Quarantine has many people held hostage in their homes, and many are faced with pure boredom.  During COVID-19 and its many social distancing restrictions, a new light has showcased the the sport of fishing. 

Lakes and ponds stocked with fish can be found all over the city, not to mention the wide variety of aquatic creatures living in the oceans and bays nearby.

“Stumpy Lake, Ashville Park, Back Bay, Heritage Park, and Christopher Farms contain some of the juiciest fishing spots especially in the shadier spots or under branches and trees,” said senior and fisherman Gauge Morton.

Fishing remains a permitted outdoor activity that can be done safely with others while remaining a safe social distance from any fellow fishermen.

“My advice for any other fishermen is to keep switching fishing spots and/or baits if you are not catching any fish,” said long-time fisherman Jacob Shaw.

Both Gauge and Jacob agree fishing during sunrise or sunset and when skies are overcast are some of the best times to fish. 

“I recommend rubber worms to anyone. My favorite are the Gary Yamamoto senkos in the green pumpkin color,” said alumna Chloe Bishop, class of 2019. Bishop fishes with friends and family, including her younger brother, Cooper Bishop, who is a freshman.

All three agree that shady or covered regions tend to be the best spots to catch fish using swim baits, artificial worms, or crank baits.

“I prefer an open face reel over a baitcaster because that’s what I’ve always used,” said Bishop. “I use a Shimano reel with an Ugly Stik rod, and it’s been great for the type of fishing I like to do.”