NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife - NJ DFW + NJ Teen Anglers = Big Trout + Prizes

by Mark Boriek
Principal Biologist (Fisheries)

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife's Teen Anglers Youth Day at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, Warren County was held on August 28, 2004. Two days after it was announced, the maximum number of 30 participants (ages 10 - 18) had signed up for this no-fee, fishing education event.

This was the second Teen Angler event to be held in New Jersey. The first Teen Angler Tournament held in NJ was in June 2004 at Round Valley Reservoir and was sponsored by the Dunellen, NJ Chapter of Teen Anglers. (For tournament results visit the Teen Anglers Dunellen Chapter page.)

Division Director Marty McHugh, staff from the Bureaus of Information and Education and Freshwater Fisheries, and Captain Al Bernetti of the not for profit National Teen Anglers welcomed and spoke briefly to the participants. After several fishing education presentation, all proceeded to the Fishing Education Pond where Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers offered their assistance.

Soon, rainbow trout in excess of 6 pounds became air borne missiles tethered to a variety of lures and flies. Matt Roach, age 13, was successful with handmade lures. Live worms were also used. One 15 year old fly fisherman, particularly adept at using a shooting head and stripping basket, caught and released 16 rainbow trout.

Matt with large rainbow
Matt Roach with his impressive rainbow.

Volunteer Jim Velcheck assists Teen Angler Mike.

A total of 142 rainbow trout were caught and the majority of these were released. Eighteen of the anglers did choose to keep their limit of one fish (18 inches or greater). Five of those fish were 24 inches long. All were cleaned by a WCC volunteer.

Following the three hours of constant action everyone enjoyed refreshments. T-shirts and prizes were distributed thanks to National Teen Angler sponsors: Evinrude, Minn-Kota, Arrigo Dodge, Ande Mono, X-Tools, and Crowder rods. In a show of gratitude, the WCC volunteers then had their choice of the remaining prizes.

For more information on National Teen Anglers which is starting no-fee Fishing Chapters (clubs) in NJ middle and high schools see the Teen Angler New Jersey Web site, or call Captain Al Bernetti at 772-519-0482.