Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs Youth Fishing Challenge set for Oct. 17

The Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program’s Youth Fishing Challenge is a free statewide event to promote fishing among youths and their families.

In 2020 it will be held on the second of the state’s two Free Fishing Days, Saturday, Oct. 17, when no license is required to fish regardless of age.

Registered youth participants may be eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch during the event. Youth must be present at the end of the event to be awarded prizes.

Questions regarding participation or hosting an event can be directed to hofnod@dep.nj.gov.

This event is sponsored by NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program.

There are rules:

1. Registration is required and free - see information below for the location you’d like to attend. Note: Each hosting organization/location may have its own rules or “need to know” information.

2. The event is open to all ages, No license or trout stamp is required on New Jersey’s Free Fishing Days. The entire family is encouraged to join the fun.

3. Participating youths aged 20 and under are eligible to receive event giveaways and prizes. Note: Youths will receive a scorecard the day of the event and must turn in their completed scorecards to receive free giveaways and prizes.

4. Participants must be present at the close of the event to receive a prize.

In Passaic County, the fishing challenge will be held at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shady Lake Park, Weaver Road, West Milford.

Law enforcement will be on hand and COVID safeguards will be observed.

For more information, email kenj@gmail.com or call 201-304-1702.