License question

[tjc76]

Hey all. I am the den leader for my son's cub scout den. I am planning a spring fishing day for the den. I am trying to find out if the parents need to be licensed if they are just assisting their sons fishing. Not fishing themselves, but baiting hooks, dehooking fish, etc... Thanks

[bobberboy]

I would say yes buy a day licinse its cheap and prevents a good day from being tarnished

[catfishonthelake]

They state also does a "free fishing" weekend, usually in June, that no one needs a license.

[AndrewT]

I am 99% sure they don't need one. If they are just helping cast and handing it off to the kid, I'm almost positive that's perfectly legal.

[Billfish715]

You might want to think about calling the hatchery and asking for a "reservation" for your pack or troop to take a private tour of the facility. There are private group tours which include a "sesssion" at the education trout pond where the kids are taught to fish. Rods and reels are provided and it's a great experience for young kids, especially a group of scouts. Times and dates are limited so call and ask. Some packs and troops have camped out for opening day in Stokes and fished Lake Ocquittunk and the Flatbrook. The campgrounds are a great place later in the season as well when the weather warms up. The cubs and their parents might like that better.

[Lard Almighty]

If any game warden gives you guys a hard time for helping kids fish without a license, please be sure to get his name so we can send him nasty letters.

[Billfish715]

It sounds like this is going to be a parent/cub scout outing. I can't think of a Conservation Officer who would deny a parent the opportunity to spend time with his son because he didn't have a license. Baiting hooks, untangling lines etc. is what adults should do for the kids until they can do it by themselves. Maybe some of the parents already have licenses. The free fishing days are good alternatives for everyone if you are in doubt. Finally, make sure you take the kids to a place where they can catch some fish. The catching part of fishing is important if you want the youngsters to enjoy the experience. Perhaps taking them to a local kids' tournament might be an alternative. I'm not sure where you live but keep inquiring about kids' fishing days. There is a great opening day fishing tournament with kids as the primary focus in Spring Lake. There are many helping hands there and prizes as well. There are lots of options for you to think about but by all means "Take a Kid Fishing"!

[MaCe1]

I think your best bet is to ask the Division of Fish and Game, you can email them at njfishandwildlife@dep.state.nj.us or call one of their contact numbers listed on http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/contact.htm. Sounds like a great idea, good luck and have fun.

[tjc76]

Thanks for all the responses. I know about the free fishing weekend in June, but want to do this before Memorial Day weekend. The hatchery tour is a good idea, but these are a bunch of six and seven year olds, and attention span is a concern. I plan on taking them to a local pond which will be full of voracious bluegills in early May. I don't anticipate a hassle from law enforcement, but want to encourage following the law as part of what we are teaching them through the scouting program. I will contact fish and wildlife to see if I can get an official response in writing. Thanks again to everyone.

[M Rod]

absolutely not!!! Take the kids fishing. The parents do not need a license. Can't believe some people are suggesting every parent get a license to take a child fishing. Unbelievable!!!