TOLEDO, Iowa - Fishing as science? Vic Bjork, a 21-year veteran teacher at the Iowa Juvenile Home does just that. In 1992, Bjork used $100 of his own money to purchase some basic supplies and began teaching Fish Iowa! to 12 eager students. By 1994, he had expanded his little "fishing unit" into a semester-long, accredited science course with fish and fishing as the central theme. Students learn more than fish biology and identification. They study weather patterns and water chemistry, pick up trash, and learn about life.

Over the last 13 years "Mr. B." has shared his passion for fishing with 175 of Iowa's most troubled youths. For his amazing contribution to fishing, and to the lives of the young people he mentored, Bjork has been named the 2006 recipient of the Brass Bluegill Award.

The Brass Bluegill Award is presented each year to an instructor who has established an outstanding local program that exemplifies the goals of Fish Iowa!

Bjork's program focuses on teaching life skills. His emphasis is on preparing his students for their future - fishing is just a tool. His teaching style fosters trust, sharing, and caring - new concepts to many of his students. As one student said, "He's always sharing sayings and stuff in class, like never giving up no matter how long it takes to catch a fish, because eventually you will catch one. If you give up, you'll never make it, but if you keep trying you'll get somewhere and make something of yourself." Encouraging words for kids who often feel the odds are against them.

Bjork is planning to retire in July, but he has recruited other staff to carry on the program. He has also built a supply of fishing rods, reels, and tackle, over the years using money he raised and through donations from "people I know with equipment," Bjork said. As part of the Brass Bluegill Award, the Iowa Juvenile Home with 24 spin-casting rods and reels from Pure Fishing. He may not be the instructor for the Fish Iowa! class next summer, but his contribution to Iowa's youth and our natural resources will continue.

The Brass Bluegill Award has been co-sponsored by Pure Fishing and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Education Program since 1997. Pure Fishing is committed to inspiring people to go fishing and helping them learn how to fish, where to fish, and what fishing tackle to use. Pure Fishing is the parent company of Berkley, Abu Garcia, Fenwick, Red Wolf, Mitchell, Johnson, Spider, Coleman Family Fishing, and Toby. Their World Headquarters are in Spirit Lake, IA. Fish Iowa! strives to create safe anglers and responsible stewards of our aquatic resources.