Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

https://www.facebook.com/NationalTee...rs.TeenAnglers

I got involved with this non-profit in 2003.

We are holding the 10th Annual NTA Pequest Youth Day on 7/20.

82 kids signed up it in just four days.

So, there is some hope.

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

Thanks Mark, very encouraging to hear things like this!

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

Being in my mid 30s - growing two young boys ages 3 and 7... it's hard to get work / play balance .....

not to mention - children are more involved with sports, playstation and honestly it isnt like it ust to be... depends on the environment you bring your kid up in...

I wont let my son walk down to the local pond to just dunk a line as much as he asks....

My generation I had that freedom.. unfortunitely not today.. the world has changed... now you have to worry about someone snatching your kid...

People would actually look at me funny if I let my kid go down to the local park to dunk a line....Silver lining I do get, is that he loves to go in the ravine and catch frogs

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

Interesting thread. I know tons of kids and 20 and 30 somethings who kick butt at Guitar Hero, but very few who can play a guitar. What's worse they don't care to learn, they are perfectly content with the virtual experience.
That said, I drive by a small park lake everyday and there are often kids fishing, sometimes by themselves. I work with teenagers and quite a few of them like fishing.

I would love to see school districts include nature in the learning process. A simple hike to a fishing pond could be a part of gym, science, even history class. Just a thought.

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

When I was in elementary school (35 years old now) in South Brunswick Township, they had an Outdoor Education program that rotated through the classes in grades 4-6 that involved day trips to various locations throughout NJ & PA to learn and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Mr Costa (who, if I remember correctly, drove a car painted in a black & white cow pattern) and the bus driver, Ed, took us around in an old coach. I remember tubing the Delaware, seining at Cattus Island Park on Barnegat Bay, hiking at Ringing Rocks Park in Bucks County, PA, and stopping for ice cream at Karen's at Brookside (no longer there, at the intersection of 31 & 518 in West Amwell.) Much like Karen's, the program is no longer around. I think the school district cancelled it due to funding issues only a few years after I had those valuable experiences.

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

All:

To restore your faith in the next generation of NJ freshwater anglers,....stop by the Pequest Hatchery on 7/20 to see the 82 Teen Anglers in action @ the Fishing Education Pond.

Presently, we have 52 prizes,………….& National Teen Anglers is shipping up some rod & reel combos to add to that. So, every kid should take home a prize. However, feel free to donate a prize if you are so inclined. Even tackle that you no longer use,……..Last year, the “criminal rods” (confiscated from violators), donated by our CO’s, were highly coveted by the kids.

Frank, of the Hatchery staff, grills the hot dogs,………………..
Contact NTA: https://www.facebook.com/NationalTee...rs.TeenAnglers for the list of food items,…..if you want to bring something.

I hand out the prizes. And, we watch the kids catch some nice ‘bows,……..up to 5 lbs!

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

National Teen Angler email address:

alteenanglers@aol.com

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

Mark -

I have an Plano 3 tray tackle box 5630 USA Made, Strike King Xmas gift pack, three pin on retractable accessory reels, and two cheapo stringers. All new and unused. I can drop off a fisheries and Lebanon when your available. I'm in WHS. Hope you can use them. see attached pic.

Re: I went to the Central Jersey Trout Unlimited meeting tonight:
 

Great,.....that's a good one!

You can drop it off here @ The Lab, whenever.

I'm in the first office on the right

Thanks!

Mark