This year, club day included the new Fishing Club. It was inspired by sophomore Tyler Wallace and freshman Ryan Appleby  qualifying for a national fishing tournament.  The unlikely champion is now club adviser, Mrs. Susan Bergstralh, who teaches eleventh grade English and A.P. Language and Literature.

“I heard from Ms. Murphy that the BASS Fishing Club needed a sponsor, and since both my husband and my dad were fishermen, I thought I’d help out and volunteer to sponsor the club,” said Bergstralh.

Appleby and Wallace qualified to compete on the national level for BASS fishing. Part of the requirements to enter in the competition is to participate in a club. Linganore needed a club, and fast.

“Our first club meeting  had 15 members participate,” said Bergstralh. “Mr. Wallace, the father of one of our club members, and Mr. Anderson, grandfather of a club member, came to speak to the club about BASS Fishing, the organization, and fishing in general.”

Wallace’s grandfather, Mr. Charles Anderson, is one of the leaders of the club and a participant in the fishing tournament every year. “The first meeting was all about the basics,” he said. “Knot-tying, explaining the lures, and basically what the entire thing was about.”

Freshmen Alex Pare said, “I see great things for the future of the fishing club. I see a team that could possibly be as important as other sports teams.”

Fishing, like hunting,  is a family tradition as well. It’s something that a grandfather would teach his grandson.  Often, the gear is also handed down from one generation to another.

“The boys all began fishing at a young age,” said Anderson. “It’s important to teach kids now-a-days to get outside and recognize nature, especially at a young age.”

“Another thing that impressed me greatly was the point that our speakers emphasized again and again — our students here at LHS are the next generation to appreciate and preserve our woodlands, waterways, lakes, etc. We need to learn how to enjoy and protect this natural resource,” Bergstralh said.

Every year the tournament has competitors from high schools all over Maryland. If a team doesn’t make it to the finals, that doesn’t mean it’s all over. “The boys always continue with it in the future,” said Anderson. “Colleges are even offering huge scholarships because of sport-fishing now, it’s really become a popular thing.”

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“I was surprised to hear about the opportunities to win scholarships in the competitions.” said Bergstralh.

Pare said, “The fishing club so far has held up to its expectations and has much more to come–including potential competitions or tournaments within the high school fishing teams.”

“There wasn’t a large group of people, but they were all very enthusiastic about what they were doing there,” said Pare.

On the day of a tournament, a lot of commotion surrounds the fisherman. There are more jobs to be done. Boat drivers are a huge part in the process, too. Staff or parents who have had experience in fishing and have  boating licenses are commonly the boat drivers for the tournaments.

“We encourage the kids to get boat licenses when they get old enough for one,” said Anderson. “U.S. boat safety is taught as well.”

“As of next spring, we plan to have another fishing tournament, but just for fun,” said Anderson. “One where the boys can go out and fish and just have a good time.”

The club will be meeting on club days and there will be opportunities on weekends for members to get together and fish, but that is optional.

“I think the BASS Fishing Club offers a club opportunity for students who may not generally be interested in the other clubs already provided here,” said Bergstralh. “I’m hoping that it continues to grow. All are welcome.”

If you have any questions about the Fishing Club, please contact Mrs. Bergstralh.