by Craig Lemon
Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery Superintendent
Each spring the
Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery gears up fish production as children's
fishing derby sponsors statewide make plans for another season of memorable
fishing events.
The derby program began in the 1970s with Hackettstown Fish Hatchery
personnel stocking about 10 ponds each year. It continued through the '80s
with 100-200 catchable size sunfish stocked during the week for 10 to 20
derbies. The children would then have the opportunity to catch the fish at
the derbies which took place on the weekend.
In the '90s, channel catfish and black crappies were added to the
stocking mix. Additionally, hatchery staff along with
Office of Information and Education personnel began stocking the fish
the day of the derby and conducting a brief informational presentation.
A great family fishing day at Shepherd Lake in Ringwood State Park.
By 2003 the division was participating in approximately 90 derbies each year. In
2004, a total of 98 derbies were supplied with more than 15,000 fish from the
Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery. Division staff attended 92 of these events,
giving presentations to over 11,000 kids and 9,000 parents, reaching out to over
20,000 people..
Ron Jacobsen displays a channel catfish
The presentation begins with a brief introduction where six species of fish
common to ponds in New Jersey are placed in an aquarium which is set up on the
side of the stocking truck for the young anglers to view.
Each species is removed from the aquarium and young anglers are shown the
proper way to handle these fish for their both their own and the fish's
safety. Each fish species has different teeth, fins and spines that everyone
needs to be aware of.
Information about the Division of Fish and Wildlife is given, followed by
an explanation of where the fish being stocked were raised. The
Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, located in
Warren County along the Musconetcong River, is one of two state
hatcheries in New Jersey (the other being the
Pequest Trout Hatchery). Participants are made aware of the fact that
the fish and presentation are made possible, free of charge, by the
license-buying public through the Division. Most Division programs are
funded by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and
taxes paid by manufacturers of sporting equipment.
There is a brief informative presentation about each species.
The presentation also includes a brief discussion about the area's watershed and
how to keep it clean and healthy.
By this time in the program the young anglers are ready to start fishing.
Fish are netted out of the tanker and placed into buckets for the
participants to stock.
With smiles from ear to ear and water splashing everywhere the fish make
it to their new home. After a minute of scrambling to their own hot spot or
honey hole, the horn sounds and fishing begins!
Division Conservation Officers are also on hand to speak to the children
about fishing ethics, rules and regulations, as well as licensing
information.
The officers also offer assistance to children during the couple of hours of
fishing. They walk around the pond and provide answers to many questions about
various fish and wildlife issues in the state.
Division staff also provide literature, bobbers and fish magnets to
participants during the event.
The derby season is generally during the months of May through September.
Division-assisted derbies can take place anywhere as long as the event is open
to the general public. County, state and municipal park ponds are the usual
venues. Many of these small ponds offer some great fishing opportunities for
youngsters. And of course, not all fish will be caught during the derby and will
be in the pond waiting for the young anglers' next visit!
The request should include:
1) Derby date and time
2) Location: county and town
3) Pond or lake name
4) Organization
5) Contact person (daytime phone number, e-mail address)
