This summer, Engels set the record in Connecticut for smooth dogfish — a species of shark — that measured 52 inches long. The record was officially recognized by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP).

It was a beautiful night, one of those evenings where time doesn’t seem to pass, Engels recalled, who had spent hours by the water, catching small sharks — 30 to 40 inches long— until nearly midnight. After waiting patiently, Engels finally got a strong hook.

Based on the weight and amount of drag from the catch, Engels first assumed it was another striped bass or bluefish — common species from that area. But then, Engels noticed something that years of experience had taught him.

“It began the traditional fighting pattern dogfish tend to have — perpendicular to the angler and thrashing at the surface,” said Engels. “I didn’t need a light on the fish to know what it was, but once I got my eyes on it, I had a feeling it might be record worthy.”

After submitting the recording to the Connecticut DEEP, Engels received an email several days later congratulating him on his award-winning catch.

This achievement wasn’t just a stroke of luck that night. Engels has won several other awards throughout this year, including gold, silver and bronze awards from Connecticut DEEP, with five trophy-earning fish of various species.

“It wasn’t a matter of hours to catch this record, but a matter of about five years of fishing from the same rock, several days a week, just waiting for something to happen,” he said.

While the sport taught him how to captain a boat, solunar theory and general patience, it has also taught him a lot about life.

“Fishing grew me in more ways than I could count,” said Engels. “The main thing that it taught me is that some days are better than others. Nothing is ever guaranteed in life, but you need to give thanks for whatever life you're living because it could all be gone in an instant.”

Part of Engels’ decision to join the Bobcat family was the opportunity to continue his active lifestyle at the university.

“My favorite part about Quinnipiac is the people and location. The people here take true interest in one another’s hobbies, support them and provide a sense of home. The location of the campus makes it ideal for all sorts of outdoor exploration and fishing, which was an absolute must-have for me,” said Engels.

Specifically, Engels will start his fishing season by heading out to Clark’s Pond, just across the street from the Mount Carmel Campus.

During the summer, his favorite days are when he docks a boat on the coast of Connecticut and catches fish in the Long Island Sound, located less than 20 miles from the university's three campuses.

Throughout the years, fishing has taught Engels so much — from environmental sustainability to marketing.

“Conservation is huge in my world; I rarely keep any fish and always make sure to revive them before letting them go if they're struggling,” he said. “Real fishermen respect the fish they catch — they respect the culture and want the next generation in its entirety to enjoy the game. Fishing isn't just catching something, letting it go and repeating the process, it’s a lifelong passion that gets passed down."

Ultimately the sport helped him learn about his interests and helped him decide to major in marketing at Quinnipiac.

“The passion took me from wondering where I'd be in life to starting my career in marketing for tackle shops and fishing charters,” said Engels. “When you feel like your world is falling apart, take the chance, get down to sea level, wet a line and experience the game that nothing else can bring.”