The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and its Division of Fish & Wildlife (Division) is hosting a series of freshwater fishing workshops this spring covering fish biology; equipment and set-up; safety practices; bait and tackle choices; casting; and fishing regulations. Participants will put their new skills to practice with a fishing experience. Whether you’re new to fishing, trying to get back into the sport, or looking for a family activity to enjoy outdoors, these workshops will prepare you to enjoy fishing!
The programs are part of the Division’s Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) initiative, part of a national initiative among fish and wildlife agencies, industry leaders and non-government organizations to focus on increasing participation in fishing, hunting and shooting sports. Recruitment encourages new participants to try the activity. Retention engages current participants to continue the activity and participate more frequently. Reactivation motivates lapsed participants to return to these outdoor activities.
According to the Division, this is done through new innovative programs and workshops, improved management of wildlife species and habitats, as well as developing a conservation stewardship all funded through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. The following R3 events in the Garden State required advance registration, and space is limited.
April 18: Women’s Fishing Workshop – First Catch Center at the Hackettstown Hatchery.
From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery at 23 Reese Avenue in Hackettstown. Join other women to learn to fish in a fun, welcoming environment (18 and older). Register here.
April 21: Let’s Go Fishing! Anthony Campanella Park, Vineland, NJ.
Held on a Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Anthony Campanella Park at W. Elmer Road in Vineland. This program is open to individuals and families with children ages 10 and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Register here.
April 25: Family Fishing Workshop – First Catch Center at Hackettstown Hatchery.
Learn basic fishing skills to start fishing as a family activity. The program is open to children ages 8 and older from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register here.
April 30: Let’s Go Fishing! Laurel Acres Park, Mt. Laurel, NJ
A Thursday event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Laurel Acres Park at 1045 S Church Street in Mt Laurel Township. Features a free hands-on fishing workshop that includes everything you need to know to get started! Register here.
May 9: Family Fishing Workshop – First Catch Center at Hackettstown Hatchery
From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery at 23 Reese Avenue in Hackettstown. The program is open to children ages 8 and older; those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register here.
May 22: Let’s Go Fishing! Echo Lake, Howell Township, NJ
Held on a Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Echo Lake Park, 1205 Maxim-Southard Road in Howell. A free hands-on fishing workshop that includes everything you need to get started! In fishing. Register here.
May 31: Family Fishing Workshop – First Catch Center at Hackettstown Hatchery
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, this Sunday program covers basic fishing skills to start fishing as a family activity. The program is open to children ages 8 and older; those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register here.
If you know someone, a neighborhood family perhaps, looking to get more into fishing, let them know about these and other upcoming fishing events presented by the NJDEP and its Division of Fish & Wildlife.
