Fishing Club Stays Afloat

Due to COVID-19, this year’s fishing club scene was not as eventful as anticipated. In years past, the club has taken trips out to various ponds and lakes to fish, learn and bond. Fortunately, two students have found a way to nurture their love for fishing despite the challenges.

In March, junior Keiron Langston and sophomore Wyatt Sutton placed 22nd out of 51 boats in a fishing tournament hosted by Kick Back Bass Club, a fishing club that hosts tournaments.

“Our first tournament together was in March of 2021 at Table Rock Lake,” Sutton said. “We pre-fished the day before the tournament and each pulled in a decent sized bass.”

Unfortunately, the weather put a damper on the tournament.

“Sitting out on the water waiting to launch while it was pouring down rain wasn’t fun, but flying across the lake at 50 miles per hour was worse,” Sutton said.

Nevertheless, the duo were satisfied with the tournament, especially when one of the primary objectives of fishing club is forging connections with other members. Langston and his mother paraeducator Trina Langston started the club two years ago because there were no clubs like it.

“It is just different from all the other clubs and I have made some good friendships with a couple of the people who come to the club,” Trina said.

As the sponsor, Trina oversees planning locations, approval slips, van rentals, and occasionally makes funnel cakes as snacks at fishing club meetings.

“My favorite part of the club is watching students get to know each other on outings and the excitement when they actually catch a fish or just make a friend,” Trina said. “We have a great time together and usually enjoy the excitement of the drive to the locations we will be fishing to build friendships and talk fishing.”

Although Sutton and Langston have had success at fishing tournaments, that’s not the purpose of fishing club.

“Fishing is not a competition, but an experience that students remember for years to come,” Trina said. “We have a great time when we get to go to the lakes and ponds. All students are welcome and they feel included in the outing.”

Members find outlet despite COVID-19

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pages by Lauren Tao story by Zanna Ingram photos by Emma Hardesty illustration by Gus Cordova

Smiling for the camera, junior Keiron Langston holds up the bass he caught in the duos tournament with sophomore Wyatt Sutton. Langston and Sutton’s catch was quite impressive, considering the ice cold wind and heavy rainfall that day made it especially difficult for the team to fish. “Fishing isn’t easy under pressure and in the rain and wind,” fishing club sponsor Trina Langston said. Sophomore Wyatt Sutton shows off his winning catch that helped him and his teammate, junior Keiron Langston, to place 22 out of 55 boats in a tournament hosted by Kick Back Bass Club. Although COVID-19 made it difficult for Free State fishing club to meet like they normally do, Sutton and his fellow club members still enjoyed participating. “Free State fishing club has presented me with some really great opportunities that I am truly thankful for,” Sutton said. “With Covid, we haven’t been able to have any events but last year we had the opportunity to go to a really cool bait and tackle shop where a fish stocking truck was at. It was really cool to talk to the guys about the most effective ways to stock fish in ponds and lakes.”