NEW JERSEY FISH AND WILDLIFE ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL STATEWIDE
YOUTH FISHING CHALLENGE AND FREE FISHING DAY ON SATURDAY, JUNE 9

(18/P046) TRENTON – Recreational anglers and those new to the pastime can try their hand at freshwater fishing during a statewide challenge and Free Fishing Day, both on Saturday, June 9, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.

The DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs Program is hosting the Youth Fishing Challenge statewide to introduce families to New Jersey’s outstanding freshwater fishing and to encourage children to avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco by pursuing fun activities. The free event will be held rain or shine.

“New Jersey has some of the best freshwater fishing, and introducing young people to this activity now can help them build skills that will last a lifetime,” DEP Acting Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said. “Enjoying the sport of fishing and spending time outdoors is a healthy way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.”

The Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs Youth Fishing Challenge is geared to participants age 20 and younger. There are 24 challenge locations in 13 counties. Rules, age requirements and event times will vary by challenge location. Winners are eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch and must be present at the end of the event to claim prizes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to enjoy fishing during the challenge but are ineligible for prizes.

The statewide Free Fishing Day allows anglers of all ages to fish on June 9 without having to buy a license or a trout stamp. Other regulations, including size and daily catch limits, will remain in effect. A second Free Fishing Day is scheduled Oct. 20.

“Free Fishing Day is a fantastic opportunity to introduce those who have never had the chance to fish or those who haven’t fished in a while to try it again for the day, without having to purchase a license,” Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Larry Herrighty said. “The Youth Fishing Challenge also is a fun way for friends and families to create lasting memories while enjoying the pleasures of fishing and time together outdoors.”

Trout fishing will be especially exciting with nearly 607,000 fish added to waterways during the recently completed spring trout stocking season. Many fish remain available in trout lakes and other waterways in the northern section of the state.

Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs is an interdisciplinary, hands-on youth fishing education program for school-aged children sponsored by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The goal of the program is to redirect youth from the temptation of using alcohol, drugs and tobacco by getting them involved in socially positive activities such as fishing, learning about the importance of clean water and supporting community service initiatives through stream cleanups and planting trees.

Also on June 9, the city of Trenton is partnering with DEP to host its Youth Fishing Derby from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Stacy Park in Trenton. The free event will be held rain or shine and is open to Trenton youth in grades 2 – 8.

Each child must register in advance to compete in the Trenton derby and be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Trenton’s fishing derby includes a 60-minute fishing derby competition with trophies along with fishing instruction and open fishing for youth; interactive displays, equipment and vehicles related to water quality and aquatic habitats; and free food and drinks for children.

To volunteer to help with fishing instruction and other program needs for the Trenton Fishing Derby, call DEP employee Tanya Oznowich at (609) 984-9802. For details about the derby, visit www.nj.gov/dep/seeds/fishingderby.htm

Participants in the Statewide Youth Fishing Challenge are encouraged to preregister with a host site and to check if the host organization has its own rules or required information. To learn more about the event, including locations, registration information, rules and an event flyer, visit www.youthfishingchallenge.nj.gov

For details about the Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs Program in New Jersey, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/hofnodnj.htm

For a comprehensive list of trout fishing information, including directions to more than 300 trout fishing access points, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm

To learn more about Free Fishing Days, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/ffd.htm

Anglers are urged to respect private landowners who allow fishing on their properties by obeying boundary signs and not littering. Fishing regulations may be found in the Freshwater Fishing Digest at www.njfishandwildlife.com/digfsh.htm

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