Need help for fishing presentation for kids!

[fishin' fool]

At the state park I work at I was asked to do a presentation for our free camping weekend in Iowa. So of course I choose fish and fishing! The audience level is open to anyone, but I expect mostly kids and young adults. Since this is my first presentation to the public I'm kinda stuck on ideas. As of now I plan to do: live fish identification, conservation of fish and fish, tools and equipment, and to end the presentation by having them take part in fishing along the lake.
For the conservation of fish and fishing I'm planning on talking about handling fish, removing/cuting hooks that are deep in the mouth, why we have length and bags limits, pinching barbs down or using barbless hooks (I do when fishing for bluegill), and just basic care for of litter, water quality and fish in general. Is there anything I'm missing here, or you guys and gals think is important that I should talk/teach about?? Im really stuck on ideas and I'm giving the presentation this saturday!!
Thanks and good fishin

[keithdog]

Sounds like you have it all well in hand. I'd just be sure to have plenty of adult volunteers to help the little ones when it comes time to start fishing. They can be a handfull. Good luck!

[Rebbasser]

FF, that is a great thing you are doing. If catch and release is included in fish conservation you look good to go.

[bamabassman]

buddy, i think you are dead on with your outline!! i like the plan alot. go all out and you'll do fantastic. wish i could be there to hear it. just stay calm and you'll do fine. kepp notes in front of you while you speaking and you won't go wrong. and i agree with keithdog and rebbasser as well.

[fishin' fool]

Thanks guys, all of that is great to hear! I think I will have someone help me when it comes time to go fishing. Baiting hooks and taking bluegill off might be a big chore with a bunch of kids. I plan on making and outline so it can keep me on track if I need it. I talked to the fisheries biologist at the park and he was going to let me use some of his fish, but I want a wide variety of fish, some kids/adults may not know or seen before. So I have a task to do some seineing, that should be a good after noon of work!! But I'll let you guys know how it goes. Thanks again!!

[Buzz Wing]

Give heed to the baitmonkey!

-Buzz

[crankybait]

I'm liking it. Props for doing this for the kids.

[stevomac59]

Maybe you can promote boating safety.... IDK. But what you are doing is great and well thought of.

Great Job.

[bassdaddy]

thanks fishin'fool,,thumbs up for all your hard work w/ the kids,looks like ya gotit covered there my friend,,good luck and have fun

[3dkicker]

Club I belong to does two kids derbies every year. One thing that is stressed is safety. This includes learning to swim or wearing a life vest on docks. Just in case the little ones don't know how to swim and fall in. Might be something to think about.....

[fishin' fool]

Boating and water saftey is a good idea! I'll remember that for another program!

[fishin' fool]

And for the fish identification, I'm trying to get fish they may not have ever seen. Like, gar, bowfin, drum, suckers, common carp, white amur, orage spotted sunfish (which I have in my fish aquarium), white bass... and then the basics; lm bass, bluegill, w and b crappie, any member of the catfish family, I want them to see and hopefully appreciate the uniqueness and importance of every fish. But some of these fish are hard to get right now because we have flooding over much of my part of the state.

[brushhog]

I agree with everyone, sounds great.... One thing you may want to consider is getting the kids involved in ever part of the demos you can, even if its just holding things or handing you things, they love being a part of the presentation.

Let us know how it goes....

[flfireman]

Only thing I see. If you are gonna be catching catfish make sure you inform the volunteers about catfish barbs. Sounds like a great plan and glad to see you doing it for the kids. Not sure how plentiful the fish are, may throw some food nuggets or bread in for a few days and get the fish congregating in the area you are using.

[islandbass]

Originally Posted by brushhog

I agree with everyone, sounds great.... One thing you may want to consider is getting the kids involved in ever part of the demos you can, even if its just holding things or handing you things, they love being a part of the presentation.

Let us know how it goes....

I agree 100% Be sure to ask them questions. One of the best ways for kids to learn is when the teacher draws the answers out of them by posing questions.

Kudos and best of luck!