Club Spotlight: The Fishing Club

If there is anything to know about the clubs at Greenwood, it’s that there sure are a lot of them. With the freedom to form a club centered around some of the most unique interests and passions, it’s little wonder that the brand-new Fishing Club was able to make a splash with its first club trip this fall. Meeting every Friday, the club’s weekly activities have members discussing fishing techniques, learning about fish ecology and planning for several future excursions to the city’s best fishing spots. 

No Greenwood club is complete without its passionate founder, and Owen Schonberger ‘26 fits that role perfectly. Owen began fishing at a young age, and has engaged with the sport in many ways, including ice and fly fishing. It’s of little surprise that when Greenwood students became interested in the sport over the years, the first person they reached out to was Owen. That’s what spurred Owen’s suggestion for the establishment of Greenwood’s very first Fishing Club. Aiding the club in its efforts is Greenwood teacher Anne Wellnhofer, whose enthusiasm for the outdoors lends itself well to the group. 

It was through the duo’s passion and planning that the club was able to host its first excursion to Toronto’s High Park this past October. With more than 20 students across all grades in attendance, the group embarked on an equal parts instructional and recreational trip. 

“Once we had enough students signed up that we needed a school bus, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” Owen recalled.

The trip began with a visit to the Grenadier Café, where Owen led a discussion on Toronto's various fishing zones as well as the ecology of fish local to High Park. When it was time for the group to start fishing, the general atmosphere amongst students was described as supportive and encouraging. 

“As a teacher and parent, I always want organic ways for connections and friendships to form,” said Ms. Wellnhofer. “This Club is just that – students from many different grades hanging out together doing something they love, all having chosen to be there.”

The club’s founders and accompanying chaperones were on stand by, assisting students in untangling their fishing lines and supplying bait with the utmost patience and care. After catching and returning their share of fish, the group’s first excursion came to an end.

With their trip to High Park wrapped up, the Fishing Club is actively planning for its future. For Owen, he wanted the initial club meetings and trips to familiarize students with the sport before getting into the truly exciting bits. Ms. Wellnofer has secured a trip to Ward’s Island this coming weekend (November 22), where Owen plans to hold a casting competition focused on catching a truly massive species of fish: the pike. From there, the group plans to fish regularly at various spots around the city, including the Toronto Harbour and a return to High Park in the spring. While the group’s foremost goal is fishing, it is clear that the members are promoting the sense of community and growth that Greenwood is known for. 

“Anybody can fish, no matter the age or skill level. If you have ever thought about fishing and have never been fishing before, now’s your chance!” said Owen.

Greenwood’s Fishing Club meets every Friday at Lunch in Room 242, and is open to all students.