From Learning to Cast to Catching Crawdads, AXL Academy Students Got Hands-on Fishing Education with a Side of Aquatic Discovery
Written by Monique Murillo, CI Field Instructor. After arriving at Chatfield State Park, the first activity of the day was this group of AXL Academy students was fishing. Students learned about the different parts of a fishing rod, how to cast, and how to put on bait. Many students were excited about fishing, and they spread out along the shore to cast their lines and put their fishing education to use. Unfortunately, not many fish were biting. Determined, some students tried to catch some small fish with nets instead.
The gravel ponds were busy with activity, and it was a great spot for students to explore the area. Many students were excitedly finding and catching crawdads of all sizes! Some students were nervous about touching them, but by the end of the day were proud to show off the newfound little friends they made. A few students became very focused on trying to help a large crawdad that seemed to be struggling to move. With the help of an instructor, they carefully removed the fishing line that was wrapped around its claw. It was free! The students stated that the crawdads were often misunderstood creatures that deserved our care, and they felt proud to have helped this one regain its ability to move freely.
The group took a break to eat a quick lunch and enjoy some slushie pouches since it was getting hot! The water was welcoming for some students who decided to sit at the shoreline and enjoy the cool water. A few students were able to find some interesting macroinvertebrates in the water and were very excited to get a closer look. This helped them better understand the water quality and that the ponds were quite healthy. Other students decided that playing in the water was sufficient enough!
After a long day in the sun, students returned to the school. Tired but content, students circled up for a final debrief of the day to share what they learned, what will stick with them, and what was the best part of their day. As an official release, it started to rain as students headed back into the school to finish out the day.
Thanks to the funders and supporters who make these AXL classes possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you are also passionate about getting students outside for fishing education and unique outdoor experiences, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
