Despite winter weather being just around the corner, the Archie Williams community remains hooked on outdoor activities, such as fishing. Due to its year-round availability, and Marin’s apt positioning near both fresh and saltwater fishing locations, fishing has found its way into many Marin County residents’ lives. With access to both the San Francisco Bay and reservoirs such as Bon Tempe and Phoenix Lake, Archie Williams students fish in various locations. 

Whether it’s bass fishing in the San Francisco Bay or trout fishing in the creeks, the Archie Williams’ fishing community participates in various fishing styles all over Marin. Archie Williams junior Isaac Terry, a newer member of the fishing community, has recently discovered new fishing spots around the county. Isaac began fishing last spring and has frequented his favored locations ever since, taking advantage of abundant fishing holes to get out on the water twice a week.

“There are plenty of [fishing] spots here in town, [like] Bon Tempe. There are secret spots that people won’t tell you about, and then there’s go[ing] down to the ocean and fishing for all different kinds of [fish],” Isaac said.

Issac began fishing due to his friends getting into the activity, and found a community with which to spend time outside in nature, enjoying each other’s company and unplugging from the stress of everyday life. 

“I like having a person there [fishing with me]…It’s just nice being out in nature… When you’re fishing with someone, it makes it easy to talk to them, and then you have a bond with that person,” Issac said.

Another way many Archie Williams students discover fishing is through Marin-based Korty’s Fish Camp. Founded and run by Archie Williams parent Jonathan Korty, Korty’s Fish Camp provides opportunities for children to become involved in fishing, starting from a young age. Korty founded the camp in 2019, and in 2023, it was voted Best Children’s camp in Marin by the Pacific Sun Magazine Readers Poll. According to Korty, his program has kickstarted many Archie Williams students in the hobby, carrying the passion with them.

“I know a lot of kids who have been in my camp that are now at Archie and kids around this area that have fished for years… I also know lots of kids at Archie and even at White Hill who are going up to the lakes every day… I think there’s a real surge in interest in fishing going on, and I see it in the kids at my camp and the kids in the area,” Korty said.

Korty believes that fishing cultivates higher self-confidence in students. For students who have not previously found success in school-related activities, Korty says that catching a fish is a skill that grows their enthusiasm for learning. 

“There are some kids that come into fish camp that may not excel athletically […] or academically, and they come into fish camp and all of a sudden find this thing that they can do, and it really gives them a boost of self-esteem,” Korty said.

Korty has seen a recent spike in fishing activity, especially in his camp enrollment, since the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to children being stuck indoors during quarantine. Now, Korty believes they want the chance to spend time outside, enjoy nature, and experience the social connections that fishing brings.

“A lot of kids stayed home and were watching fishing videos and on YouTube [during the pandemic]… so coming out of COVID, there was a real[ly] big burst in interest in fishing, and that’s what we’re seeing here. Also, [being] uniquely situated in the Ross Valley, where we’re on the gateway of West Marin…and we also have the lakes above us, which are amazing resources,” Korty said.

Isaac agrees with Korty, as he has witnessed a lot of growth throughout the fishing community following COVID-19.

“More and more people have started fishing lately, and it’s cool to just see the hobby growing [into a bigger] community,” Isaac said. 

Archie Williams P.E. and Academic Workshop teacher Tim Parnow is a part of the growing community, but began at a young age, learning alongside his father. He is passionate about passing the hobby down to his own kids and enjoys spending time outdoors, as activity allows him to unwind and relax.

 “Waking up early, having a cup of coffee, driving to the fishing [spot]… is super important to me. [Along with] being outside in nature, especially when you can be miles from any civilization,” Parnow said.

Whether relaxing on the shore or exploring nearby wilderness, Parnow feels that in an age of technology, fishing offers an escape into nature to appreciate the beautiful open space areas in Marin County. 

“Kids are talking about [fishing], and it might be just a chance for kids to disconnect from their phones and just go hang out with people, while also doing something that they found out that they enjoyed,” Parnow said. 

Deeply rooted in Marin’s outdoor space, the unique hobby of fishing has captivated Archie Williams students. It is not only a weekend activity, but a way to build relationships and an appreciation for nature, which anyone can get involved in no matter their skill level. With the fishing community continuing to grow in popularity, more students from Archie Williams are beginning to show interest and encouraging their friends to join them as well, opening more doors to community-building.