The Merrill High School Fishing Club is launching its first official year as a high school activity. Fittingly, Merrill bait and tackle store, Rutt’n Rod Outfitters, has come aboard as the club’s corporate sponsor.
The club receives no funding from the school district, so a $500 donation from Rutt’n Rod will help the club travel to tournaments this year.
Rutt’n Rod also is serving as a sign-up site for club mentors. The club is seeking experienced fishermen with boats who are willing to mentor a young fisherman. Anyone interested in serving as a mentor can inquire at Rutt’n Rod or contact club co-advisor Ryan Rudie at 715-536-4594, ext. 18208.
“The school is always looking for community involvement,” said club co-advisor Doug Iwen. “This is a great opportunity to get involved with some great kids and teach them about fishing.”
The club has 23 MHS students signed up this year. They have already competed in a couple of tournaments, including an ice fishing tournament in Minocqua over the winter. Fishing clubs are becoming popular high school activities around the state, as 83 teams participated in the Minocqua tournament.
“This is a great activity for kids that don’t necessarily have other interests,” said Iwen. “Fishing can be a life long sport.”
Club president Andreou Goetsch came up with the plan for a fishing club last year and approached Iwen to serve as the advisor. Additional co-advisors have joined the club, including Rudie, Olivia Dachal, Dan Smith and Dave Heckman.
The MHS Fishing Club meets every other week during the flex period built into the school’s class schedule. Members also get together periodically for fishing outings. The club would welcome any additional sponsors to help support its activities.