Iola High School has officially launched a fishing club, attracting interest from at least 15 students eager to engage in this new outdoor activity. The club’s inaugural meeting took place on Thursday evening, where organizers Jeremy Sellman and Tre Howard outlined plans for the program. The initiative aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn about fishing while emphasizing conservation and outdoor education.
The fishing club will operate primarily after school and on weekends, with the organizers keen to discuss expectations and scheduling with the participants. “We’ve really just got this going in the last couple of weeks,” Sellman explained. He emphasized that initial activities may be limited due to weather conditions, but that there are many other educational opportunities that can be pursued in the meantime.
As part of the program, students will learn about various aspects of fishing, including safety, conservation, and environmental stewardship. An early session is expected to focus on the use of recycled Christmas trees as fish habitats, a method that promotes both fishing and ecological health. Sellman and Howard are also coordinating with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to secure educational materials and are seeking permission from local landowners to utilize their ponds for practice.
Cleanup days will also be integrated into the club’s activities, fostering a sense of responsibility among members. The newly established Lehigh Portland State Park is anticipated to play a significant role in the club’s seasonal activities, providing a local environment for students to explore their newfound interests.
Sign-ups for the fishing club will remain open, allowing more students to join as they hear about the initiative. Howard noted that interest is growing, with inquiries from students of all backgrounds, including girls who want to participate.
One of the primary appeals of the fishing club is its ability to connect students with nature, offering a recreational activity that encourages them to put down their phones and engage with the environment. While many participants have their own fishing equipment, newcomers are welcome even without gear. Sellman mentioned that a local landowner has generously offered $500 to help purchase equipment for those in need.
The idea for the club emerged when Sellman, who also coaches golf, learned about Howard’s passion for fishing during a conversation about a recent fishing trip. “I’ve been fishing all my life,” Howard remarked, highlighting his enthusiasm for the sport. Sellman, an avid outdoorsman who manufactures his own fishing baits with Swing ‘Em In Bait Company, hopes to leverage his industry contacts to support the fishing club’s growth.
While the primary focus of the club will be on education and enjoyment rather than competition, Sellman acknowledged that there are numerous sanctioned fishing tournaments for high school students across the state. However, he emphasized that the Iola club will not participate in these due to the costs associated with entry fees and the need for high-end equipment. Instead, the club serves as a platform for students to explore the world of fishing, potentially leading to future interests in competitive or professional fishing on their own terms.
“We’re excited,” Sellman stated. “We really want to see this take off.” With the foundation laid for the Iola High School fishing club, students can look forward to a season filled with learning, teamwork, and outdoor adventure.
