At Stanford Lake College, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests and discover their inner selves through clubs and non-traditional sports. Our location allows for pupils to enjoy the sport of fly fishing and they can get afternoon practice sessions in on the lake. One pupil, Luke Fairhead (Grade 11) has been an avid angler and member of the Fly-tying Society since Grade 8. Luke was recently selected to participate in the SASACC Youth Team and headed to the Czech Republic during the holidays to compete. Here is what Luke had to say about his experience:
“At the beginning of the holiday, the SASACC Youth Team departed for Czech Republic. We arrived on the 19th and did not waste any time as we were soon getting into some fish on the beautiful Vltava River. We stayed in the town of Vyssi Brod for the duration of the competition, as well as the five practice days beforehand, when we spent hours fishing with the Czech team, learning and refining the techniques they taught us. We were also treated to many new species of fish, such as Grayling, Perch, Chub, European Brown Trout and Brook Trout. We got to fish many beautiful rivers, and a section of the Vlatava called Devils Stones, which many believe is one of the best trout fishing areas in the world due to its secluded nature and excellent fishing opportunities. We fished five competition sessions, all on various Czech rivers. My first session went very well, as I came second in my group with 20 fish in the first hour. I managed to keep the momentum throughout the two following competition days, ending off with a 2nd and a 3rd in my last sessions. This lead to an individual placing of 8th overall at the closing ceremony. The SASACC boys did well, with our team coming 5th out of the many teams attending.
“It was an enriching opportunity, competing in an amazing country, and making many new friends. I hope we have more Stanfordians who get to experience this in the years to come. I owe a massive thank you to my family for making this trip possible, as well as the Limpopo Fly Fishing Association and Stanford Lake College, who I was proud to represent in this international competition.”
- Luke Fairhead