07/22/2026
The Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club proudly celebrated the **16th Annual Youth Fishing Seminar**, continuing a tradition of introducing young people to the lifelong enjoyment of fishing, conservation, and responsible stewardship of our marine resources.
This year's seminar welcomed **more than 30 children from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst**, giving them the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of fishing in a fun, hands-on environment. Throughout the day, the youngsters rotated through educational stations where they learned knot tying, tackle selection, casting techniques, fish identification, boating safety, arts and crafts, a hands on session about terrapins. and conservation. Just as importantly, they experienced the fellowship and enthusiasm that make fishing such a rewarding pastime. The children were treated to a lunch consisting of subs and various salads and drinks.
The success of this event is a direct reflection of the many dedicated volunteers who generously shared their time and knowledge. A special thank you goes to **Youth Seminar Chairman Kevin O'Rourke**, whose hard work, organization, and leadership once again made the event a tremendous success. Kevin, along with dozens of Fish Hawks volunteers, worked tirelessly to ensure every child had a memorable and educational experience.
No Youth Fishing Seminar would be complete without a special treat at the end of the day, and once again the **Mr. Softee Ice Cream Truck** was a huge hit with the children. Watching the smiles on their faces as they enjoyed ice cream after a full day of learning was the perfect way to end a fantastic event. Also, to add to the smiles, each child was given a Rod and Reel and Tackle box with tackle as our gift.
For the past **16 years**, the Fish Hawks have also been fortunate to receive the generous support of Holtec International. Since the very first seminar, Holtec has provided a monetary donation to help fund this important community outreach program. Their longstanding commitment has enabled the club to purchase educational materials, fishing equipment, and supplies needed to provide a first-class experience for every participant. The Fish Hawks are sincerely grateful for Holtec International's unwavering partnership and investment in the next generation of anglers.
Recently, we have partnered with lacey Elks Lodge 2518 who were able to apply for a grant through the Elks National Foundation to support the event.
The Youth Fishing Seminar has become one of the Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club's signature events, and it continues to fulfill our mission of promoting fishing, conservation, and education throughout our community. Whether it was learning to tie a fishing knot, identifying local fish species, or making new friends, every child left with new knowledge, lasting memories, and hopefully a passion for fishing that will stay with them for years to come.
The Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club extends its heartfelt thanks to the Lighthouse Center for Resource Education, Holtec International, Lacey Elks Lodge 2518, Elks National Foundation, Mr. Softee Ice Cream Truck, Barnegat's Best Seafood for donating the fish for the fish Id and filleting class, and every club member who volunteered their time and talents. Your generosity and dedication have made the Youth Fishing Seminar a success for 16 consecutive years, and together we look forward to inspiring many more young anglers in the years ahead.
