Hooked on Fishing Team Leader Training

Are you involved with an organization interested in getting youth fishing? Then register to attend the two-day Hooked on Fishing Team Leader Training!

This training is intended for adults interested in leading a youth fishing team as part of NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Hooked on Fishing program. 

The Hooked on Fishing program partners with schools, the community, and faith-based organizations to establish youth fishing teams. Once your team is established, the Hooked on Fishing program will provide resources and support to ensure your students keep fishing.

Teams are led by an adult(s) who dedicate their time, skills, and energy to implement the program. This training prepares YOU to LEAD a group of youth in the program from beginning to end. 

March 28 AND April 18, 2025
Neptune High School, Neptune, NJ
Deadline to register is March 16, 2026

Information and registration

Register for the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Enjoy a great day of surf fishing with family and friends at the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament. Its purpose is to bring awareness of the importance of saltwater recreational fishing and marine resources in New Jersey to the Governor, State Legislators, and New Jersey residents.

The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the “Governor’s Award” and will have their name engraved on the Governor’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park. Prizes are awarded to winners in a variety of age groups and fish species categories.

All funds raised by the tournament go toward improving beach access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment plus marine education and restoration projects.

Date and time - Sun, May 21, 2023, 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM EDT

Location - Island Beach State Park 2401 Central Avenue Seaside Park, NJ 08752

The tournament is sponsored by NJDEP’s Fish & Wildlife and Division of Parks, Forestry and Historic Places, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association and New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.

There is also a High School Team Category for high-school-aged students, who are part of a formal fishing club, members of a Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs group, or a non-formal group. The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants.

Early registration closes April 22, 2023 

Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs Team Leader Training

The Division of Fish & Wildlife will host a 2-day Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) leader training May 15-17, 2020, at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Ocean County.

HOFNOD is a great way to introduce youth to fishing, their local waters and other natural resources while supporting positive outdoor recreation and life skills.

This workshop is for adult staff and volunteers of youth-centered organizations looking to offer a youth fishing program. The program is flexible enough to be tailored to fit most organizations.

Registration is required and due by May 1, 2020.

For more information about this training, visit the HOFNOD Team Leader Training announcement

'Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs' Team Leader Training Workshop

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will host a 2-day Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) training for adult staff and volunteers of youth-centered community and/or faith-based organizations looking to offer an ongoing or year-round youth fishing, conservation, and aquatic education program. 

HOFNOD is a great way to introduce youth to fishing, learning about their local waters and other natural resources while supporting positive outdoor recreation activities and life skills. The program is flexible enough to be tailored to fit most organizations.

Participants in this training will be responsible for delivering the program to youth from beginning to end over the course of 22 or more sessions. Organizations that participate in the program are eligible to receive additional professional development in conservation education and angling skills and in-kind support for program materials and supplies including subsidized educational field trips. Supplemental training can be requested for content like fly tying and kayaking.

Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Team Leader Training Workshop

May 17-19, 2019

Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education

7th Street & Navajo Drive

Waretown, New Jersey 08758

Your participation includes: two nights lodging, five meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; Sunday breakfast, lunch and light snacks) and all workshop activities and materials. Please bring a sleeping bag or bedding, pillow and toiletries; a water bottle and/or coffee cup; a camera; any necessary medications, weather appropriate clothing and muck shoes or old sneakers that you don't mind getting wet. Please dress for the weather as some activities will be outside. This is a rain or shine training and registration is required.

There is a $40 non-refundable deposit to hold your space and to off-set training costs.

For more information on this workshop and to register, 

go to www.njfishandwildlife.com