By Tammy Millsaps
Year three of Swain County High School’s fishing club, The Swainglers, kicked off in September. It was a sunny, very warm day for that time of the year at 288 Boat Access on Fontana Lake. Twenty students, most of them new to the club, ventured out onto the very muddy shore using a variety of live bait and lures. They patiently cast, hoping for a tight line. Anglers remained diligent, but the fish weren’t cooperating. Fish may not have been caught, but “treasures” were definitely found. The fresh lakebed that had surfaced from Fontana Dam releasing water into the Little Tennessee River, unearthed a bounty of finds. Stefan’s top find was a tackle box. Unfortunately, a lot of trash was exposed. I am so fortunate to sponsor this great group of kids! Kobe and Logan had a truckload of debris when they left. We didn’t have any catches to brag on, but the Swainglers left Fontana Lake cleaner than we found it!
Tammy Millsaps is the Leader of The Swainglers fishing club at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. They fish once a month of the school year during club time. Contact her at tmillsaps@swainmail.org for more information or to support this popular club.