There is always water to be found for the dedicated angler, landlocked as some areas of the world appear to be.
Whether in actuality or in the mind’s eye, fishermen have a curious way of always leaving part of themselves beside the ocean, on a lakeshore or on the bank of a mountain stream.
Such is the case for members of the Elon University Fishing Club.
Founded in January 2012, the Elon Fishing Club operates with the purpose of encouraging “sportsmanship, integrity, conservation and development of the skills and knowledge needed to be successful anglers by competing with other schools in College Fishing tournaments,” according to the club’s mission statement.
“The club provides an opportunity for students who love to fish to get together, and it allows students an opportunity to compete in college fishing tournaments,” said junior Billy Gilbert, founder and club president.
Club members compete in regional and national fishing contests, representing Elon at up to five collegiate bass fishing tournaments per semester.
This semester, the club plans to participate in the upcoming Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) Super East Regional tournament in Charlotte, in addition to two club-sanctioned tournaments held on area lakes. The club placed ninth out of 53 boats at the Forrest L. Wood Qualifier tournament in Guntersville, Ala., March 2 and will advance to regionals.
While official club meetings are held the first Monday of every month, members usually meet each Saturday to fish on local lakes including Graham-Mebane Lake, Lake Mackintosh and Lake Cammack.
“Out of over 300 schools across the nation, we were one of 48 to qualify for the national championship in our first year as a club,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert has been fishing since the age of 5. He said club members boast a variety of angling backgrounds.
“We welcome anglers of all abilities,” he said.
An important part of the fishing club’s mission is recognizing the larger value of recreational fishing. Jane Lubchenco, undersecretary for oceans and atmosphere at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), emphasized this concept at the 2010 America’s Great Outdoors conference.
“Recreational fishing is good for the nation’s soul and good for the nation’s economy,” Lubchenco said.
Additionally, the club provides a way for students to practice positive resource management and conservation techniques.
This is demonstrated by the club’s membership and dedication to the B.A.S.S. founding principles of promoting “full adherence to all conservation codes” and encouraging “private and governmental study necessary to maintain quality fishing and fish habitat and to ensure quality fisheries for ourselves and future generations.”
In addition to competing in freshwater fishing tournaments and promoting positive conservation practices, the Fishing Club represents the diversity of interests maintained by Elon students.
“It provides something additional to the typical college experience,” said sophomore Justin Remegi. “I was originally attracted to the club because I saw it as an avenue for me to pursue my passion for fishing while at school, which is unique given this particular sport in the college setting.”
Despite Elon’s rather far distance from the nearest ocean, Fishing Club members find plenty of ways to enjoy an age-old sport. After all, they view a bad day of fishing as still being a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.