the dock revealed the different types of rigging used in bringing in the catch as well as how fish are packed for market. Mahi mahi, tuna, monkfish, tilefish, mackerel, bluefish , weak fish, mako shark and swordfish were some of the fish found at the dock on ice. Marine Agents gave a very informative tour, noting that the southern New Jersey docks differ in the catch that Northern docks bring in. New Jersey ranks 7th in the nation in the fishing industry. The student's attention was also directed to the danger of the industry as well as the difference between recreational fishing and commercial fishing.
Students energetically ascended and descended the steps of Old Barney several times that day and it was a great learning experience.
The Borough of Seaside Park Recreation Department held their annual Summer Youth Fishing & Crabbing Tournament with a new twist this summer. They introduced over 100 community youth to the "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" program, through the local Police Department "D.A.R.E." Officer, Sgt Ted Cirz. The Local PBA #182, Sgt. Cirz, Pres., is active in the local school with the DARE program and has used this Future Fisherman Foundation Program during the school year, but not over the summer when school is out. It is anticipated that continuing the program through summer activities will reinforce what the youth encounter and avoid all the time.
Mayor Ray Roe, Borough Administrator/Clerk Jay Delaney, Councilman (& Fisherman!) George Tracey, Councilman Andy Kelly, and Councilman Jack Moyse’ wife "Officiated". Actually, Ms. Ann Moyse ran the event! and the Councilmen enjoyed the awards! It was a highly successful & FUN community event for everyone.
JCAA furnished the "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" materials, as the local representative for the Future Fisherman Foundation. Several JCAA member clubs had "volunteers" on hand to facilitate the event: New Jersey Beach Buggy Assn., Berkeley Striper Club, Fish Landers, Atlantic Saltwater Fly Rodders, and Assn. of Surf Angling Clubs (ASAC).
Local merchants and ShopRite-Fisher Blvd,TR generously supported this event with donations for pizza slices and many HOT items of special interest to ALL the young participants! Everyone won! There were many crabs and fish caught and released. These are the Fishermen/women of tomorrow and this values based event reinforced a fun & worthwhile family activity.
Anyone who wishes to participate or support this event next year may contact the Borough at 793-0234 or Pat Leahey at 793-0891.
During the summer is the best time to teach children about fishing and who knows that better than Dr. Eleanor Bochenek, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Sea Grant Marine Agent. Dr. Bochenek worked with representatives from the DEP Division of Science & Research, New Jersey Fish Game & Wildlife to teach urban children about aquatic health advisories and Central Jersey fishing areas that are accessible to the general public.
The 1999 Fort Monmouth Youth Fishing Derby will continue until September 1, 1999 and a picnic is planned to celebrate the participation of over 200 summer campers who fished at Husky Brook Pond. The JCAA Youth Education Committee is the teaching, training, and "treats" of the Future Fisherman Foundation’s "Get Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" program. The Summer Camp children received the basic fundamentals of fishing, and learned about local environmental issues such as protecting the water quality at the pond.
BE SAFE-HAVE FUN-ENJOY FISHING
Greg Kucharewski, a member of the Shore Surf Club, is the J.C.A.A. Youth Education Director. For information on aquatic youth education material write to: J.C.A.A. Youth Education Committee, 1201 Rt. 37 East, Suite 9, Toms River, NJ 08753 or phone the J.C.A.A. office at 732/506-6565 voice mail box #1
Fishing Is A Family Sport. A Family That Fishes Together Stays Together. So Take Your Family Fishing.
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