On May 20 from noon to 4 p.m. veterans are invited to join the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (Division), in partnership with Island Beach State Park, for a surf fishing workshop exclusively geared towards military service veterans. “There are many health benefits to fishing, and this introductory workshop is designed to offer participants an informative and welcoming environment to learn a new outdoor skill while enjoying the beach,” the Division said in an email blast.
To participate in this workshop, you must be a veteran who is 18 years or older and has a free 2023 NJ Saltwater Registry card; all saltwater anglers in the state of New Jersey need to register by visiting saltwaterregistry.nj.gov.
Participants will meet at the Interpretive Center at Island Beach State Park on Saturday, May 20 and will first learn surf fishing basics in a classroom setting before heading to the beach. Topics covered will include equipment, knot tying, baits, fish biology, regulations, how to read the beach, and casting. All bait, tackle and equipment will be provided.
And don’t forget that the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, May 21, the day after this workshop. You are encouraged to join other veterans for a day of fishing at the tournament. You can register for the tournament at the workshop.
The surf fishing workshop is free, but it’s limited to 15 veterans and the deadline to register is May 12. Questions? Contact Alanna Newmark at [email protected] or 609-462-0743 (cell).
