Basic Spincasting Module

Beforehand

1. If you have students age 16 or older, make sure they have valid Iowa fishing licenses. For accredited K-12 Iowa schools, you can apply for a Fish Iowa! permit. The permit covers students participating in school-sponsored outings as part of a Fish Iowa! unit. Applications should be submitted four to six weeks before the field trip.

2. Locate a pond or lake as close to the school grounds as possible. Make sure the fishing area is easily accessible and will accommodate your students. To find out about local public waters, check out the Iowa DNR and county conservation board websites: www.iowadnr.gov, www.mycountyparks.com/, or contact your local parks and recreation department. 

3. Contact the nearest rod and reel distribution center to reserve the rods and reels, if needed. You can also have students bring equipment.

4. Plan for other outdoor activities to enhance the field trip (e.g., identification of plants, animals, and habitats; biking, hiking, and walking; service projects – the possibilities are endless if you incorporate other areas of learning). 

5. If you are planning a trip longer than one hour, are there restroom facilities available? Should students take refreshments?

6. If you are taking a large group of students, recruit volunteers such as parents, grandparents, or members of a local fishing club to assist.

7. Remind students to dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes and jeans are a must. Hats and sunglasses are a good idea. Have a first aid kit on hand as well as sunscreen and insect repellent.

8. Prepare permission slips and obtain signatures from parents or guardians before the field trip. Include a list of “good conduct” rules students are expected to follow.

9. Allow enough time to reach the fishing site and fish for at least an hour before returning. (It may take some time to rig poles and get started.)

10. Have rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait are ready to go. (Worms and/or minnows rigged like the illustrations in Unit #3:Basic Tackle and Spincasting are ideal for sunfish.)

11. Take along trash bags and containers for your garbage. Take along gloves to pick up trash if your area needs a cleanup.

12. Discuss appropriate conduct in the field and “angler etiquette” before your trip.

At The Site

1. Go through the basic safety procedures and etiquette one last time.

2. Pair students so more experienced anglers can assist beginners.

3. Hand out equipment and have students assemble their rigs before dispersing to different areas to fish.

4. Make sure students are safe distances from each other for casting purposes.

5. Keep the bait, first aid kit, and spare terminal tackle in a central location. Be sure to keep the bait cool. Provide smaller containers for individuals to carry some bait and tackle with them. 

6. If you plan to keep fish, make sure that students have stringers, buckets, coolers, etc.

7. Pick up any garbage before you leave the site. Emphasize that the area should look as good (Or even better!) when you leave as when you came.

8. Make sure you have all the equipment before leaving.