The unique, nationally recognized program "Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs" created by the Future Fisherman Foundation.
In 2012, the HOFNOD program was implemented with an initial funding through an appropriation of $200,000 from the state's Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund in hopes of encouraging school-aged children to avoid tobacco, drug and alcohol usage by providing alternative activities that involve learning to fish, appreciating aquatic and environmental resources, and developing positive life skills.
The program will provide students with access to extracurricular outlets that utilize New Jersey’s incredible outdoor recreational assets.
A city official completed a weekend training course so that Linden could host the youth program through the NJ DFW.
Linden’s Wilson Park Pond is stocked with fish by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife each spring, which made it the ideal home of Team Linden, HOF NOD.
According to the councilwoman, "Linden has a pond in the center of town that is under-utilized! We have children who have an interest in fishing and this is an opportunity to get them outdoors and away from technology at least for a little while.”
The program will run until the beginning of August. Children age 10 – 17 can learn fishing skills, conservation and recycling all while incorporating an anti-drug and alcohol lesson into each team meeting.
There are limited spaces still available for the 2016 season.
Anyone interested in joining the team should call (908)718-7933 for more information.
Some of the Linden team members visited the Pequest Trout Hatchery during Spring Break and learned about the breeding process and life of trout.