The following pages contain a brief outline of how to plan and conduct a fishing clinic. This document is designed for agencies, organizations, or individuals to use as a guide. The sample station layout references the Fish Iowa! teaching module, Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs®, the Aquatic Resources Education Curriculum (AREC), the 4H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide and the Passport to Fishing and Boating Program so clinic organizers and station leaders can easily find pertinent background information, etc. The appendices include resource materials and persons a clinic organizer might utilize.

The Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Education Program provides the Fish Iowa! instructional module, Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs materials, and associated instructional aids to clinic organizers, educators, and youth leaders free of charge through one-on-one training sessions.

For more information about conducting a clinic in your area, contact your local DNR fisheries office or the Aquatic Education Coordinator, 641/747-2200.

This checklist should help get you organized. It includes a brief listing of "To Do" items that need to be taken care of as you plan and conduct the event.

• Begin three to six months in advance, especially if it’s your first clinic. NOTE: June is an optimal month because youngsters are out of school, the weather usually is cooperative, National Fishing and Boating Week is observed, and Free Fishing Days occur in Iowa. However, if you wish to avoid the competition for DNR Fisheries staff time and you would like to advertise your program through schools, May might be a better choice – you can promote National Fishing and Boating Week and Free Fishing Days.
  
  
• Choose a site that provides room for instruction and fishing. Make sure there are bathroom facilities, etc.
  
  
• Recruit volunteers and co-sponsors. Possibilities include: local angling or conservation clubs, city recreation departments, local media, civic clubs, and retailers.
  
  
• Obtain reference materials – purchase Aquatic Resources Education Curriculum materials or get trained in the Fish Iowa! and Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs materials if you want instructional materials to assist your presenters. (See the Reference Materials appendix.)
  
  
• Make out a schedule for the day. Include time for stations, breaks, lunch, and fishing. This may be incorporated into a program to be handed out to participants, but even if you don’t make programs available, you should provide this information to instructors, etc.
  
  
• Contact the DNR Aquatic Education Program for free handouts, etc. (2473 160th Rd., Guthrie Center, IA 50115)

• Prepare souvenir programs for the event. Include the date, location, and co-sponsors of the clinic.
  
  
• Optional: Provide door prizes and/or refreshments. Door prizes and refreshments may be donated by a local retailer, service club, etc. It is much better to have more door prizes of lesser value so all participants are "winners." Note: Clinics and derbies are NOT the same thing – clinics are to instruct, derbies are competition. (They both have their place, but should be done separately.)
  
  
• Provide certificates of participation. You can make your own or obtain Fish Iowa! certificates from the DNR Aquatic Education Program.

• Obtain equipment and tackle. The DNR Aquatic Education Program has free loan rods and reels available at several distribution centers.
  
  
• Obtain live fish, posters, etc. for identification purposes.
  
  
• Obtain fish for cleaning and filleting demonstrations and practice.

• Prepare registration/release-of-liability forms for participants.

• Arrange stations so that participants can move easily from one to the other. (You might want to make signs to mark each of the stations as well as bathrooms, refreshments, fishing area, etc.)
  
  
• Meet instructors and volunteers at the site two hours before the clinic starts to set up equipment and go over the schedule for the day. Point out each person’s duties.
  
  
• Set up a check-in table with registration forms, name tags, and programs. Allow at least thirty minutes registration time prior to the start of the clinic.
  
  
• Make sure rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait are ready to go.
  
  
• Make sure refreshments and any needed ice, cups, or napkins are available. (Note: Try to minimize the use of disposable containers and plates – promote conservation!)

• Have a first aid kit on hand with plenty of insect repellent, sunscreen, etc.

The purpose of a beginning angler program is to provide people with basic knowledge needed to begin fishing and to educate people about the aquatic environment and importance of clean water to good fishing. Lecture, demonstrations, and activities should be combined to maximize learning experiences. Participants won’t pursue the sport if they don’t have fun, but you also want to produce responsible resource users.

After registration is completed, introduce yourself and each of the other instructors. Place participants into groups according to age and/or experience. The number of groups should be the same as the number of instructors/stations. Try to keep the number of participants in each group about equal – the most effective group size is ten to fifteen participants (groups should NOT exceed twenty-five participants). If the number of registrants does not allow this, then add stations – either duplicate stations, or break activities down to make more stations. Sessions for each station should not exceed twenty minutes in duration.

1. List the basic “rules” for dressing in the out-of-doors.
   
   
2. List some “safety” gear that an angler should always carry.
   
   
3. Describe some safety precautions around water.
   
   
4. List fish that are protected by catch and/or length limits in Iowa – explain how these regulations help maintain the fish populations.
   
   
5. Describe some impacts that human activities can have on the aquatic and fisheries resources (including watershed use, over harvest of fish, others).
   
   
6. Have participants list some ways they can help maintain healthy aquatic resources.
   
   
7. List some uses of money from fishing license sales.

Personal floatation devices (PFD’s)
First aid kit
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

Iowa Fishing Regulations
Handling Small Craft
Length limit rulers
Fish Iowa! p. 9-12
AREC - APC.28, APC.49-50, APC.53-54
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide

Fish Iowa! Unit #1: Introduction to Fishing (p. 7-13)

AREC: Lessons 6, 25, 26*, 27*, 28, Optional: 17 (*In part)

HOFNOD: Angling Skills - Safety In and Around the Water (p. 28-29); Human Dimensions - Fishing Ethics (p. 5), Fishing Regulations (p. 6-7), Human Impacts (p. 2-4)

4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide Ch. 1: "Getting Ready to Go Fishing"

Passport to Fishing and Boating: Boat Smart, Boat Safe

1. Describe the general characteristics of a fish and the special adaptations it has for living in an aquatic environment.
   
   
2. Identify species of fish common to Iowa waters (especially game fish).
   
   
3. Describe the feeding habits of certain species and relate this to the strategies anglers use to catch them.

Fish (live)
Fish group posters
Fish Iowa! - An Introductory Guide to the Fish of Iowa
Iowa Fish and Fishing

Fish Iowa! - An Introductory Guide to the Fish of Iowa
AREC - APC.2-5
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide
Fish Iowa! p. 38
Biodiversity of Iowa: Aquatic Habitats CD

Fish Iowa! Unit #2: Fish Senses and Characteristics (p. 23-38)
AREC: Lesson 18, Optional: 19-21
HOFNOD: Fish Biology - Identification of Common Fish Species (p. 6-10)
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide Ch. 2: "Fishing Fun"
Passport to Fishing and Boating: Fish Habitat and Handling; Local Information

1. Name the parts of a spincasting rod and reel and describe the function of each.
   
   
2. Show various types of terminal tackle.
   
   
3. Explain the importance of balanced tackle.
   
   
4. List species of fish likely to be caught with different types of terminal tackle.

Spincasting rods and reels
Tackle (examples of basic terminal tackle)
Lures

Fish Iowa! p. 57-58
AREC - APC.7-8, APC.10, APC.15-20, APC.22, APC.27, APC.35-36
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide

Fish Iowa! Unit #3: Basic Tackle and Spincasting (p. 41-42), Unit #4: Baits and Lures (p. 57-60)

AREC: Lessons 8, 10; Optional: 9, 11, 15

HOFNOD: Angling Skills - Getting Started (p. 2-9), Lures and Baits (p. 15-23), Tackle Maintenance (p. 30)

4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide Ch. 1: “Getting Ready to Go Fishing”

1. Demonstrate a basic fishing knot and have participants practice the knot.
   
   
2. Demonstrate a basic terminal tackle rigging and have participants practice setting up tackle.

Knot tying boards or other materials to practice knot tying
Terminal tackle and line for assembly

Fish Iowa! p. 43
AREC - APC.13-14, APC.20
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide

Fish Iowa! Unit #3: Basic Tackle and Spincasting (p. 42-43)
AREC: Lesson 10
HOFNOD: Angling Skills - Getting Started (p. 2-9)
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide: Ch. 2: “Fishing Fun”
Passport to Fishing and Boating: Fishing Knots & Rigging

1. List casting “do’s” and “don’ts.”
   
   
2. Describe the procedure for setting the hook.
   
   
3. Describe how to land a fish.
   
   
4. Describe how to catch and release a fish.
   
   
5. Demonstrate proper spincasting techniques and have participants practice.

Spincasting rods and reels
Casting plugs
Casting targets

Fish Iowa! p. 44-45
AREC - APC.23, APC.29, APC.32-41
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide

Fish Iowa! Unit #3: Basic Tackle and Spincasting (p. 44-50); Unit #5: Landing and Caring for the Catch (p. 67-68)

AREC: Lessons 2, 4; Optional: 7, 15

HOFNOD: Angling Skills - Casting (p. 10-14), Hooking, Playing, and Releasing the Fish (p. 24)

4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide Ch. 2: “Fishing Fun”

Passport to Fishing and Boating: Casting; Fish Habitat & Handling

1. Demonstrate proper techniques for cleaning/skinning/filleting fish. OPTIONAL: Allow participants to try one or more methods of preparing fish.
   
   
2. OPTIONAL: Do a cooking demonstration and allow participants to try prepared fish.
   
   
3. OPTIONAL: Describe methods of preserving the catch in the field.
   
   
4. OPTIONAL: Describe procedures for longterm preservation of fish.

Fish (whole – fresh or frozen)
Fillet knives, boards, and gloves
Knife sharpener
Water, towels, newspapers
Containers for meat and refuse
OPTIONAL: Deep fryer or electric skillet, ingredients for fish batter

Fish Iowa! p. 69-74
AREC - APC.51-52
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide

Fish Iowa! Unit #5: Landing and Caring for the Catch (p. 68-74)
AREC: Lesson 5
HOFNOD: Angling Skills - Cleaning and Cooking the Fish (p. 25)
4-H Fish Iowa Responsible Angling Guide Ch. 2: "Fishing Fun"

After participants have completed the circuit of stations they should have the opportunity to practice their new skills. The fishing experience should be at least an hour. Make sure that enough volunteers/instructors are on hand should participants need assistance. If your clinic is for youngsters, assign "fishing buddies" for those not accompanied by an adult. If you have clinic participants over sixteen years of age, remember they must have a license unless the clinic is conducted during Free Fishing Days.

Call participants together at the end of the fishing period. Hand out certificates of participation, door prizes, and any awards you are distributing at this time. Make sure that awards are not such that competition becomes a top priority of participants. It is important that everyone leave the event feeling successful.

Ready, Set... Go Fishing
Aquatic Animals Activity Book
Fishing Guide
Fish Iowa! buttons
Fish Iowa! certificates

The Aquatic Education Program provides materials to clinic organizers (see the reference materials list) as well as the Fish Iowa! teaching module. Clinic organizers can get the module through free training sessions conducted by Fish Iowa! mentors. The Aquatic Education Program also prepares state-wide news releases about National Fishing Week and Free Fishing Days in Iowa.

DNR fisheries biologists often assist clinic organizers by doing station presentations. If you are doing a clinic for the first time, a biologist may also be able to help you find an appropriate location and/or co-sponsor(s) for the event.

DNR conservation officers often assist clinic organizers by doing station presentations and like the fisheries biologist, the local conservation officer often knows of good locations for clinics as well as possible co-sponsors who may assist you in your endeavor. Recreation safety officers (RSO’s) specialize in doing safety programs. They may be able to do a station presentation or provide audiovisual aids that can be used at your clinic.

Many county conservation boards have environmental education personnel on staff who may be able to assist in planning and/or conducting your clinic. The conservation board in your county may even be sponsoring a clinic already.

Fishing clubs are an excellent source for station presenters since members are often very knowledgeable about the sport. They may also be willing to assist in the planning and/or presentation of the event.

The DNR Aquatic Education Program has free loan rods and reelsavailable at several locations. Contact the distribution center nearest you to reserve tackle for your program.

Do not underestimate the assistance that can be provided by the wide variety of service organizations out there! They can provide everything from volunteers to financial support for the event. Contact your local organizations to find out how they might want to be involved. A variety of service organizations are already involved in co-sponsoring clinics around the state!

Parks and Recreation Departments are responsible for developing and/or sponsoring a variety of recreational activities. Several are already involved in putting on fishing clinics, so be sure to contact the parks and recreation department in your town or city.

Materials include a 93-page instructor’s manual with five units that focus on the basics of spincasting, supplemental handouts, videos, posters, and free-loan rods and reels. Materials are provided free of charge through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Aquatic Education Program. Educators and youth leaders receive the materials through training sessions. For more information, call 641/747-2200.

"Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs" is a program for schools and communities which offers students a positive alternative to experimenting with drugs. Through fishing and aquatic education activities for grades K-12, students build self-esteem, life skills, civic responsibility, and improve family and community relationships. They also become caretakers of the environment. Materials include an instructor’s manual and parent’s guide which are distributed with the Fish Iowa! materials.

A 340-page book which covers all fish species found in the state and the waters they inhabit. Information includes life histories, distribution, and how to catch various fish species. The book is available for $15.00 from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034.

A self-contained walk-through seminar which includes 12 stations designed to be conducted in one hour, this kit can be purchased for $61.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, PO Box 371954, Pittsburg, PA 15250-7954. The kit was developed by Berkley and is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This 74 page manual is available from your county extension office. It contains information on angling and what it means to be a responsible angler. It will help you understand the sport of fishing and teach you new skills.

The program offers an introduction to a lifetime of recreation for families with little or no previous fishing and boating experience. Six “hands-on” stations with activities focused on fishing, boating, and aquatic stewardship are included. Station topics include fish habitat and handling; boat smart, boat safe; fishing knots and rigging; casting, ready, set, boat; and local information. Materials can be downloaded from www.rbff.org/page.cfm?pageID=123.