By Madison Russ
Finding ways to keep kids engaged after school can be challenging, especially for those who don’t dream of shooting hoops or scoring touchdowns. But one statewide program is giving kids the chance to connect, build confidence and enjoy the great outdoors — through fishing.
Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) is a nationally recognized program that teaches school-aged children how to fish while building positive life skills and encouraging them to stay drug-free. Run statewide by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife, HOFNOD is not only teaching youth to fish, but it also is helping them to develop an appreciation for aquatic and natural resources.
“The program engages kids. It disconnects them from all the electronics and stuff; it gets them outside and exploring nature and allows nature to be their universe — that’s what fishing does,” said Liz Jackson, senior biologist education for NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and the program’s state coordinator.
Following 2012 legislation establishing statewide implementation, many programs are offered through schools, community organizations and other groups, providing year-round engagement.
“Not all kids are basketball, football, or soccer players — there’s gotta be something else for all the other kids who aren’t into that,” said Jackson. “This program is just another alternative avenue as opposed to having kids floundering and not really doing something with themselves during non-school hours.”
Though the program functions in some schools, Jackson said it’s really “a program to create community-based youth fishing teams, whether it’s in a school or through some other altruistic nonprofit organization, like 4-H.”
Since taking on the coordinator role in 2013, Jackson has seen an increase in non-school groups joining the program and more high schools forming their own HOFNOD teams. Some groups, she said, are started by those who want to pay it forward and are anglers themselves.
In Atlantic County, kids from various schools participate, said Marlene Crump, who is with the Atlantic County HOFNOD Coalition and is a team leader for Community Fishing Students.
“Students are really growing with it. It gives them an extra vehicle to do something different, something they’ve never done before. A lot of families had not been exposed to fishing until we started fishing with them — it was a whole new world to them. They didn’t even realize how close to some of the lakes they lived,” said Crump. “The impact is seeing kids wanting to do more positive activities by being around positive activities.”
Crump’s group, which typically meets monthly, does more than just fish; they also incorporate college and career readiness, such as exposing them to working skills by volunteering at ShopRite or taking college tours, as well as community service activities.
Beyond fishing, Crump explained that the children — and their families — often get opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to, such as charter boat fishing, camping, learning about wildlife, archery and much more.
“It’s really beneficial to the parents in it with their kids; I see a great outcome. It brings them closer,” said Crump.
Jackson explained that some events, activities and overnight excursions aim to keep parents included.
“The parents need that exposure as well. If the parents can develop a healthy, comfortable relationship with being outside, I think kids would be outside more often because their parents would take them outside more often,” said Jackson.
To further encourage outdoor engagement, HOFNOD hosts events that bring communities together. This summer, the program will hold its statewide 10th annual youth fishing challenge: a free, community-based event open to all.
“This year is our biggest and best attendance because we have 53 host sites from Sussex to Cape May that are holding a challenge somewhere in their community,” said Jackson. “The main event, as far as I’m concerned, is going to be that one at Lake Lenape.”
HOFNOD Atlantic County Coalition will host its challenge at Lake Lenape Park East on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include prizes and giveaways, among other activities.
Crump said the organization always needs adult volunteers for transportation to events, space to host activities, and refreshments for gatherings like the upcoming competition.
“It takes a community to raise a kid. There’s so many angling groups out here across the state, and I wish some more of the angling groups would allocate some of their time not just to fishing but to paying it forward by hosting a team or helping regularly with an existing team,” said Jackson.
For those interested in getting their children involved in the program or assisting Atlantic County HOFNOD, email communityfishingstudents@gmail.com.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
