Holstein Teacher Recognized for Outstanding Fishing Program

Justin Kinney, physical education and health instructor at Ridge View High School in Holstein, is the 2016 recipient of the Brass Bluegill award from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish Iowa! program.

Kinney first learned about Fish Iowa! from the elementary physical education teacher. Kinney, Matt Best, and elementary principal Mike Richard were trained in April of 2015 and integrated fishing instruction into both the fifth grade PE and high school general PE classes that spring. High school students learned the basics then headed to local ponds for practice. Their final outing was at Crawford Creek and involved fishing and a picnic with fifth grade students, who had also been learning basics in their PE classes. About 80 high school students served as mentors to some 50 fifth graders.

Kinney, Best, and Richard attended more Fish Iowa! training in June 2015 and discussed options to expand their efforts. Besides fine tuning the basic fishing program, Kinney developed an additional course that encompasses a host of “Outdoor Education” components. The new course includes fishing, trapping, outdoor cooking, shooting, tomahawking, hunter safety, survival skills, orienteering, camping and more. It provides a host of hands-on opportunities that extend the basic introductory unit provided through general physical education courses. Each trimester-long class will accommodate 15 -20 students; 45 - 60 seniors will participate this year. The course will culminate in a trip to the Boundary Waters.

Kinney describes support for the new class as “mind blowing,” from Principal Richard to the superintendent, to the Board of Education, to parents and the community overall. He received a grant from the Ida County Community Betterment Foundation, but individuals, businesses and organizations have also given equipment, services and money - one parent donated $1,000; a business provided eight rifles at cost; and donations keep coming. Kinney credits the outpouring to an overall desire to help students “unplug” from technology.
Kinney grew up near the Mississippi River by St. Louis “doing all things outdoors” with his family and friends, but for him it is not about the skills. The outdoors provides a venue where people can connect.

“It’s really not about the fishing or other outdoor activities – it’s about the relationships. Relationships we build with our students. Relationships they build with each other,” Kinney said. “And hopefully, someday relationships they will build with the next generation through outdoor activities. Relationships are the key to successful students becoming men and women of character. That’s what we try to build here at Ridge View.”

As an administrator (and avid outdoorsman), Richard says the program has been easy to support because Mr. Kinney brings his "passion to the table" and his enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious. “Students experience fun hands-on learning activities related to the outdoors that they can enjoy the rest of their lives,” Richard added. “The extended benefit is a generation that cares about the great land and water resources we have in Iowa.” He describes his experience watching high school students mentor fifth graders, “One boy was smiling ear to ear as his mentor helped him catch his first fish, a bluegill. Like Mr. Kinney said, it truly is all about relationships.”

Kinney created a Facebook® page to share student experiences with the community. Other teachers have been inspired by the success at Ridge View schools and are looking to create similar efforts. Kinney will present the program’s status and what they have learned at the Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) annual conference in June.

Kinney was presented his award at the Natural Resources Commission Meeting in Otho on June 9. Richard and Best were also recognized for their role in establishing and supporting the program at the elementary level.

The Brass Bluegill award has been presented each year since 1996 to an instructor who has established an outstanding local program that exemplifies the goals of Fish Iowa!

Take Dad Fishing for Father’s Day

As we honor dad this weekend, give dad something he will always treasure – quality time together. Take dad fishing and create memories that you can relive every time you’re together.

Bring along insect spray and some vanilla for the small gnats. Wear light-colored clothing to reflect the sun and keep you cooler. Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Check the weather conditions often.

Put fish you plan to clean and eat on ice immediately in a cooler. This will help preserve the flavor of the fish. Fish are very perishable; the flesh will deteriorate rapidly and lose flavor if not kept cold.

Visit the Iowa DNR website for tips on making the most of your fishing trip this Father’s Day including fishing reports, fishing maps, tips for fishing with kids and great places to fish close to home.

DNR, Tourism Office Team up to Promote Family Fishing

The Iowa DNR and Iowa Tourism Office are calling on families to put down the screens and make lasting memories fishing.

The all-digital “Gone Fishing” campaign will educate families about fishing opportunities throughout the state and promote the sale of fishing licenses. The campaign is enabled by a $25,000 grant secured from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing participation in recreational fishing and boating. Iowa was one of only a five states to receive funding from the organization in 2016.

Iowa is home to some of the best fishing in the Midwest, with thousands of lakes and ponds and hundreds of streams and rivers. Iowa fishing licenses are available from the DNR for just $19 annually for Iowa residents. Children 15 years and younger can fish without a license. Additional fees apply for trout fishing. The DNR sold 370,160 licenses in 2015, generating revenues of more than $8 million.

Get your family out of the house this summer and get in touch with Iowa’s beautiful outdoors through fishing.

Celebrate a Child’s First Fish

Commemorate the memory of a child hooking their first fish with a frameable certificate. You can print the certificate yourself from an electronic file posted online or request a printed certificate.

It’s easy and free to participate. There are no size, species or age requirements – only that it be the fish the angler has successfully landed. Apply for a first fish certificate online.

Family and friends can join in on the celebration by viewing the first catch photos of their children and other budding anglers.

Fishing is a great way for families and friends to enjoy being outdoors. Follow the simple tips for taking kids fishing the first time on the DNR website to help keep the experience fun and positive for the whole family.