News from Skylands CLEAN, Inc.

Skylands CLEAN’s first fishing derby is a ‘reel’ blast
Suburban Trends
June 15, 2008

West Milford – Approximately twenty-five youngsters participated in Skylands CLEAN’s first fishing derby on May 31st. The event was held at the pond in Westbrook Park in West Milford, and is part of the “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” program, organized by CLEAN’s Watershed Ambassador, Tracy Margaret. The Hooked on Fishing program, which is sponsored by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, promotes healthy activities and interests like fishing, in an effort to steer kids clear of the destructive effects of drugs.

While the pond is small there was no shortage of hungry fish. The kids dropped their lines in the water at 9:00 am, and immediately began reeling in dozens of fish. Among the day’s “catch” were two chain pickerel, several yellow perch, a large-mouth bass, and two turtles along with the regular assortment of sunnies and bluegill.

“Some of the fish were huge,” said CLEAN’s Executive Director, Robin O’Hearn. “The perch were the biggest I’ve ever seen. And nearly everyone caught something, so all the kids had fun.”

Volunteers from Skylands CLEAN and the NY/NJ Trail Conference helped with the event, teaching some of the younger participants how to cast, and measuring their fish as entries for the grand prize.

Tony Cassera, who worked with the kids throughout the derby, said the parents were equally excited with the event. “One mother told me that her kids had never fished before, and she thought they would be bored after 15 minutes,” said Cassera, a CLEAN Trustee. “But two hours later, the kids had caught a bunch of fish and were begging to stay longer. She couldn’t believe it.”

Even the youngest kids managed to catch a fish, including 3-year old Lucas, who nabbed the day’s smallest catch -- a 3 ½ inch sunny. Thirteen year old Andrew Clifford and twelve year old Cherokee DeGroat won grand prizes for catching the largest fish, a 17 ½” chain pickerel and a 15” yellow perch respectively. Both were awarded new fishing poles, courtesy of Frank’s Tackle in Wanaque.

DEP Fish and Wildlife provided loaner poles for those who needed them. In addition to the two fishing outfits, Frank’s Tackle provided the day’s supply of worms.

“We are very grateful for their support, and are really looking forward to holding the derby again next year,” said O’Hearn. “It was a great experience for everyone involved.”