Student fishermen are a lesser-known community, though there’s not an active fishing club at SPX, they are incredibly passionate about their craft. Some enjoy the hobby because it’s relaxing, while others say it’s an outlet to learn patience and life skills, but all are there for the thrill of the big catch.

Finding a prized fishing spot is a tough task but delivers huge rewards when they find it. Due to the limit of these prime ponds and lakes, these outdoorsmen take cautious measures to ensure exclusive access.

Senior Benji McKey is one of the most notorious fisherman at school, and he takes unorthodox measures to protect his fishing hole around even his closest friends.

“I’ve had a lot of people ask me to take them to our fishing spots and in particular our secret fishing spot we call ‘juice spot,’”McKey said.

This “juice spot” reflects metro Atlanta’s fishing folklore. With the demand for trips to the spot being so high, he has a waiting list for trips to the property.

“We’ve taken people to a location ten minutes away and blindfold them so they don’t know what street its on, and only the closest of friends are trusted to possess the knowledge of the location,” said McKey.

While some are blessed with the knowledge of a jackpot fishing hole, others are forced to scavenge about the greater Atlanta area for spots. Junior David Stobierski relies on technology in order to find undiscovered locations.

“I sometimes go on Google Earth to find ponds around where I live and I’ll drive over and check them out,” he said. “It’s difficult finding ponds you can actually fish out of because a lot of them are surrounded by houses and private property,”

While the search for a secluded spot is exhilarating, the thrill of a catch is considered a key reason many go out on fishing trips. However, reeling in an actual catch requires serious persistence. None understand the importance of being persistent quite like senior Davis Kirkland.

“I was fishing in Louisiana one time with my dad by some abandoned oil rigs, and my dad hooked a stingray that broke the line… we hooked it six more times before he got it up and we could see the five other hooks stuck in it,” Kirkland said.

Not all catches are as simple as Kirkland’s encounter. Senior Ryan Carney has even needed first aid during a trip.

“My scariest story from a fishing trip was when my brother hooked himself in the side of the face when fly fishing, that was nasty,” Carney said.

While fishing may appear to be an ordinary pastime, it teaches lessons like safety, patience, and persistence. Next time you see someone blindfolded in the back of a car, don’t call 911, but instead take a minute to appreciate the hobby.