Get Hooked on Fishing!
NJDEP Fish and Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program is hosting the 8th Annual Youth Fishing Challenge (YFC) statewide to introduce families to New Jersey’s outstanding freshwater fishing and to encourage children to avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco by pursuing fun activities. The free event will be held rain or shine on either Saturday, Free Fishing Day, June 3, 2023, when a fishing license and trout stamp is NOT required for anyone age 16 and over or on Sunday, June 4, 2023 when a fishing license and trout stamp is required for anyone age 16 and over, depending upon the location.
The Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Youth Fishing Challenge is geared to participants age 20 and younger. There are 32 challenge locations in 18 counties this year. Rules, age requirements and event times vary by challenge location. Winners are eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch and must be present at the end of the event to claim prizes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to enjoy fishing during the challenge but are ineligible for prizes.
Participants in the Statewide Youth Fishing Challenge are encouraged to pre-register with the host site and to check if the host organization has its own rules or required information.
