4-H Sport Fishingboy holding fish in boat

Fishing is the most fun you can have with your dad, mom, cousin, brother, sister, grandma, uncle, or friend. Why, you don't even need a pole! A pop can, some line, and a hook are all that you need for a day of fishing.  Fishing contributes to the welfare of the ponds and streams that you visit, through buying a license, and it is also a great way to get some fresh air!

If you are already signed up for this 4-H project, come on in and get started.  If you haven't signed up yet, contact your county 4-H office and become a member today.

Skills to Achieve Mastery

  • Learn basic fishing skills.
  • Develop responsible fishing behaviors.
  • Become natural resource stewards.

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Tips 

Fishing Tip of the Month

Know your fish!  Learn what types of bait work best for different types of fish.  This way you can claim the catch of the day using what fish in the area like best!  Check out to Iowa DNR for more tips!

 

Visit the Iowa 4-H Fish Parts Page to learn more about identifying fish by their parts!

4-H Resources

4-H Sport Fishing Project Manuals

Publications available through ISU Extension Online Store or at your County Extension Office

 

Recordkeeping Forms

Other Resources

Step It Up

Pass it on! Now that you know how, share it with others. Here are ideas to get you started.


Communication

  • Present on techniques used to catch different types of fish.
  • Do a working exhibit on tying different types of knots
  • Make a poster aboutthe different fish that can be found in your area
  • Have a workshop or working exhibit on tying flies for fly fishing.
  • Do a presentation on building fishing leaders.

Citizenship

  • Clean up a local pond or lake in your area to help the local fish environment.
  • Host or help catch fish for a fish fry to raise money for a local benefit.
  • Hold a fishing tournament to raise money for a local charity or non-profit organization.

Leadership

  • Teach younger kids how to bait and cast a line.
  • Raise goldfish with a day care and teach them about fish.
  • Line up a a club trip to the local fish hatchery.
  • Ask the local DNR to present on fishing regulations.

 

Exhibit Ideas

  • Investigate the types of fish that are found in your area.  Find out as much as you can about these types of fish. Create a book written from a fish's point of view. A day in the life...!
  • Teach yourself how to make several types of fishing knots.  Develop a working presentation that shows others how to make these knots.
  • Learn to cook fish.  Create a new recipe. Write and illustrate a cookbook about catching and cooking fish.
  • Create an original piece of artwork using fish prints.  Teach someone else how to make the prints and start a working exhibit.
  • Make a map of good fishing spots in your area.
  • Interview a fisherman about why they like to fish and ask about helpful tips they use to catch the biggest fish.
  • Write a big fish story!