Happy New Year to my family and friends. I would also like to give a shout to those who frequent this page. I look forward to many more tales. This part-time gig is grand, and we will cover many different topics in 2024. Let’s kick things off with one of my favorites.
Dave Weigle of Hughesville serves as a mentor to 25 or so young lads. He is the faculty advisor to the HHS (Hughesville High School) Fly-Fishing Club. Several other schools in our area have something similar. But this group from Hughesville is turning some heads. Mr. Weigle helped create the club about a year ago. He organizes, gives ideas, and offers suggestions. The members go from there.
“We have a fun group,” Weigle explained.” All are very interested in the different aspects of fly-fishing. We have hosted several speakers and organized a few outings involving the community. I am simply here to provide some guidance. But ultimately, I want the kids to decide what is best for the club. Fly-fishing is a fantastic sport. These youngsters are our future, and they will be the new protectors of our waterways.”
Mr. Weigle put me in touch with some of the HHS Fly-fishing officers. Bryce Southeimer and Wes Harvey are both sophomores. Extremely polite and very well-spoken. I enjoyed our conversations. We talked about fishing, and I learned more about their club. Both students were very excited about the future of their new organization. I explained to them that I also chucked bugs. One already followed me on Instagram. That made my day. Same age but very different. Bryce is rather quiet and more into motorsports. Wes was a talker, and he was so smooth. Harvey is a Spartan wrestler. All walks of life. Just another reason why I love this sport.
“Many of us have been fishing since an early age,” Bryce stated. “We were introduced to fly-fishing, and our club provides a chance to learn so much more. My friends and I are having a blast.”
“Mr. Weigle has been great,” Wes relayed. “He has set up several opportunities. The HHS Fly-Fishing Club gets together a few times each month. There are fly-tying presentations, and we get to meet many locals who are in the industry. This past Saturday, we all fished on the Muncy. It was rather cold, but we all had a good time. We are growing.”
The main goal of the HHS Fly-Fishing Club is to help students develop a love of fly-fishing while building a community that promotes curiosity, purpose, and giving back. One of the most effective means of introduction to the sport is through fly tying. HHS wants to create one of the finest fly-tying rooms of any high school in Pennsylvania. This is their latest fundraising push. A GO FUND ME page has been set. The overall response has been grand. Having quality vises, tools, and accessories is essential for tying flies. With these monies the HHS Fly-fishing hopes meet the needs of their growing club. Fly-fishing is a lifestyle and a process. There are endless possibilities of what this sport and tying can do for their kids. I just ponied up. You should, too. Please feel free to reach out.
Bill Kosmer is a local fishing guide and photographer. He has been very active with the kids at HHS. Bill is a fly-fishing guru, and he is full of knowledge. My man has traveled all over the globe. Kosmer is a great resource, and he has enjoyed his interactions with the club. This is Bill’s photo from a few weeks back.
“I am just doing what I can to give back,” Kosmer shared. “These kids are the future of our sport. They are the key to the future preservation of our waterways that we all love and enjoy. Great group, and I look forward to many more outings.”
Several others have stepped to the plate. I would like to recognize Tony Gehman from TCO. Mr. Gehman has been a great help. He has also donated a lot on his own. TCO Fly Shops were terrific when it came to the equipment for this state-of-the-art room. They have already provided the HHS Fly-Fishing Club with some fantastic gear and supplies.
Yes. Fishing is my passion, and it was beautiful to have a conversation with these two youngsters from Hughesville High. I will always go out of my way when I see the next generation. I also enjoyed catching up with Kosmer and a few others who share the same thoughts. Best wishes to the HHS Fly-fishing Club, and I look forward to attending your next meeting. Major props to Dave Weigle. Great work, my friend. Tight lines, kids. Cheers.
