Plains Elementary students got up close and personal with some finned friends Dec. 4, taking part in one of a series of Fish and Wildlife educational programs diving into fish and natural resources.

A group of 30 fourth grade students from Kathee Hojem and Jennie Youngren's Plains Elementary School classes took part in a "Hooked on Fishing" activity with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks technician Jay Stuckey. Hojem said the class paired up into groups, and Stuckey brought about 15 fresh frozen fish into the classroom.

Hojem said the students identified the species and got a hands-on opportunity to examine different fish parts such as the dorsal fin, tail, heart and bladder. She said Stuckey cut open the fish and pointed out fish parts using a diagram projected on the wall. The students wore gloves and examined the fishes' anatomy with tweezers, said Hojem.

The group also identified which of the fish were native to Montana, according to Hojem.

Hojem said her students were squeamish at first, but "once they got into it, they didn't want to stop. They were very interested."

One of the "Hooked on Fishing" projects last year's fourth graders completed was a fishing excursion. The group, including 37 students in the classes of Hojem and Youngren, parents and grandparents, reeled in blue gills, big mouth bass and a large frog. Stuckey worked with the students to dissect fish, examine stream samples, make fishing lures and learn about water safety.

The program, started in 2006, aims to educate Plains youth on fishing, pollution, erosion and other nature topics.

Hojem said the fourth graders will also work on "Hooked on Fishing" projects such as identifying aquatic insects and fish, making lures, rules and regulations and casting. The program, held with each fourth grade class, will once again culminate with a fishing trip, said Hojem.