This annual contest, sponsored by Trout Unlimited, is open to all students in grades 4 through 8. This is an art and writing contest based on the Aquatic WILD activity "Fishy Who's Who". (The activity is designed to be used by teachers in grades 5 through 8 and can help teachers meet NJ Science Standards 5.5 Grade 4 A.1, A.2, Grade 6 C.1, Grade 8 B.1, B.2, and 5.10 Grade 6 A.1, B.1.).

The drawing of the New Jersey fish can be done in acrylics, watercolors, oil, oil pastels, crayons or ink. Art must be original. The fish should be depicted in its habitat. The finished size should be approximately 8 x 10 inches. Entries will be judged initially on the art submitted. Entries must also include a written biography of the same New Jersey fish depicted in the drawing. The biography must include: where in New Jersey the fish is found, its habits, habitat, any ecological information about the fish, and whether or not it is of commercial or recreational importance. Biographies should be one page or 500 words, preferably typed.

Winners of the 2005 Fish Art and Writing Contest at Pequest on Saturday, April 9, 2005. Click image to enlarge.

There are first and second place winners in each of the following categories: 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. Biographies are limited to 500 words and are judged along with the drawing of the fish. Each winner will receive a framed certificate and fishing equipment. In addition, each winner will be invited to the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford for a special VIP tour and awards ceremony, and be able to fish at the Pequest Fishing Education Pond on the opening day of trout season.

2008 Fish Art and Writing Contest Flyer (pdf, 315kb)

Note that this contest is not affiliated with Wildlife Forever's State Fish Art Contest. For information on their contest, see www.statefishart.com.

The following Web sites can be used to find information about fish:

N.J. Fish Fact Sheets
Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation: www.RBFF-Education.org
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: www.outdooralabama.com/Fishing/freshwater/fish/
Cornell University: http://fish.dnr.cornell.edu/nyfish/fish.html
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: www.floridafisheries.com/fishes/
Iowa Division of Natural Resources: www.state.ia.us/dnr/organiza/fwb/fish/iafish/iafish.htm
Kentucky AWAKE (All Wild About Kentucky's Environment): www.kentuckyawake.org
Nevada Division of Wildlife: www.ndow.org/fish/id/
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/anglerboater/play/2002/fall_index.htm

2008 Winners and Artwork
2007 Winners and Artwork
2006 Winners and Artwork
2005 Winners and Artwork
2004 Winners and Artwork
2003 Winners and Artwork
2002 Winners and Artwork
2001 Winners and Artwork