Before their first date had ended, Jeni Pandolfi and Ginger Thompson each got matching line tattoos of cats, the first of many they would get together.
AMES, Iowa — In 2021, Iowa licensed nearly 270,000 anglers, whose pastime is estimated to represent more than $500 million annually in economic activity. Michael Weber, associate professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, studies a variety of issues that impact fisheries and success for anglers, with help from dedicated graduate students and state biologists. One component of their research seeks to better understand the factors that influence survival rates of stocked fish.
-Messenger photo by Kriss Nelson
Aaron McKinney, manager of the Iowa Outdoor Store in Fort Dodge restocks ice fishing rods recently at the store. -Submitted photo
Alicia Plathe and Alex Cross sit outside of their ice fishing tent for a spell while manning their ice fishing holes. -Submitted photo -Submitted photo
Ice fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by many, and has gained popularity this year. -Submitted photo
Alicia Plathe uses an ice auger to drill a hole in anticipation of catching some fish.
-Messenger photo by Kriss Nelson
Aaron McKinney, manager of the Iowa Outdoor Store in Fort Dodge restocks ice fishing rods recently at the store.