The Hurst Quad and Quigley Band Shell were filled with students eager to learn how to fly fish, students who have been fly fishing for years and even a few who just stopped by for free hot dogs and live entertainment. Along with traditional hot dogs and hamburgers, the BBQ also featured wild-caught geese, a big hit. Club officers showed new members how to properly fly-cast rods (which can be rented out from Wilderness Pursuits) on the Hurst quad.
Gunnison Sockeyes club member James Antley and his band, The Heady Waters, performed both original pieces of their music along with favorites from artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Veteran member and president of the club CJ Gooderham shared what the most enjoyable part of being the club president.
“Making differences in the Gunnison community and watershed from our service work and conservation-based, fly-fishing approach,” Gooderham said. “It has been a pleasure being recognized by the president of the university, people that work with companies in the fly-fishing industry, and many anglers and conservationists across the nation.”
“Our goal is to get as many people into fly-fishing as possible because it is a life-changing experience, and then show them an aspect of fly fishing that many people are not familiar with, which is conservation. Conservation in the lens of the Gunnison Sockeyes is acknowledging the privilege we have of fishing in the Gunnison Valley, catching amazing fish and giving back to the watershed that gives us so much enjoyment,” Gooderham said.
If students want to learn more about how to fly fish and enjoy the Gunnison Valley in a new way, they should contact the Sockeyes.
Contact Information: Club President- CJ Gooderham | christopher.gooderham@western.edu
Story by Caitlin Gleason. Photo by Hiroto Hayashi.
