Fish Iowa! Games Announces Target Casting Competition Finals Winners

Fourteen finalists representing 457 qualifiers from 65 schools across Iowa took aim at the state Fish Iowa! Games target casting competition on July 20 in Ames.

Qualifiers for the state competition placed first in their class at a Fish Iowa! Games casting contest held at their school this spring. More than 9,400 Iowa students across the state took part in these competitions. The statewide cast off is sponsored by the Iowa Sports Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

All participants received a certificate. Medals were awarded for three age divisions. The first place winner in each division also received a rod and reel.

Age 8 & younger

1^st – Brett Ascherl, Eagle Grove
2^nd – Hali Klingenberg, Guthrie Center
3^rd – Austin Barrett, Des Moines

Age 9-11

1^st – Ty Mennenga, Belmond
2^nd – Hunter Pauley, Coon Rapids
3^rd – Gabe Kline, Bondurant

Age 12 & older

1^st – Aaron Dearden, Des Moines
2^nd – Mark Frohwein, Blairsburg
3^rd – Albert Romero, Des Moines

Fish Iowa! Games is a casting competition developed by the Iowa Sports Foundation in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The program is a fun competition where students learn to flip, pitch and cast overhand to a target. Participants receive points based on the accuracy of each casting technique. Often, it is taught as part of an introductory fishing unit. For younger students, it may be their first experience with a rod and reel. Fish Iowa! Games is in its seventh year.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for conserving and enhancing Iowa’s natural resources. The DNR manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.