As we look back on 2026, it is hard to believe how quickly another busy year has gone by. Learn 2 Fish With Us, Captain Greg, and our incredible volunteers had another amazing year of educating and inspiring youth and families about the sport of fishing.
During 2026, we hosted 47 Fishing Programs across Wisconsin and Ohio, with many new schools and organizations added to our schedule. To date we have hosted 536 FREE Fishing Programs since 2006. Each program provided us with another opportunity to introduce youth and families to fishing and teach them the skills they need to become confident anglers.
Captain Greg put more than 3,000 miles on his Walleye truck traveling to Fishing Programs and events throughout the year. Those miles took him to schools, community organizations, fishing events and other locations where youth and families were excited to learn more about fishing.
Teaching the Skills to Go Fishing
Our educational Fishing Programs are designed to give participants the knowledge and hands-on skills they need to begin fishing. We cover a wide variety of important topics, including fishing safety, how to use a spincast and spinning fishing combo, how to cast safely and accurately, simple fishing presentations, tying the Clinch and Palomar knots, live and artificial bait, fish identification, and how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
And that is just the beginning!
Our goal is to make learning about fishing fun, interactive and easy to understand. We want participants to leave our programs feeling confident that they have the skills and knowledge needed to go fishing on their own.
Throughout the year, Learn 2 Fish With Us also gave away more than $20,000 worth of fishing equipment. This included fully rigged fishing combos, fishing shirts, tackle boxes filled with tackle and our Go Fishing educational fishing book.
For many of the youth attending our programs, receiving their own fishing equipment is a very special part of the experience. It gives them the opportunity to take what they learned during the program and put those skills to use on the water.
Getting Youth Out on the Water
One of the most rewarding parts of many of our Fishing Programs was getting the youth out on the water fishing.
There is something special about watching a young angler make their first cast, feel a fish bite and then reel in a fish. The excitement on their faces is something that never gets old!
Seeing youth experience fishing firsthand and catching fish made all of those miles on the road, the preparation, and the long days worthwhile. These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do.
Our mission is not simply to teach someone how to fish. We want to create lifelong memories, build confidence, introduce families to the outdoors and help grow the sport of fishing for future generations.
None of This Would Be Possible Without You!
While 47 Fishing Programs and more than 3,000 miles of travel are impressive numbers, none of this could have been accomplished without the incredible support we receive from our sponsors, donors and volunteers.
Their support allows Learn 2 Fish With Us to provide educational programs, fishing equipment and opportunities for youth and families to experience fishing.
We would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our 2026 sponsors and supporters:
Shakespeare • Lake Poygan Sportsman’s Club • J.J. Keller Foundation • Scheels • Spellman’s Marina • Berkley • Greg & Kristin Strehlow • Dave’s Musky Club • Eagle Graphics • Pioneer Marina • Warrior Boats • Battle on Bago • Kiel Fish & Game • WIFA • WOWGEE • Off Shore Tackle Company • Tru-Turn Hooks • Mercury Marine
We also want to thank everyone who made personal donations and supported Learn 2 Fish With Us throughout the year. Every donation, every volunteer hour and every word of encouragement helps us continue our mission.
Looking Toward the Future
As another successful year comes to an end, we are already looking forward to what the future will bring. There are more youth to reach, more families to introduce to fishing and more opportunities to help grow the sport we love.
From the classroom to the casting station and, ultimately, out on the water, Learn 2 Fish With Us is proud to play a small part in introducing the next generation to the sport of fishing.
Thank you to everyone who helped make 2026 another amazing year!
🎣 Thank you for helping us get the next generation of anglers on the water!
Learn 2 Fish With Us — Growing the sport of fishing by educating and inspiring anglers.
