Fishing is one of our state’s most popular pastimes. Youth participating in fishing projects will learn about different types of fishing, aquatic habitats, conservation, and the fish themselves.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn how to safely use the right gear for the type or types of fishing they are interested in mastering
- Understand responsible angler behavior by learning legal sizes and limits, the ethics of fishing, catch-and-release principles, and promoting conservation of natural resources and habitats
- Appreciate and understand a commitment to natural resource stewardship
- Provide knowledge of the ecological and social bases of fisheries management
- Learn water safety for fishing from shore and safe boating procedures
- Appreciate and understand the cultural, ecological, and socioeconomic values of fish and fishing
4-H Fishing Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Youth have fun tying knots, casting to a target, rigging various lines, selecting tackle, identifying where fish are, using different baits & lures, identifying fish, and identifying internal & external fish parts.
Youth cast using a spinning rod & fly rod & bait casting reel, practice responsible citizenship, research fishing regulations, decorate a lure, sew a fly wallet, tie an artificial fly & test a water sample.
Youth develop their leadership and fishing skills as they take a friend fishing, demonstrate how to disassemble and reassemble a fishing reel, design and conduct a sportfishing skillathon, make artificial flies, design and craft a lure, customize tackle, build and use a kick net, respond to ethical situations, and interview a professional fisherman.
For the group helper looking for activities that will involve the entire group and even the parents, this guide is an excellent resource.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Educational Fishing Bingo Game
This fun bingo game comes with enough pieces for 2-6 players and promises to make learning about fishing fun! Players select picture boards and place a chip over the corresponding fishing image as cards are read aloud by the caller. Each card has educational facts about a type of fish or fishing terminology. The first person to cover the selected pattern and yell bingo wins!
Gyotaku Fish Printing – Michigan DNR (YouTube video)
A Japanese art form using a fish to create imprints on paper or fabric.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: Fishing & Shellfishing
This website covers state fishing and shellfishing regulations, species information, fishing licenses, and catch reporting for certain species.
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Recreation and Educational Opportunities
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
The goals of the Of People and Fish program are for youth and adults to understand the complex cultural and scientific history that has led to the “salmon crisis” and to become active citizens in the search for solutions within their communities.
Fish Fundamentals: Of People and Fish – Oregon 4-H (Slide Deck)
Pacific Salmon Life Cycles: Of People and Fish – Oregon 4-H (Slide Deck)
4-H Hard Water Anglers Ice Fishing Guides – University of Minnesota Extension
New York State 4-H Fishing Project: Fishing FUNdamentals Leader Guide (PDF)
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
13 Great ideas for Fishing with Kids
It’s one thing to take the kids out fishing once. How do you ensure they’ll have a good time and want to come back for more? We asked nine fishing pros that question. After all, many of them have children and families of their own, plus they have a lot invested in the sport they love. Every one of them cares deeply about passing the sport on to future generations.
- Fishing Skills Videos from University of Missouri Extension
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An introduction to the 4-H curriculum and the tools/materials needed for youth to engage with fishing projects.
4-H Fishing – Worms and Jigheads
This goes into tacklecraft and what youth will need to know about their tackle before starting on fishing.
4-H Fishing – Casting Practice
4-H Fishing – Gyotako – Japanese Fish Art
The art of making prints from plastic or recently-deceased fish.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H