From the small creeks in northern counties to the wide expanse of Delaware Bay, from trout streams to the Gulf Stream, New Jersey is rich in fishing opportunities. Within a few minutes drive from anywhere in the state you can find an interesting place to fish. Although New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, we have one of the most diverse fisheries in the nation. With bluegills to blue sharks and largemouth bass to striped bass, there is something for everyone.

Fishing is a sport that can be started at any age and by any person regardless of gender, physical size or athletic ability. It is a sport that can be enjoyed with family or friends and it allows all participants to be treated as equals. A way to introduce someone to fishing is through the "Hooked On Fishing—Not On Drugs" (HOF-NOD) program.

"Hooked On Fishing—Not On Drugs" is a unique, nationally accepted drug prevention program offered through the American Sportfishing Association's Future Fisherman Foundation. It is presented by certified instructors at the local level with lessons that are geared towards students in grades K-12 and is correlated with NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards.

The "Hooked On Fishing—Not On Drugs" program can be offered in many different ways, such as:

• an elective class in school
• an after school program
• integrated into the school curriculum
• offered by community groups, like churches and service organizations

This is an excellent program for helping young people cope with the problems of today’s society. The program will:

• build self-esteem and self-confidence
• develop higher order critical thinking skills
• give young people a positive alternative to the destructive use of drugs and alcohol

During the program the students learn about:

• aquatic ecology
• outdoor ethics
• respect for themselves and others
• how, when and where to fish
• making their own lures and catching their own bait

Lessons provide the students with hands on, real life experience and incorporate peer teaching and mentoring. Guest experts can be utilized to teach classes on subjects like fly tying, saltwater fly fishing and boating safety. During the lessons the message that you don’t need to use alcohol or drugs to have fun is interwoven into the class.

"Hooked On Fishing—Not On Drugs" is becoming a huge success. It’s the type of program that not only will help reduce drug and alcohol use in younger people, but will also bring families closer, by giving them something they can all participate in together.

HOF-NOD instructors can provide a fishing experience for heir participants by organizing a Children's Fishing Derby. This can be a cluminating experience for the kids and their parents.

For more information contact the NJ State Coordinator, Wayne E. Tonnesen, at njhof-nod@juno.com or visit the Future Fisherman Foundation website at www.futurefisherman.org and click on HOF-NOD.

HOF-NOD correlations to NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards (pdf, 60kb)