This year Carihi students have the opportunity to learn a sport many people in the Salmon Capital love-fly fishing.
Carihi’s brand new Fly Fishing Club is giving them a chance to not only learn the sport, but develop a passion shared by many.
The club was started in September by Carihi teacher and avid fly fisherman, Nicolas Pisterzi.
He developed the club with the goal of having his students appreciate the sport and its many rewards.
“After catching your first fish, pun intended, you do get quite hooked into it,” Pisterzi said. “To me it’s like an artform and like therapy. It’s about being connected with nature and that’s what draws me into it and hopefully my students too.”
Skill development is their priority.
The club meets throughout the week to tie flies and learn proper casting techniques, which they are able to apply while out in the river.
The group tries to get at least one afternoon of fishing in a week.
“Our numbers right now are around 15 or so,” Pisterzi said. “We have several really committed members –beginners and some people who have more experience and are already experts in their own right. It’s nice to have a mix of different skill levels.”
Carihi is one of the few schools in the province with a Fly Fishing Club.
Pisterzi envisions competing one day, when the club members have gained more skills and experience.
“It would be really interesting to attend fly fishing tournaments that happen around the province and maybe even one day host a fly fishing tournament with other schools here in Campbell River,” he said.
The club is looking to build partnerships within the community.
Donations of cash or equipment, new or pre-owned, for students who do not have access to their own.
They also welcome members of the community to join and share their expertise.
For more information contact Pisterzi at: nicolas.pisterzi@sd72.bc.ca.