Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs – Youth Fishing Challenge 2026
June 6 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Free
Spend some quality time fishing with your family at Lake Wapalanne!
This fun fishing event is open to all youth (17 & younger). Your child will need to bring their own fishing gear. Registered youth participants may be eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch during the event. (Youth must be present at the end of the event to be awarded prizes.)
This event is sponsored by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program and hosted by the Friends of NJSOC. Space is limited and registration in advance is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pets are not permitted.
This date is a NJ Free Fishing Day when a fishing license is NOT required for anyone age 16 and older.
Check-in / Event Schedule:
- 9:30 – 9:55 AM: Check-in at Long House. This is the red building with the statue in front.
- Following check-in until 10 AM: Select and set up your fishing spot. Reminder: while accompanying adults are also welcome to fish, space along the lakeshore and earthen dam is limited and safety is one of our top concerns. Once youth participants have taken their spots along the lakeshore, adult anglers may fill in any remaining spaces as safety allows.
- 10 AM: We will all wait for a signal to drop lines in the water once everyone is situated.
- 10 AM – 12:30 PM: Fishing Fun! Each member of your family who is fishing will have a scorecard. Children will be eligible for prizes. A volunteer will fill in the information about each fish you catch on the scorecard. Volunteers will also be available to assist you.
- 12:30: Pack up your gear and meet in front of Long House. There will be 4 prizes awarded to youth participants at the end of the program. While volunteers review your scorecards, this is a good time to enjoy your lunch and learn a little bit about the School of Conservation.
- 12:50: Presentation of prizes to children and goodie bags. Each family will receive a goodie bag, but must be present at the end of the event to receive one.
- 1:00: Thank you and Goodbyes!
Sponsored by New Jersey Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing Program
