Teen Anglers Event at Pequest

[Dave B.]

Figured I should post this for anyone who has taken their kids to this event in the past or may have been planning to go this year.
There will be no Teen Anglers event at Pequest this year. Here's the text of the email I received...

"Hello Everyone,

Due to retirements and changing priorities we have decided that The NJFW/Teen Angler Day in 2018 was our last one.

We want to thank Mark and Frank for everything they have done and wish them a wonderful retirement.

Thank you also to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife for allowing us to hold this wonderful event over the last 15 years.

Thank you to Robert, Michael and his family for all they have done too.

Thank you to all who have volunteered, and helped out at all the events.

Thank you to all the Teens and their families! You are the best!

We hope you have learned and enjoyed as much as we have. So many great memories!

Thank you all!
Capt. Al and Suzanne Bernetti

National Teen Anglers

[bubbasdad]

Sad to see it go :( Bubba and I went for the first time 2 yrs ago and had a great time, caught a few fish, and met a few fellow anglers his age...was a great program...Jeff's (njfisherman1975) kid caught a monster one that year

[njfisherman1975]

Such a shame. My dinner nailed a rainbow over no end pounds two years ago. I might call them up to see if others can volunteer to keep this program going because it is a great event that all of the kids enjoy doing.

[Dave B.]

Such a shame. My dinner nailed a rainbow over no end pounds two years ago. I might call them up to see if others can volunteer to keep this program going because it is a great event that all of the kids enjoy doing.

I agree, it was definitely a great event for the kids! As far as I can gather, for this event to continue several things would have to take place. Another biologist from the Freshwater Fisheries bureau would have to be willing to step up to monitor the program for the Div, someone would have to be willing to take the reins as the NJ Chapter head for National Teen Anglers, and Capt. Al Bernetti and his wife Suzanne, the founders of Teen Anglers, would have to agree to the new NJ lead person continuing the program in conjunction with NJF&W's Freshwater Fisheries Bureau.

I don't doubt that this could be achieved, albeit not without some amount of proving to the interested parties that whomever was proposing to take the reins would truly follow through and be both willing and capable of handling the responsibilities involved.