Basic Spincasting Module

Preface

Introduction to Fishing

Fish Characteristics & ID

Basic Spincasting Equipment & Casting

Baits and Lures

Landing & Caring for the Catch

Addenda

Forms

Preface

Angling can be used to balance physical education programs by enhancing students' total “wellness” rather than just improving physical coordination skills. Many psychologists feel that fishing offers more positive aspects to youth than other activities. Some reasons cited are because it:

is inexpensive,
can be done alone or with a group,
decreases stress,
allows a time and place to think,
allows a sense of accomplishment for all participants, and
is a lifetime sport.

Fish Iowa! is not designed to just teach students the skills needed to fish. It incorporates biology (fish anatomy and physiology, fish ecology), geography (statewide distribution of water types and fish species), family and consumer sciences (cleaning and preparation of fish), and other subject areas. It helps students develop motor skills and promotes mental health. Besides the Basic Spincasting module, Basic Ice Fishing and Basic Fly-Fishing provide next steps for angling education.

The DNR supports a host of other outdoor skills efforts including hunter education, archery, shooting sports, paddling, and more. For more information about these and other conservation education resources, visit our website.

Background

The Basic Spincasting Module was first launched in 1990. It was developed in conjunction with formal and nonformal educators and reviewed by content experts. It is regularly reviewed and revised to adapt to changing educator needs. The Fish Iowa! program and materials have won awards for excellence from the Aquatic Resources Education Association and the Association for Conservation Information.

Funding

Fish Iowa! is funded by fishing license revenue. Thank you Iowa anglers.

Equal Opportunity

Federal regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap. State law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to the Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319.

Sport Fish Restoration – Improving Iowa’s Fishery

Congress passed the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFR) in 1950 to help restore our nation’s sport fisheries and to fund aquatic education, boating, and angling activities. The Act placed an excise tax on fishing equipment and, later, a portion of the tax imposed on motor boat fuels was also designated for SFR. In the past 50 years Iowa anglers and boaters have contributed over $44 million to SFR through their purchases of fishing equipment and motor boat fuels.

Funds are used to construct new lakes; improve fishing; maintain and expand angling and boating access; restore and protect fish habitat; improve hatchery facilities and techniques; and provide the nationally recognized. award-winning aquatic education program, Fish Iowa!

Introduction to Fishing

This unit covers a brief history of fishing, where to fish, basic fishing regulations, and the necessary safety precautions associated with the sport.

Fish Characteristics & ID

This unit covers basic characteristics of fish and identification of Iowa fish species.

Basic Spincasting Equipment & Casting

This unit acquaints the beginner with basic spincasting tackle and how to use it to get the bait or lure to where the fish are.

Baits and Lures

A brief overview of different baits and lures provides background information necessary to better understand why baits or lures attract certain fish. This unit explains the concept of the aquatic ecosystem as it relates to fish populations and angling.