The pond was packed with hungry fish on Saturday June 6 in Neptune, as close to 90 youth tried their luck at this year’s Annual ‘Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs’ fishing event. The free tournament was held at the Hamilton Fire Company Pond and organized by the Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Misuse, Recreation, Police, and Marina; Bradley Beach Surf Casters; and Ocean Grove Fishing Club.
Youth participants were running to measuring stations around the pond, operated by volunteers from the Surf Casters and Fishing Club, almost as soon as bait hit the water with fresh-caught bass, catfish, bluegills and sunnies. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the great outdoors as shouts of “I got one!” were heard from around the pond with each new catch. Trophies were awarded for the heaviest catches, and additional prizes were awarded for the two biggest catches in each age category. The trophies were provided by the fishing clubs, while the prizes were provided by the fishing clubs and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Top catches were awarded to Luka L (22 oz, 15” catch) and Aria J (11.8oz, 11” catch) in the 1-6 age group, John O. (56.5oz, 23” catch) and Aaliyah K (22oz, 14.75” catch) in the 7-10 age group, Keenan C (66.5oz, 22.5” catch) and Ryan P (45oz, 16” catch) in the 11-14 age group, and Angel C (6.5oz, 5” catch) and Leah F (4oz, 7” catch) in the 15-18 age group.
Throughout the event other prizes (including gift cards and rods and reels) were awarded to youth participants provided by the Department of Fish & Wildlife, Mike’s Pet Center, Jody & Jodee’s Fishery, and other event sponsors.
For use of the pond, hats, towels, bait, and raffle items, special thanks to event sponsors—Hamilton Fire Company, Imperial Healthcare, Seacrest Recovery, Dick’s Sporting Goods, the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder, Mike’s Pet Supply, Jody & Jodee’s Fishery. Thank you to Chick-fil-A of Ocean and The Cone Zone for providing snacks to all the youth to help make it a perfect day for fishing! There were even special appearances made by several of the turtles that reside in the pond that were helping themselves to a worm brunch.
NJ Department of Environmental Protection designed the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs event to create an interest in safe, healthy, outdoor activities for youth, and Neptune Township is proud to be an event supporter. Look for our annual Hooked on Fishing event next year!!
Please CLICK HERE to see photos from the day!
