On a mission to connect youth to the outdoors, Learn 2 Fish With Us teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee for a full day of fishing and fun on Tuesday. July 1st. The day began bright and early in Oshkosh, where Captain Greg and his dedicated volunteers gathered at his home, loaded up two trucks with fishing gear, and made their way to Humboldt Park in Milwaukee.
At Humboldt Park, Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted three one-hour fishing sessions, each serving a different Boys & Girls Club located near the park. These clubs were selected specifically because of their close proximity—allowing youth to bike to future fishing outings, empowering them to continue their angling adventures independently. Youth ranging from ages 4 to 14 arrived in Boys & Girls Club vans, filled with energy and excitement, many holding a fishing rod for the very first time.
With the help of volunteers and Captain Greg, the young anglers quickly learned how to cast, bait hooks, and identify fish. Bluegill, bullhead, and crappies were among the species caught during the morning sessions. Whether they caught a fish or simply enjoyed the time outdoors, the kids left Humboldt Park with smiles, memories, and a newfound appreciation for nature.
A special guest joined the morning’s activities—Paul Smith, Outdoor Writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Paul observed the educational and hands-on components of the Learn 2 Fish With Us program and spoke with youth about their experiences. His upcoming article will help highlight the impact programs like this have in urban communities.
At noon, the Learn 2 Fish With Us crew packed up and made their way to Washington Park, a scenic urban pond located on Milwaukee’s north side. Before the afternoon session began, volunteers enjoyed a relaxing lunch beside the pond, soaking in the peaceful setting and recharging for the final group.
At 1 PM, another Boys & Girls Club van pulled up—and the youth were more than ready to fish! With rods in hand and excitement in the air, they spent the afternoon catching bluegill, perch, and even some blueheads, making the experience both successful and memorable for both sessions.
To ensure the fishing doesn’t end here, each participating club received at least ten fully rigged fishing combos, courtesy of Learn 2 Fish With Us. These rods and reels will be available for future outings or for youth to borrow—removing a major barrier to entry for many families.
This event was the perfect culmination to a week of fishing education. On June 24th and 25th, Captain Greg visited various Milwaukee-area Boys & Girls Clubs to present the Fishing Basics seminar, teaching youth about safety, equipment, casting techniques, knot tying, and more. These classroom sessions set the stage for a successful day of on-the-water learning.
Captain Greg also plans to add Humboldt and Washington Parks to the Shore Fishing Locations section of the Learn 2 Fish With Us website, so families and youth can easily find accessible fishing spots near them.
At Learn 2 Fish With Us, the belief is simple but powerful: Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn how to fish and connect with the outdoors. Judging by the enthusiasm of the Milwaukee youth, this mission is well on its way to making a lasting impact—one cast at a time.
#TeachFishing #Learn2FishWithUs #BoysAndGirlsClub #UrbanFishing #OutdoorEducation #FishingForAll
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