In the serene waters of local lakes and rivers, a group of around 35 anglers at Saint Viator are making waves in the world of competitive bass fishing. Anchored by a passion for the sport, the bass fishing team comes together to hone their fishing skills, engage in friendly competition, and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Around every other weekend, these young anglers embark on fishing expeditions into the lakes and channels around Arlington Heights.
“What makes fishing a popular sport is that it gets people outdoors on the lake or pond in the nice weather with their friends,” said sophomore Colin McInerney. “There’s nothing better than hanging out with your friends fishing.”
Fishing, with its inherent tranquility, offers a respite from the demands of academics and extracurricular activities. It allows students to unwind, relax, and forge lasting friendships with fellow anglers who share their passion.
Bass fishing competitions are unique from other sports. Only recently sponsored by the IHSA, Saint Viator has had a bass fishing team since 2009.
“This year on May 2nd, the team will have its state sectional. Each school can have two boats with 4 anglers on each boat. Only 2 anglers can fish at a time, so we switch midway throughout the day” explained Coach Joe McInerney. “At the end of the competition day, you bring your 5 heaviest fish to the head table, and the boat with the highest total weight wins. You have to be top three to make state, so it gets pretty competitive due to the limited number of fish in the water.”
To an outsider, this may seem luck-based, but Coach McInerney is quick to refute that.
“Anything from wind conditions to the clearness of the water can affect how the bass are biting, so it takes practice and experimentation to find what works best,” said Coach McInerney.
With every cast and reel, the Saint Viator High School bass fishing team members are casting lines for success, not just in the competitive arena but also in their personal and academic pursuits. Anyone interested in joining the bass fishing team for their upcoming spring season should contact either Colin or Coach McInerney–the potential implications are endless!