{"id":2346,"date":"2022-01-30T19:53:51","date_gmt":"2022-01-30T19:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/?page_id=2346"},"modified":"2026-03-13T09:56:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T13:56:06","slug":"hooked-on-fishing-not-on-drugs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/fishing\/freshwater\/hooked-on-fishing-not-on-drugs\/","title":{"rendered":"Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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HOFNOD Team Leader Portal<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"NJ<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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New Jersey’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program<\/strong> provides a great opportunity to get kids involved in positive recreational activities. Growing up in a big city, my parents saw value in having me spend my summers outdoors enjoying nature. These experiences afforded me the chance to discover that there is more to the world and my role in it than what the concrete jungle has to offer. Likewise, the goal of this program is to introduce youth to the fun and excitement of fishing, and to engage them in meaningful life skills, so that they also can imagine unlimited possibilities for themselves.
\u2013 <\/strong>Liz Jackson, HOFNOD Coordinator<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Liz<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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HOFNOD FAQs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fishing is an activity that can be started at any age by any person regardless of gender, physical size or athletic ability. Fishing can also be enjoyed individually or with family and friends. A great way to introduce youth to fishing is through the Hooked on Fishing \u2013 Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NJDEP Fish & Wildlife\u2019s HOFNOD Program wants to partner with schools, community or faith-based youth organizations to develop Hooked on Fishing Teams. These teams are led by adult(s) who are committed to providing on-going and sustained engagement in fishing and aquatic education activities throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The overall goal of New Jersey\u2019s program is to encourage school-aged children to avoid tobacco, drug, and alcohol usage by providing alternative activities that involve learning to fish, appreciating aquatic resources, and developing positive life skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Team Leader Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To become a Hooked on Fishing Team an adult affiliated with an organization interested in working with youth and families must attend a Team Leader Training. Trainings are offered in the spring or fall. You do not need to be an experienced angler to start a Hooked on Fishing Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Program Expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hooked on Fishing Team Leaders are required to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Complete the Team Registration annually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Maintain an active list of all youth participants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Identify one or more suitable local fishing location(s) that are easily accessible for the Team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Submit a calendar of activities to the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Hooked on Fishing Coordinator at the start of each Team\u2019s activity cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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    Program Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Hooked on Fishing Program will provide your team with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Fishing gear and equipment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Education materials and supplies;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • All Aboard events that all Hooked on Fishing Teams are invited to participate, including: one-day and overnight events, charter boat fishing, and supplemental fishing-related activities (e.g. fly tying and rod building);<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Field trips related to fishing or aquatic education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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