Bloom Hamner

Fly-Fishing Allows Greenies to Unwind, Learn




Fly Fishing Allows Greenies to Unwind, Learn

Catching fish is not sole objective of after-school sport

Every trip to a local river for the Christ School fly fishing team begins with turning over rocks strewn along the bank. No, there aren't any fish hiding in the mud.

What the boys are looking for is what kind of insects or worms might be hatching. The answer then determines what type of fly they will tie on. It could be one with a colorful name like Parachute Adams or Woolly Bugger. A ripple in the water might be nothing at all, or it could be a mountain trout seeking out food. Greenies learn to cast, learn about their tackle, and most of all learn to be observant.

Christ School offers fly fishing as an after school sport during the fall and spring semesters. Along with the fishing itself, there is lab work and an up-close study of river beds with snorkels. Hase Cooper '19 is one of the most enthusiastic anglers in the current team, which is being taught by Science Instructor David Williams. Science Chair Ron Ramsey will lead the spring squad.

"I love it. It's definitely something that's unique to Christ School," Hase said. "It really gives you a chance to wind down after your classes and relax before study hall. I like all types of fishing, so this is something that's good for me."

The fly fishing team practices catch-and-release, which means that any brook, brown, or rainbow trout reeled in is put back. Everything from the water temperature of a fishing hole to the condition of hooks is taken into consideration so that the boys do not harm the trout. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission restocks the rivers fished by the Greenies.

"I've been fishing since I was three years old, and I've always loved it," said James Lilly '19. "It really puts you at ease. It's very relaxing. I'm glad we have this here at Christ School."

In addition to James and Hase, members of the fly fishing team are Ben Hendrix '21, Simon Jones '20, Coles Manning '19, Ted Peterson '19, Clay Schoettelkotte '19, Paden Thompson '20, and Matthew Weed '18.