Minarets High School launching a fishing club this Fall

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tucked in the foothills of Madera County, Minarets High School students will get the chance to head off campus to local lakes and ponds.

They'll be under the supervision of Matt Broadley.

He's the advisor for the brand new fishing club, and he's got years of experience under his belt.

"I fished since I was - probably before I could walk," Broadley said.

The new club is an addition to the fishing club at Spring Valley Elementary School.

It was launched to give kids an opportunity to fish.

Last year, Broadley stepped in to help and add an education element with special presentations and field trips.

"I tried to make it a little more of an education of how to operate within this, this realm, asking permission from landowners, getting that permission before you go, rather than just pawn hopping, teaching them the laws and the rules and regulations," Broadley said.

Rhonda Corippo is the principal of Minarets High.

The school is half public school, half charter school and home to about 500 students.

She says even though they're small, they offer big opportunities, including multiple career technical education pathways, dual enrollment for college and CIF sports.

"Just because we're little - we're small - doesn't mean we just offer the basics," Corippo said.

But even with all of those options, Corippo admits there are a number of students who still aren't involved in extracurricular activities.

She believes that this may change by adding fishing.

"My hope is that this club will help decrease that number, and some of those students who weren't involved in something will be," Corippo said.

Students don't need prior experience to join.

Through donations, Broadley hopes to have enough gear to supply every student who doesn't have their own.

The club is also now sanctioned by the Student Angler Federation, so they'll be able to create a competition team.

He hopes this allows students an outlet, especially if they don't participate in any of the CIF sports.

"It's a way for them to join with others, connect with their community and connect with other kids -- not being on the field," Broadley said.

Students who are interested in taking part can still sign up for the club by clicking here.

They're also looking for support to help make the club minimal to no cost for students. If you'd like to help cover costs, you can message Broadley by clicking here.

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