Fly tying string

Sport Fishing is a project made for Montana. After all, a river runs through it! You will learn how to make your own fishing tackle, experience the world of aquatic ecology, and explore the relationship between fish, people and the environment. You’ll also learn about casting methods, how to decide on the proper tackle and much more.

It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. 

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 of sport fishing, students will learn

  • tackle

  • different casting methods

  • how your actions affect the fishing environment

  • improve your fishing skills

At level 2 of sport fishing, students will learn

  • about fishing
  • aquatic ecology
  • knot tying
  • types of casting methods
  • characteristics of fish
  • how to prepare a fish meal for your family
  • importance of fishing regulations

At level 3 of sport fishing, students will learn

  • to determine the age of fish
  • disassemble and reassemble a fishing reel
  • make artificial lures and flies
  • modify fishing equipment
  • design and craft a lure
  • collect and identify aquatic insects

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

M Take the Bait, BU7598

M Reel in the Fun, BU7599

M You Decide, 5314

L Helping Them Decide, 5315

L Sport Fishing Helper’s Guide, BU7601

Youth identify fish characteristics, plan the club year, design a fish print shirt, powder paint a jig head, make a plastic worm, tie knots, complete a boat safety checklist, plan and conduct a fishing trip, play Perch Bingo, organize a sportfishing quiz bowl and conduct a fishing skillathon.

 

Non-Animal Record Books

A Project/Financial Journal is needed for each non-animal related project. Project journals need to contain the name of the project, the year these records were kept, and a leader/parent signature. All sections of the journal need to be completed. If nothing was done in an area or section of a record sheet, the word “none” or something similar should be written. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Sport Fishing

If you are wanting to explore careers in sport fishing, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.