NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife

The history of fishing goes back thousands of years, yet many people today have never fished, or have children who want to fish and don't know how to teach them. While fishing can be as basic as putting a worm on a hook at the end of some fishing line, proper instruction in the use of modern equipment, as well as basic safety, can greatly enhance the enjoyment of this sport.

The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife has several programs to help the beginner or parent wishing to teach their children how to fish. Public and organized group classes at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, weekend workshops, fishing derbies and special events are available to introduce and reinforce basic fishing skills to adults and children.

Below are links to pages with information on fishing to assist the entry-level as well as intermediate angler.

Public Programs at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center

Group Programs at the Pequest Trout Hatchery

Marine Education

"Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs" Program

NJ Outdoors Workshops

The Fishing's Never Been Better in New Jersey

Warmwater Fishing - New Jersey's Got it All

External Sites:

NJ DEP's Urban Watershed Education Program

Take Me Fishing - Information on how and where to boat and fish

Future Fisherman Foundation

Teen Anglers

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST

Fish Art and Writing Contest

Fish and Wildlife Education Resources

Hackettstown Natural Resource Education Center Programs

"Physh Ed" - The Physical Education Grants Initiative

Fishing Regulations

Wildlife Management Areas