By Reigha Weaver | Arts & Life Writer
Baylor’s Recreational Fishing Club is inspiring students to cast their rods, fish with friends and grow their fishing skills.
The fishing club started as a way for students to casually fish in Waco, acting as an extension of Baylor’s Bass Fishing Team.
“While the bass fishing team is for experienced fishermen, the rec is for anyone who wants to go fishing in Waco,” Houston junior and club president Camden Slate said.
The club supplies materials for those who don’t have them.
“Rec fishing supplies rods slash tackle as well as some snacks and drinks for the members,” Slate said.
The club meets in different fishing spots around Waco once a month.
“We usually have a bonfire going on the beach while we fish,” Slate said. “… We meet up at a few different places around Waco, but I wouldn’t want to give any of our spots away. You’ll have to come to a meeting for that.”
While the Recreational Fishing Club is a mostly noncompetitive branch of Baylor’s fishing team, this year they will be having a tournament for club members.
“The recreational side is more casual just trying to get as many people out to fish and learn the sport,” Slate said. “Starting this year, we will be doing a smaller … tournament with the recreational fishing members, which should be a lot of fun.”
For McKinney junior Riley Stahler, fishing has been a part of her life for years, and Baylor Recreational Fishing Club is a way to continue doing what she loves.
“I have loved fishing ever since I can remember,” Stahler said. “I was the 5-year-old with the Barbie rod. I got into the club by just showing up. I saw that they had a meeting, came to it and ended up loving all of the people and decided to stick with it.”
Now Stahler is head of the event committee and social media chair for the club and enjoys sharing her fishing skills with the club.
“My favorite part is getting to be able to teach new people how to fish,” Stahler said. “I love teaching people something I love to do, and I have grown in my fishing experience, too.”
Students looking to learn to fish or grow their fishing skills can connect with the Baylor Recreational Fishing Club on their Instagram, @RecFishing_Baylor or can join their GroupMe.
