“There are plenty of fish in the sea.”  This is the unofficial motto of the unofficial NDA Fishing Club.  This past weekend senior, Ben Kolb, performed a skit at Mr. NDA with the members of the informal NDA Fishing Club. 

Many students were puzzled.

                “I didn’t even know Notre Dame had a fishing club,” said senior Lauren Marold when she found out about the mysterious club.

                “That’s like Ben Kolb’s club, right?” asked a baffled Calise Conley.

                The club consists of three senior boys and two newly added senior girls.  The members are Ben Kolb, Michael Buckman, Tim Wilda, Courtney Nielsen and Belle Nothstine.  Contrary to popular opinion, the club was not organized by Kolb.

                “The group began freshman year when Michael Buckman and myself discovered we both had an affinity for the outdoors, especially fishing.  Our first trip was to Voyager Park, and we caught five walleyes.  Shortly thereafter we discovered Ben Kolb also had an interest, and the rest is history,” explained Wilda. 

                “I am looking forward to hooking a worm on a hook, casting my line, and patiently waiting until, BAM, I catch a fish!” said the club’s newest member, Courtney Nielsen, who heard about the club from her friend Belle Nothstine.

                But with all the club members being seniors, the club faces a problem.  What will happen next year?

                “We plan to still get together to fish after we graduate.  Hopefully we can generate some interest among the underclassmen, so the tradition can be carried on next year.  It was nice to get a little publicity.  The current regime still fishes with members who graduated last year.  So hopefully we will be able to come back from time to time next year to fish,” said Wilda. 

Alumni include NDA graduates Tim Lautenslager, Jamie Tilleman and Rob Saphner.

                Their promotional skit in Mr. NDA was not their first public appearance.  The three boys made an appearance on Pat and Bal’s Fishing Show last spring while fishing at Voyager Park.  With all of this publicity, it’s a wonder there has not been more interest in this club. 

                The club’s organization is extremely laid back.  When a member of the club has the urge to hold a club meeting, also known as a “fishing trip,” that member calls or text messages the other members.  They plan out the trip, work out the details and pack up to go fishing.

                “It’s a great thing to be a part of.  I am definitely looking forward to ice fishing this season,” said Nothstine.