Gone fishin': Students pursue passion through collegiate angling
There is always water to be found for the dedicated angler, landlocked as some areas of the world appear to be. Whether in actuality or in the mind’s eye, fishermen have a curious way of always leaving part of themselves beside the ocean, on a lakeshore or on the bank of a mountain stream. Such is the case for members of the Elon University Fishing Club. Founded in January 2012, the Elon Fishing Club operates with the purpose of encouraging “sportsmanship, integrity, conservation and development of the skills and knowledge needed to be successful anglers by competing with other schools in College Fishing tournaments,” according to the club’s mission statement. “The club provides an opportunity for students who love to fish to get together, and it allows students an opportunity to compete in college fishing tournaments,” said junior Billy Gilbert, founder and club president. Club members compete in regional and national fishing contests, representing Elon at up to five collegiate bass fishing tournaments per semester. This semester, the club plans to participate in the upcoming Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) Super East Regional tournament in Charlotte, in addition to two club-sanctioned tournaments held on area lakes. The club placed ninth out of 53 boats at the Forrest L.