The fishing team’s Redfish Roundup on Sept. 7 at Sea Rim State Park was angling for a two-fold catch, allowing those not on the team to see what being a part of it was all about. It also allowed those who already graduated to reacquaint themselves with the group they enjoyed during their high school tenure.

Team veteran and senior Grant Humphrey was the first to catch a fish that Saturday afternoon, using dead mullet bait. His catch measured 40 inches and he hooked it while he was waist deep. 

“I have been (a part of the fishing team) since freshman year,” Humphry said. “It feels good to catch the first fish of the day.”

Avery Comeaux, junior, has also been part of the fishing team since his freshman year. Like Humphrey, he hauled in his 37-inch catch using dead mullet, but instead hooked his catch on shore. 

“Catching the fish was tiring,” Comeaux said. “Especially when it is 300 yards out.”

Peggy Selmen, the team’s sponsor, has been with the organization since it began in 2013. 

Since then, it’s grown exponentially as has the Southeast Texas High School Fishing Association, which is the organization that handles putting on the region’s events. 

“This team was created by my husband, Tom,” Selman said. “He had met with others in the area and tried to find an association to fish with nearby. They found one in East Texas. 

“Seeing as our son was at the age to join, they investigated into it and were able to make a team.”

The club uses fundraising, sponsorships, sales from raffle tickets, T-shirts, hats and other items to support themselves. 

As the redfish event begins the team’s season activities for the school year, the SETXHSFA tournament schedule doesn’t have its first event scheduled until Jan. 18 at Lake Sam Rayburn’s Umphrey Pavilion.

Between now and then the team busies itself with team building and plenty of practice.

“Also, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will come and teach classes for motor safety,” Selman said. “The students can actually get their motor safety licenses.” 

“There is another class the kids take where they learn to build their own fishing rods. Then the kids can use them when fishing after they have completed them.”