The authors of winning essays in the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife’s eleventh annual Fishing Essay Contest were honored on the opening day of trout season, Saturday, April 12, at the Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, Warren County. Governor Christine Todd Whitman and DEP Counselor to the Commissioner Michael Hogan were on hand to personally congratulate each of the twelve winners as they fished in the facility’s Fishing Education Pond.

Division Director Bob McDowell was also on hand to spend time fishing with the youngsters. “It is a pleasure to recognize these talented students each year,” he said. “These youngsters are able to put into words not only their appreciation of fishing, but also express how much it means to them in terms of sharing the sport with friends and family.”

After fishing, the winners received plaques and fishing equipment at an awards luncheon held in the facility’s auditorium.

The theme of this year’s essay was, “Why I Like To Fish.” From nearly 600 essays received, the division selected works from the following youngsters: