The University of Michigan’s fishing team has something to celebrate — a hard-fought second-place finish at the College Bass Tour Championship in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For the anglers, it wasn’t just about bringing home a trophy; it was about proving themselves after a four-year break from making it to the finals.
The lineup included four determined U-M students: Brady Bush from the College of Engineering, Spencer White and Michael Tieves from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and Josh Tucker from the Ross School of Business. Together, they put in the hours, braved the waters, and came within striking distance of the top spot in the state.
The Michigan Fishing Club, which operates under the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), is more than just a competitive team. It’s a community. With faculty advisor Marc Gaden, an adjunct assistant professor at SEAS, the club welcomes students from across the university who share a passion for angling and giving back.
This summer was a prime example. When the team wasn’t on the water competing, they were out in the community volunteering. Partnering with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, they attended outdoor events and festivals, teaching the public about invasive species and the importance of sea lamprey control — a critical issue for the health of the Great Lakes.
Their service didn’t stop there. The club also worked with the City of Ann Arbor, lending a hand at city events, helping kids discover the fun of fishing, and rolling up their sleeves for river and park cleanups. It’s this mix of competition and community involvement that has shaped the team’s identity.
For these anglers, the thrill of the fight on the water is matched only by the satisfaction of protecting it. A second-place finish may have been the headline, but the real story is how this team has anchored itself in both sport and service — and that’s a win no leaderboard can measure.
