Fish Iowa!

 

“Anyone can fish, so you don’t have to worry about sitting on the bench if you aren’t the star athlete. Fish don’t see disabilities, they could care less if you are in a wheelchair or are able to run a marathon.”

– Fish Iowa! mentor serving persons with disabilities

 

 

 

 

Fish Iowa! is a comprehensive module to teach basic spincasting, it incorporates physical education, health, biology, geography, and family and consumer sciences into a program that focuses on fishing. It is designed for use in formal settings with middle school through senior high students, but easily adapts to nonformal programs such as camps, scout outings, etc. Fish Iowa! works with students with all levels of abilities.

Materials are available to Iowa educators and youth leaders only through training sessions (one-on one) and workshops. Email the Aquatic Education Program at EdInfo@dnr.iowa.gov to locate a Fish Iowa! trainer near you.

Fish Iowa! has grown over the years – more options for educators, more community resources, and a lot more participants.

1990 Fish Iowa! unveiled, statewide trainings for 200+ educators & youth leaders; est. 27,000 participants
1993 66,000 participants annually
1994 Ice Fishing Module introduced
1996 Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs® comes to Iowa
1998 4-H Fish Iowa! partnership established
2001 Fly Fishing Module available
2006 Fish Iowa! Games sponsored with Iowa Sports Foundation; 27,000+ participants
2007 Mini grants to support local youth fishing clubs and programs
2007 Adopted national Angler’s Legacy campaign to encourage fishing mentors
2009 Almost 3000 Educators trained; est. 188,000 participants annually

Get Involved!

Educators and Youth Leaders

-Get trained in Fish Iowa! – put these great resources to work for you and offer fishing experiences through your local organization.

-Host a Fish Iowa Games casting competition.

Conservation and Civic Organizations
-Offer a family fishing event.
-Help with a local youth fishing outing (day care, youth groups, school groups).

Individuals

-Take a friend fishing.
-Volunteer to help with a local fishing event, clinic, or mentor a young angler in your area.

 “It’s amazing how many avenues an educator can take with the Fish Iowa! program.”

– Physical education instructor, 13 years teaching Fish Iowa!