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League of their own
If Harry Emmerling had his way, every teen would have equal opportunity to experience the joy of fishing.
As founder and adviser of the Student Fishing League, Emmerling works tirelessly to provide guidance, gear and access for a growing number of student anglers.
Emmerling lives and works in East Liverpool, where he’s raising two teen daughters. His love for the outdoors fueled his own higher education as he earned a degree in fish and wildlife management from Hocking College.
He gets a kick from his own fishing, but is especially pleased when young people pick up the sport. Now finishing its fourth year, the Student Fishing League in 2017 served up fishing opportunities to 30 boys and girls, from middle-school age through college.
“I love fishing and I’m blessed that my daughters also enjoy fishing, so it was a natural step to get other young people involved,” Emmerling said. “Fishing is a life activity we can enjoy regardless of our age, and it is the perfect way for kids to learn and mature.”
Students in this year’s SFL activities came from Beaver Local, East Liverpool, Boardman, Springfield Local, East Palestine, Worthington and Hopewell, Pa. In addition, SFL events have involved anglers from intercollegiate fishing teams at Youngstown State, Penn State, University of Pittsburgh and Kent State.
“It is awesome to watch as they grow in their fishing skills,” Emmerling said. “A lot of our kids start hardly knowing how to cast and in a few years they progress to being very good at casting, tying on lures and making decisions about where and how to fish.”
Emmerling gets support from fellow Upper Ohio River Valley natives Wayne Wells and Dick Thayer. He relies on them to help guide and mentor the young people.
In addition, the Student Fishing League is supported by successful tournament anglers from throughout the region.
“Guys like Tony Holzer [East Liverpool], Blaine Bucy [Weirton, W.Va.] and others are really helping our program as they bring their bass boats and take the kids out for our local tournaments,” Emmerling said. “You can only imagine how much of a thrill the kids get out of fishing with such experienced anglers in their competition boats.”
Youths gain more than fishing skills through their SFL association. Emmerling encourages them to get involved in community service. In 2016, he recruited SFL members to volunteer for the Muransky Companies Bass Classic, a fundraising event of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. Emmerling’s kids served as on-board judges. They were back for the 2017 classic.
Emmerling is broadening the reach of the SFL and will speak to schools, clubs and other organizations interested in participating. He can be reached by phone, 330-383-1194, or via the SFL Student Fishing League’s Facebook page.
“We have grown at a nice pace in four years, and I would love to see more kids get the opportunity to experience what our members are enjoying,” Emmerling said. “My dream is that someday we can make fishing a school-sanctioned activity here in Ohio.”
It’s not a farfetched dream. Intercollegiate bass tournament competition has three major organizations, The FLW Yeti College Fishing Tour, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series and the Collegiate Bass Fishing Tournament Series supported by Cabela’s and BoatUS.
The SFL recently organized the “King of the River” fundraising tournament on the Ohio River’s East Liverpool pool. In addition, those who would like to help support the SFL might consider donating fishing tackle. Donated fishing rods, reels and lures all are put to good use by SFL’s members, especially the beginners.