Winnebago County 4-H is offering a bass fishing SPIN (Special Interest) Club program on June 17, 18, 20, and 21, 2024 (no class Wednesday) focused on attracting Jr. High-level youth to the sport of fishing with a specific focus on largemouth bass. This program is offered to youth ages 11-18 with previous fishing experience. The intention of these lessons is to advance the interest, or spark, of fishing passions to a higher level. There are six lessons designed to be visual and hands-on, and they will be taught at Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center at 13735 Cook Rd, Pecatonica.  The lessons focus on aquatic ecosystems and fish biology and include STEM activities relating to fishing gear. Youth enrolled in the 4-H Sportsfishing and/or Bass Fishing SPIN clubs will be eligible for special opportunities and fishing contests at the state level for prizes and recognition of their mastery!

Participants do not have to be in 4-H to join.  The cost for 4-H members is $5, and for non-members is $10.  Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, classes will be held at Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center at 13735 Cook Rd, Pecatonica, from 11 a.m. to noon.  Thursday and Friday’s class will be 10am-noon at the River Building at the Torstenson property and participants should bring their fishing poles and gear on Thursday and Friday.  Class size is limited to 10 participants.  Participants will also receive a t-shirt this year provided by the Erickson Grant through the Winnebago County 4-H Foundation.

“We are excited to offer this program for the third consecutive year,” states Winnebago County 4-H Program Coordinator, Becky Gocken.  “We appreciate the Torstenson Center for allowing us to use their facility again.  Learning through hands-on experiences is a key component in 4-H.  Doing so in the outdoors is even better.  Let’s go fishing!”

Registration is now open through June 5, 2024 @ https://go.illinois.edu/BassFishingSPIN or by calling the Winnebago County Extension Office at 815-986-4357.