Explore the world of fishing at the water’s edge! Kick back in the shade and enjoy the company of friends while you fish. Fishing is a easy and relaxing outdoor activity and is fun for the whole family. Fishing can be inexpensive and available with present city, county, and state public waterways. You’ll also learn resource management and leadership skills.
Here are just a few things you will learn in this project:
- Basic fishing skills
- Fish and aquatic life identification
- Aquatic Ecology
- Fishing laws, ethics and stewardship
- Tackle crafting – lures, rods, and other fishing equipment
- Boating skills
- Outdoor safety and first aid
- Fish habitat management
Natural Resources statewide events calendar – click here.
Resources
- Project Information Sheet
- Backyard Bass Activity
- Skill of Observation Activity
- Sportfishing Dryland Tournament Activity
- Sportfishing Fish Halves Activity
- Texas State Parks Youth Group Annual Pass Application
- Fish Study Guide
- Fish Halves Activity
Contests and Activities
Family Fishing Weekends
These fun-filled weekends are open to any enrolled 4-H family wanting to learn basic fishing skills while staying at a camp. These camps are usually held in the summer. Registration is through 4HOnline.
Natural Resources Photography Contest
The Texas 4-H Natural Resources Photography Contest encourages observation within specific Natural Resources project areas and allows youth to demonstrate skills learned in the area of photography, including the use of photographic equipment and processing of photographs. This contest provides another opportunity to showcase the photographic work of 4-H members in all age divisions.
Outdoor Challenge
A two day outdoor knowledge and skills contest for two person teams. Junior, Intermediate, and Senior age divisions each include: All Male, All Female, and Co-Ed subdivisions. Other competitions at the challenge include rifle, shotgun, archery, canoeing/kayaking, and more. View the Outdoor Education Project Webpage for more information.
Wildlife Challenge
Intermediate and senior 4-H members compete as a 3-4 person team or individual in a contest covering the five 4-H Natural Resources projects, which includes sportfishing. There are three contest parts: species identification, decision making, and a knowledge and skills assessment. View the Wildlife & Fisheries project webpage for more information.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Fish Art Contest
The Fish Art Contest sparks the imaginations of students and provides valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas’ aquatic resources. Art, science, and creative writing foster a connection to the outdoors and inspire the next generation of stewards.