By Tammy Parris
Trout, trout, trout were on the lines for our March fishing trip. Swainglers cast their lines into the Tuckasegee River’s catch and release waters on a cool, overcast day. Several fish were reeled in and released back into the cool water. Single hook only, no live bait or scented lures, rules were followed.
This group of students amazes me sometimes! We are limited to only forty-five minutes of fishing time, which takes away their lunch time at school. Most pack a lunch and eat on the bus, a few lucky anglers have mom deliver lunch to the fishing hole while others are so excited to hit the water, they choose not to eat. They make every minute count from the moment they step on the bus to depart the school. Fishing poles are geared up and ready to go. This is a small community. Anglers already know which fishing spot they are going to “hit” as soon as they get off the bus.
I have been taking the club fishing for almost two years now. The knowledge they have about the outdoors is not a surprise. These outdoor enthusiasts can name not only fish species, but trees and plants that surround us in the Great Smoky Mountains. Outdoor education offers so many benefits to today’s youth. It promotes active learning. Not only do the students learn to work together while experiencing an outdoor adventure, but they are provided with opportunities to learn life skills and responsibility. Outdoor learning creates memorable educational experiences. One of my goals as sponsor of this club, is for the students to look back at their high school careers and have the Swainglers be one of their fondest memories!
Tammy Parris 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 tparris@swainmail.org for more information or to support this popular club.