MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Loftus, (208) 885-7694, bloftus@uidaho.edu
STORY CONTACT: Jeff Goodwin, (208) 885-6965, jgoodwin@uidaho.edu

Editors Note: A color photo of Jeff Goodwin helping 4-H’ers test water quality is available electronically or otherwise by contacting Bill Loftus.

MOSCOW, Idaho —— The Idaho 4-H Sportfishing Project emphasizes more than just fishing, says Jeff Goodwin, its developer at the University of Idaho.

For the past year, 4-H leaders, youths and parents throughout Idaho field-tested the project and its message.

"We’ve had a positive response from the 16 counties," said Goodwin, a University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System 4-H and youth specialist at Moscow. "At many of these meetings, we’ve had as many parents as kids."

The project will take the next step toward statewide expansion in September with a project-leader training session Sept. 24-25 at the Central Idaho 4-H Camp 17 miles north of Ketchum.

The registration fee, which includes meals and lodging, will cost $50. The registration deadline is Sept. 8. Many local 4-H programs have funds available to help defray leader training expenses. County Extension offices can provide more information.

Goodwin hopes to recruit current 4-H leaders and new ones interested in helping Idaho’s young people appreciate the state’s fishing opportunities and its waters.

Participants need not be expert anglers. Goodwin said, "People who would like to learn about sportfishing or who would coordinate the project at the county level are welcome."

"We feel like this is a natural fit for the State of Idaho," Goodwin said, because of the abundant fishing opportunities and its high-quality streams and lakes.

His experience in leading a pilot sportfishing group in Latah County also shows the program offers other benefits. "We’ve provided some real quality family time, too, because of the number of parents who participate."

In addition to offering information about angling skills and tackle crafting, the 4-H Sportfishing Project includes practical lessons in aquatic ecology and ethics.

A Sportfishing Ethical Compass developed for the project presents a series of questions so members can test their own actions. "We are using a fun activity as a hook, if you’ll excuse the pun, to teach them about other things that are important in life," Goodwin said.

More information about the sportfishing program and the leader-training workshop is available at University of Idaho Extension offices in 42 counties throughout Idaho. Information is available on the Internet at the Idaho 4-H website at www.ets.uidaho.edu/4-H/sportfishing

Information is also available directly from Goodwin by writing: 4-H Sportfishing Project, c/o Jeff Goodwin, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-3015.