Bullying Victims Find Friends Through Fishing

Dozens of bullying victims in Oklahoma City are finding friends through fishing and the Knock Out Bullying group.

The start of the school year can be a dreaded time for children who face bullies on a daily basis. Getting together to fish in a no-judgment zone helps them face their challenges head-on.

At Fishing with Friends, smiles replace the tears that were once the norm for kids like Natalie Dennis.

“A lot of bullies were picking on me, saying I was fat, saying I was ugly,” she said.

Dennis is only 10 years old, but has already battled anorexia and suicidal thoughts. It was at this group that she started loving herself and coming out of her shell.

“It’s exciting actually, and fun because you get to throw the fish back in the water,” she said.

“We go on the butterfly effect, from the caterpillar to the cocoon to the butterfly,” Knock Out Bullying president and founder Stacy Hatcher said.

Hatcher created Knock Out Bullying and the Fishing with Friends program after her daughter and her friend got bullied at school. Now, the group is growing weekly, and so are the confidence levels of its members.

“Bullying isn’t a problem,” said 8-year-old Lilly Dennis. “Just ignore them or say something back like ‘I know you are, but what am I?’”

For some, that is easier said than done.

“In the heat of the moment I retaliate. Then again I’m autistic so it’s kind of hard for me to learn that sort of life lesson,” Matthieu Eagan, 13, said.

The biggest lesson these kids are learning is that bullies’ comments are just a drop in the pond compared to all of the good things they can say about themselves.

“Some people can’t do half the things I can do. I can walk across the monkey bars, too, even when it is windy,” Lilly Dennis said.

Hatcher said bullies will always be around, but if victims can overcome their fears and stand up for each other, they have all the power.

The fishing group meets every other Sunday until the weather gets too cold. You can learn more on their Facebook page.