Sportfishing

What is fishing?

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!

What projects or exhibits can I do with sportfishing?

• Investigate the types of fish that are found in your area. Do these fish live in ponds or steams? What kinds of foods do they eat? How big do they get? What is the difference between a fish that lives in a pond and a fish that lives in a stream? 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. When is each type useful? Develop a new kind of knot that may be better! Develop a working presentation that shows others how to make these knots.
• Learn to cook fish. Find several different recipes for different kinds of fish and try them out. Create a new recipe. Write and illustrate a cookbook about catching and cooking fish.
• Create an original piece of artwork using fish prints. Use other things found around a pond or stream for the print as well. Grasses, rocks, and fishing equipment would add interest to your print. Teach someone else how to make the prints and start a working exhibit.

Resources about sportfishing

• Order publications or use the online ordering system
• Take the Bait: Sportfishing Level 1 (order)
• Reel in the Fun : Sportfishing Level 2 (order)
• Cast Into the Future : Sportfishing Level 3 (order)
• Sportfishing Helper's Guide (order)
• Fishing... Get in the Habitat! (order)
• 4-H FishIowa Responsible Angling Guide
• Iowa Fish -- Iowa Wildlife Series (pdf)

Links

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources
  Regulations, fishing forecasts, hot spots, lake & stream info, lots more!
• 4-H FishIowa!
• Future Fisherman Foundation
• American Sportfishing Association