On January 23rd, Learn 2 Fish With Us had the incredible opportunity to introduce 110 third-grade students at Freedom Elementary to the world of fishing! Over two afternoon sessions, these young anglers participated in our Fishing Basics seminar, designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to start their fishing journey.
During the seminar, students learned essential fishing techniques, including how to handle equipment safely, cast accurately, and tie crucial knots like the Clinch and Palomar. We also covered live and artificial bait, fish identification, and the importance of protecting our waterways from aquatic invasive species. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning, students gained confidence and enthusiasm for the sport—many eager to get out on the water as soon as possible!
This event was made even more special by the participation of six members of the Freedom High School Fishing Team. Their willingness to step up and mentor these younger students truly showcased the power of passing down outdoor traditions. It was a full-circle moment, as just last month, on December 11th, I had the privilege of presenting my Icing Panfish seminar to the high school team. Their engagement and eagerness to give back to the younger generation highlight the importance of mentorship in growing the sport.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible! Seeing students light up as they learned new skills and shared their excitement for fishing reminds us why these educational opportunities matter. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future—continuing to inspire young anglers and foster a lifelong love of fishing. Thanks to Wildlife Forever and Getting Families Fishing And Boating each youth received a Invader Crusader T Shirt.