Jr. Zachary Jongekryg sits quietly in class, but his thoughts are far from the whiteboard. His mind drifts to the rhythmic lap of waves, the glint of morning sun over the lake’s surface, and the adrenaline rush of feeling that first hard tug on the line. In his imagination, he’s center stage in a high-stakes bass tournament. The championship trophy is just within reach, a symbol of determination and skill.

   For Jongekryg, this isn’t just a daydream. It’s a goal. And it’s one shared by countless students across the country who’ve discovered the unique challenges and rewards of competitive fishing.

   West Ottawa is commonly known for its plethora of opportunities, from one of the largest selections of AP classes and one of the only International Baccalaureate schools in the area, to the 29 sports and numerous clubs offered, West Ottawa still has a missing piece a West Ottawa fishing team.

   Bass fishing tournaments are testaments of dedication and hard work. Bass tournaments work about as expected, on a boat provided by the tournament is a pair of people and each boat fishes roughly the same amount of time. During this time, anglers have to locate spots and catch fish; the goal is to catch the heaviest bag, which is the collective weight of the five biggest fish, heaviest bag wins.

   Nearby schools like Grand Haven and Zeeland have already taken advantage of this opportunity. Creating student fishing teams to compete in local tournaments with other schools.  Brendan Weener, a Zeeland alumnus and former Zeeland Fishhawk, is a great example of how beneficial a fishing team can be for an individual.“The Zeeland Fishhawks are an amazing program that really helped shape my high school years,” Weener said. “It taught me the importance of patience and practice, both essential in any sport or life pursuit.”

   But for Weener, the lessons didn’t end at fishing. Competitive fishing introduced him to a network of mentors and peers who helped guide him through high school and beyond. He recalls one unforgettable day when his mentor brought him to a secret fishing spot where they filled the boat with bass in under 15 minutes. It wasn’t luck, it was years of experience, careful observation, and deep respect for the natural world. “That kind of dedication inspired me. I learned to bring that same focus not only to fishing but to school, work, and life,” Weener said. “This program helped me keep my grades up, make great memories, and grow into who I am today.”

   Fishing is not always just about catching fish. Fishing can teach students how to interact with others and how to be safe on the water. Fishing can also teach students dedication, hard work, patience, and perseverance, qualities that every school should install in their student body. 

   West Ottawa has the student interest, the nearby lakes, and the precedent set by neighboring districts. What’s missing is a program that channels passion into purpose, where students like Jongekryg can turn their dreams into a reality, not just on imagined lakes, but on real waters with real stakes.

   Creating a fishing team wouldn’t just be adding another club or sport, it would be a chance for students to grow as fishermen and students. It will give purpose and recognition to the fishermen who fill the halls of West Ottawa. It’s a chance for scholarship opportunities from numerous colleges, and advancement into the next step of life.

   It’s time to pick up the rod, form the team, and bring the spirit of the sport to West Ottawa. For many students, a fishing team isn’t just about the next big catch; it’s about the next big step in life.