From a relaxing weekend to Big Ten competitions, an MSU club is proving that fishing is not just for the retired.
The MSU Sport Fishing Club is an organization that appeals to serious fishermen and those who have never fished before and would like to learn. The Sport Fishing Club, which consists of about 25 members and was started five years ago, offers its members monthly fishing trips, meetings with guest speakers and fishing competitions. The members’ main focus is to appreciate the joys of fishing together and to learn from one another about fishing.
The organization also takes part in other events that benefit area waterways.
In April, the group cleaned up the banks of the Red Cedar River for the entire length of campus. It received help from sponsors, who donated waders, and the MSU maintenance department, which disposed of the trash collected. The Red Cedar River cleanup is one of the group’s bigger projects of the year.
The Sport Fishing Club also competes against other colleges’ sport fishing teams in tournaments. On Oct. 28, the club will compete against the University of Michigan’s club at Lake St. Clair. Ten members will compete in a bass fishing tournament against 10 of U-M’s members.
In August, the organization participated in the Big Ten Tournament in Wisconsin with 10 members in two-person teams competing against other schools in a one-day tournament. The group finished third.
In 2001, the Big Ten Tournament will take place on the Mississippi River, something the group is really looking forward to. The Big Ten Tournament is the major event of the year for this organization, and many members are already planning for next year’s event.
The organization is not only for avid fishermen and is always looking to expand its membership, which is open to any interested student.
“We’re pretty much a laid-back group who enjoy getting outside of East Lansing, taking trips and fishing for all types of fish,” said group president Lance Irving, a fisheries and wildlife senior.
This motto is shared by all members who welcome any level of fisherman to join them on their fishing trips. The format of the group consists of biweekly meetings alternated with biweekly fishing trips. These fishing trips can range from fishing the Grand River to ice fishing on Lake Lansing. The group also helps its members learn more about their sport with guest speakers on various fishing topics and tips on things like rod repair.
This organization also fills a niche for today’s younger generation of fishermen.
“There is a deep concern in the fishing community for our younger generation and their exposure to the outdoors,” said Midwest Outdoors’ Hunting and Fishing Magazine editor and publisher Gene Laulunen. “Many do not get the exposure from their parents like previous generations.”
Laulunen said he would like to see more of this type of organization.
“There is also a definite need for more groups like this that promote the outdoors to the young adult.”
BRIAN CENCI
