As Captain Greg embarked on his journey down to Milwaukee with a truck full of eager volunteers, the skies opened up with a downpour. Looking through the windshield, rain pouring down in sheets, a thought crossed his mind: “What have I done?” Yet, as if someone up above had been watching over them, all the fishing clinics this year had been spared from rain, and today was no different.
Friday June 28th, Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted a Fishing Clinic for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and St. Augustine Preparatory Academy. For many of the youth attending, it was their very first fishing experience. The anticipation and excitement were palpable, despite the initial challenge of the weather.
Despite a few changes to the original plans, everything fell into place. The Urban Pond at Humboldt Park became the perfect spot for this adventure—a location accessible enough for most of the kids to reach by bike. After gathering and getting settled, the day kicked off with our Fishing Basics seminar. Here, the kids learned about the skills and equipment needed to fish, a foundational knowledge that would soon be put to the test. Thanks to our great sponsors and the Future Angler Foundation, each youth received a fully rigged fishing combo, Future Pro shirt and fishing educational book.
With rods in hand and newfound knowledge in mind, the kids ventured to the pond. Laughter and shouts of excitement filled the air as they cast their lines into the water. The result? A successful day of fishing where many bluegills and, admittedly, some weeds were caught. But more than the fish, it was the smiles and sense of achievement that made the day memorable.
A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers who traveled to Milwaukee to make this day possible. Your dedication and passion for teaching these young anglers the joy of fishing is what makes events like this so special. Through your efforts, many children experienced the thrill of fishing for the first time, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
In the end, what started as a rainy and uncertain day turned into a sunny, joyful experience for everyone involved. This Fishing Clinic was not just about catching fish but also about catching the spirit of community and the joy of learning something new together. Here’s to many more successful clinics and sunny days ahead!
