BY SAM PRADO ROBERTS
On October 21, the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs club left the Belmar Marina and spent the day fishing for black sea bass and porgies.
The club, nicknamed HOFNOD, serves as an outreach program for students to get involved and participate in anti-drug behaviors. “We want to promote positive activities for students who may not have many other outlets,” said John Post, the club’s faculty advisor.
Students appreciated the opportunity to fish during the school day. “The best part about the HOFNOD club is that it’s a way for us students to get out and hang out with our friends as well finding new hobbies,” said Dylan Miller.
The club invites trawlers of all experience levels to spend the day making memories on the water. “We have kids getting on a boat for the first time, and we have kids who practically grew up with reels in their hands,” said Post.
Students who fished for the first time felt nervous due to their lack of experience, but the faculty members on the boat helped put them at ease. “I was nervous before going fishing because I never fished before,” said Viktor Ilnytskyi. “I didn’t want to do something wrong, but there was a lot of people who helped and guided me.”
“It was my first time on a boat. It was weird at first, but I got used to it quickly,” said Rosalliah Robinson. Robinson caught seven bass but decided not to keep them.
Students who may not have access to equipment could still fish. “The boat we use provides everything, so students with little knowledge about fishing can learn then and there,” said Post. “We tell students not to bring any of their gear.”
The novices felt excited about their first experience on a boat and look forward to the next experience. “I felt good probably because I never had that kind [of] experience,” said Ilnystkyi.
Other students who had fished before and had gone on other trips also enjoyed the experience. “It was fun [and] not as cold as I thought it was going to be,” added Caden Ruszczyk. “There were some amazing catches.”
The trip produced many lasting memories for the new and knowledgeable fishers. “I’m so excited for the next trip!” said Madison Lewis.
Students look forward to the next trip where they will fish for striped bass. “I was actually thinking of going there again next time,” said Ilnytskyi. “It’s worth it.”
Posted on 11/6/24
Photos provided by John Post
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