Hook, Line, Summer Fun. Sunset Point Campers Learn to Fish

The fish may not always be biting, but that hasn’t stopped Catholic Charities Boston’s Sunset Point Camp’s newest offering this summer from becoming a big catch among the campers. 

Fishing is now offered as a weekly, extracurricular activity to Sunset Point campers, thanks to a new partnership with Hull Fishing Camp. On Tuesday afternoons, at the edge of Hull, Mass., the beach is dotted with about 12 campers in red shirts, trying their hand at fishing. 

“I knew immediately the campers would enjoy fishing,” explained Ivana Veiga, Director of Summer Camps and Teen Programming. “What is great about these kids is they are up for everything. And fishing offers a nice, serene break from the packed daily schedule we have at camp.” 

The fishing lessons are run by Graham Whelan, a Hull native who started Hull Fishing Camp in 2021. He shows the campers the basics of fishing, from baiting to casting a reel. And every camper gets the opportunity to put their new skills to the test. 

“We’ve been learning a lot,” said Whelan. “The kids have been doing great with the casting. Everybody seems to pick it up quickly. It’s almost like riding a bike. It can be hard to learn at first, but once you get it, you are set.”

Veiga said they can only bring a certain number of campers fishing each week, and the number of campers who have signed up has exceeded the number of spots available. The staff is working to make sure every camper who is interested will get to try fishing at least once this summer.   

12-year-old Tyler, who lives in Atlanta but comes to Sunset Point during his summer visits with family in Boston, said while he prefers the lake fishing he does at home, he has enjoyed getting fish in open water. 

“Fishing is my favorite part of camp so far,” he said while taking a break. “I’m going to give it a few more tries.” 

When it comes to baiting, Whelan has shown campers how to hook squid, although the campers do not use live bait when they are fishing. 

“This is my first time fishing,” explained Olivia, who is 12 and a half years old. “I like the casting part, and I got to hold a squid.” 

So far, no fish have been caught yet. Veiga said some of the campers have big plans for when that happens.  

“One of the campers said they wanted to catch a fish and bring it back to camp and cook it for dinner,” Veiga said with a laugh, adding that she told the camper it was strictly catch and release.