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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Youth Catch at FISH ON Ice Fishing Clinic
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Washington County 4-H and Washington County Conservation hosted the 4-H FISH ON! Youth Ice Fishing Clinic at Marr Park January 31. After well-below freezing temperatures the last two weeks, the sunshine and ice cooperated for 44 youth to gather, learn, and fish.
“4-H works to offer a variety of experiences for youth,” said Amy Green, Washington County 4-H & Youth coordinator. “We loved that it worked out this year with the weather and ice to host this educational activity for winter. It is a perfect partnership with the county conservation naturalist. We had another 12 outstanding adult fisherman who made the morning successful for all fishers.”
About ¾ of the youth ice fished for the very first time at this event. They were excited to learn the equipment and give it a try on the ice. Throughout the morning other learning topics included ice safety, fish species, licensure regulations, fishing technology and fishing careers. A favorite of the morning was getting to fish with the sonar and camera equipment. Teaching was be led by local ice fisherman, and Washington County Conservation naturalist, Megan Jorgensen. Thanks to generous sponsors youth received their own ice fishing equipment to use and take home.
New this year participants could measure their fish. The biggest fish caught went to Levi Schneider with a 10-inch crappie and 2nd went to Kynlee Meader with an 8-inch bass. The smallest fish went to Saylor Altenhofen with a 5.5-inch crappie.
“This 4-H activity has become a winter highlight inviting lots of kids to be outdoors,” said Green. “This year it was special to have many 4-H members from the new outdoor adventures club, the Wilderness Wanderers, join us as a club. This club is led by Megan Jorgensen and Addie Pacha who have been a great additional to the 4-H family.”
Contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811 or amygreen@iastate.edu, with any questions about the FISH ON! Youth Ice Fishing Clinic or other ways for youth to be active in the outdoors this winter season. Follow “Washington County 4-H — Iowa” on Facebook for 4-H events and other youth programs in Washington County.
