Report from the Field

Chris V. sent this photo in from Florida. He is reporting plenty of cooperative mahi mahi and sailfish. Turkey or mahi for Thanksgiving? Tough call.

SJP Wins All Scholastic Fishing Challenge

The All Scholastic Fishing Challenge took place on November 15 at the Putnamville Reservoir and the Prep's fishing club edged out Central Catholic in the final hour of competition thanks to the efforts of Derek W. and Paul C.

The two teams arrived at the reservoir under overcast conditions and calm winds. The water levels were low which allowed participants to reach structure that typically not accessible under normal conditions. Despite having promising new spots to fish, both teams struggled to catch fish for the first 1.5 hours of the competition. Central Catholic struck first with a nice pickerel. Fishing remained slow for the next two hours, until Derek W. caught a 23" pickerel which tied the score. Approximately 20 minutes later and less then an hour left in the competition, Paul C. caught another pickerel which was enough to take the lead and ultimately win the event.



At the conclusion of the tourney, both schools returned to the Prep for awards, pizza, and conversation. Even though the fish were not as cooperative as the two teams would have liked, everyone managed to have a good time on the water.

Fishing begins in the second annual tournament.

Paul's tie-breaking fish

The two teams take a break from pizza for a group photo

All Scholastic Fishing Challenge II

SJP vs. Central Catholic fishing showdown is coming quick. We are hosting this year's event at the Putnuville Reservoir on November 15. Registration materials are available and you must sign up by November 12th to participate (all students are welcome to sign up). For your entry fee of $25 you will get to fish the tourney, transportation to and from the Prep, a t-shirt, pizza (compliments of Student Activities), and the satisfaction of knowing that all proceeds raised will be supporting a local food bank.

Many of you have been asking me about the tournament format. Here is the scoop for this year's event: Each fish caught and released has a point value. panfish = 1 point; pickerel = 2 points; bass (largemouth/smallmouth) = 3 points. The school with the most points at the end of the day will take home the trophy. Awards will also be given to several students earning the greatest number of points.

There has been some strategy being discussed by a few club members. Surprisingly, most of the talk is coming from the fly rodders in the group. It sounds as though they will be targeting the panfish on small flies. We'll see how it goes!

Keep the Fishing Stoke Going!

For many of us (particularly the saltwater crowd), the fishing this fall did not go as planned. As a result, I've noticed a few SJP fishing club members not as perky as they usually are this time of year. If you thought about hanging up the rods for good, then I would strongly encourage you to click through the following two online magazines: This Is Fly, and Catch Magazine. Both publications released new editions this past week and are stocked full of great fly fishing articles, images, and interactive features. Perhaps they are not a substitute for a keeper striper on the fly, or casting to busting tuna, but it is something!

How big is fishing? Big!

This past weekend the school had its first open house for prospective students. At the event, the fishing club was represented (thanks Viggs!). Several times, faculty members commented on the amount of "traffic" the fishing club's table was receiving. I would simply respond to the comment by saying, "fishing is big business around here." Exactly how big, I wasn't quite sure, so I did some digging. Here is what I found...

In 2006 the American Sportfishing Association published a study regarding the economic impact of freshwater and saltwater sportfishing in the United States. According to the study, there was an economic output of over $1.2 billion generated from recreational fishing in Massachusetts that year. The state ranked 7th in the nation for saltwater fishing retail sales which exceeded $492 million. State and local governments received $86 million in tax revenue from sportfishing. In 2006, the study estimated the average annual expenditure per saltwater angler (includes travel and equipment) in the state was $1,659.74. Compared to saltwater anglers in other states, we spend more annually on saltwater fishing than all but two states (South Carolina and California, $2,094 and $1,695, respectively).

Fishing is indeed big business in Massachusetts!

Fishing Tourney Plans

Plans are underway to connect again with the fishing club at Central Catholic. Last year the two schools met at Plum Island for an event we called the "All Scholastic Striped Bass Charity Challenge." The competition was a draw between the two schools, but everyone had a great time and we made a contribution to a local food bank. This year we will gather again, this time for some freshwater fishing.

Next week we'll meet as a club and discuss some ideas for the event. Stay tuned.

Outing Planned for Thursday

We'll be hitting the water as a group for the first time this academic year. The plan is to hit our local freshwater hole. Word on the street is that it has been fishing well lately. As always, space is limited in the van so pick up a permission slip and return it ASAP.

American Littoral Society Membership

The SJP Fishing Club just joined up with the American Littoral Society, a conservation organization that focuses on coastal issues. The club hopes to actively support the Littoral Society's fish tagging program, the largest saltwater tagging effort of its kind. Data collected from fish recaptured with tags help support fisheries research through the National Marine Fisheries Laboratory in Woods Hole.

It is our hope that all striped bass caught on club outings will be released with tags. Stay tuned to the blog for updates on our progress.

Warm Water Fishing

Luke spent much of summer hitting some warm water fisheries. Looks like he had fun.

No Trips This Week

Due to a variety of factors, we will not be able to get out and fish this week. I encourage you to get out and fish on your own. The weather looks great this week. Get outside!

Meeting Thursday

The first meeting of the year will take place Thursday after school in B228. New members always welcome!

We're On Facebook!

Yet another way for the SJP Fishing Club to stay connected. Click on the link (or the facebook logo) to go to the group page. SJP FISHING CLUB FACEBOOK GROUP

Summer 2009

With the first day of school tomorrow, I'm sure there will be a steady stream of fish stories being told as we see each other in the hallways. Here are a few pictures that came in over the last two months.

Sam with a hefty striper caught on heavy gear.

Before releasing his personal best fish, Mr. Soule paused for a quick picture.

45" Striped Bass caught and released at one of Mr. B's favorite spots.

"Viggs" with a great looking flounder.

Go Fish Camp: Day 4

The final day of the Go Fish Camp was slightly delayed at the start, due to thunderstorms, but we still managed a great day of fishing. We waited out the storm in the SJP student commons and watched some selections from AEG and Felt Soul Media Films, which kept the enthusiasm high for getting out on the water high, despite the forecasted heavy rain showers. Once the storm passed we loaded up the van and made a direct run to the closest body of water we could find. The campers utilized everything from fly rods to bobbers and worms on the final day and everyone managed multiple hookups.

Go Fish Camp: Day 3

Today we jumped on the invitation to join Captain Judd of CJ's Charters and leave the local lakes and ponds for a day of saltwater fishing. We had a great day on the water and everyone caught some nice fish. Thanks Captain!

Go Fish Camp: Day 2

What a day! The campers were nailing fish from the beginning. Success was found using everything from bait, lures, and flies. Like yesterday, we hit two separate bodies of water, but this time both produced great numbers of fish. Here are a few pictures of today's action.

Go Fish Camp: Day 1

The Go Fish camp kicked off today. We hit two local lakes and had a great time despite some unsettled weather.

Sushi? No, this little sunfish was released unharmed!

Booking Charters

We are booking a couple charters with Captain Judd this week (planning for Wednesday and Thursday) if weather permits. All trips will run from 3pm and we'll be back to the dock sometime before sunset. Shoot me an email ASAP to reserve your spot.

Memorial Day Weekend

Members of the SJP fishing community were out in force this weekend. Here are some of the pictures that came in.

Panama Pictures

SJP Summer Fishing Camps

St. John's Summer Institute is offering some great summer activities to the public this summer, most notably (as far as the fishing club in concerned) are the Fishing Camps. The camps are for rising 7th graders through 12th grade students (boys and girls). The three mobile fishing camps being offered this year include: "Go Fish", Introduction to Fly Fishing, and Introduction to Salt Water Fly Fishing. For more information, including fees and course descriptions, visit the "Great Outdoors" section of the SJP Summer Institute information page by clicking here.

They're Back!

Outing Report: 5/7

We hit our local bass pond today after school and Luke P. showed us (yet again) why he is one of the fishiest members of the SJP Fishing Club. He landed this nice largemouth a few minutes after we arrived. Nice fish!

Campus Footwear Drive

Reminder: Please support Campus Footwear Drive taking place this week by bringing lightly used or new shoes. See Mr. German with any questions.

PANAMA!!!

We had an amazing time in Panama. I will be posting a full report soon. In the meantime, check out a few pictures from the trip.

First Trip Report

Cutting right to the chase here... we were skunked! Still we had a great time checking out a body of water that is practically in the Prep's backyard. I expect that in a few weeks the fishing should really heat up at this location and that the fishing club will be on it.

Picture: First outing of the year. Derek and Pat watch Mr. Soule getting in a few reps with his 10 weight prior to Panama.