News : Fish Iowa! VSMS students have chance to earn spot in state finals

Ricky Hunter, left and Brandon Price practice fishing at VSMS for the Fish Iowa contest.

Brandon Price aims for the target.

Close.... the plastic 'hook' just misses the cup used for a target.

The bullseye target that will be used for the contest.

Ricky Hunter works on his casting skills.

A few months ago, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Shakespeare fishing supply company teamed up for a fishing poster contest.

A few Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School students entered that contest; one of them, Amanda Dedrick, received honorable mention and received a few prizes.

Now, the DNR and Shakespeare, along with the Iowa Sports Foundation, have teamed up for another fishing contest: The Fish Iowa! Games.

This contest aims to teach the skills used in a variety of casting techniques: flip, pitch and overhand. ELP teacher Kathy Turner received the practice fishing poles this week, and students have begun practicing. Turner will soon scheduled the competition for the students. The top winners at the school level will advance to the finals at the Fish Iowa! Games in July in Ames.

The Fish Iowa! event has three age categories: 8 and under, 9-11 and 12 and over. For more information about FIsh Iowa! and other Iowa Games events, email Cory Kenney at cory@iowasportsfoundation.org, or call 888-777-8881, Extension 106.