Attention teenagers looking to enhance their knowledge of fishing and boating. The Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association will be starting its acclaimed Junior Mates Program shortly, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The popular program will begin with its first session on Thursday, June 25, and conclude on August 21 with the annual fishing tournament. Junior Mates is open to youngsters turning 13 by August 1, 2026, who have an interest in fishing and boating.
While the Junior Mates program was designed to produce fishing mates for the boats of the BHCFA, it is also a valuable way for youngsters to learn about fishing and boating from the pros. There is no requirement to serve as a true professional mate when taking the course.
For over 20 years, 15-25 teenaged boys and girls have annually invested time gaining the knowledge and skills to become capable mates. The learning experiences for Junior Mates combine classroom and hands-on experiences with association captains performing most classroom duties supplemented by outside speakers.
This year, classroom sessions will take place at the Beach Haven Maritime Museum with outdoor firsthand instruction occurring across the street at the Beach Haven Yacht Club.
Among the many hands-on lessons are knot tying, fishing cleaning, customer relations, throwing a cast net, and man overboard procedures. While training, students are able earn the Red Cross CPR certification and the New Jersey boating operator’s license.
Becoming a qualified mate takes time in the program. Paramount in development is their actual experience on the boats. Junior Mates begin as unpaid assistants on the boats of the BHCFA captains, learning from experienced mates.
Youngsters interested in learning more about boating and fishing should consult the association’s website at www.BHCFA.com There is an entire section with complete information along with applications for enrollment.
Questions on the Junior Mates Program can be answered by calling either Captain John Lewis at 609-670-5980 or Captain Max Goldman at 609-384-3969.