On the beautiful morning of May 29th, Learn 2 Fish With Us teamed up with the Outagamie Conservation Club to host an unforgettable fishing outing for clients of VPI Inc. The excitement in the air was as crisp as the morning breeze, and it didn’t take long before lines were tight and smiles were wide.  VPI Inc. mission is “To promote the dignity and worth of individuals who have disabilities or are disadvantaged and to assist them in developing their optimum level of social, vocational and economic independence in the community” .

For many of the participants, it was their first time fishing — but you wouldn’t have known it by the action on the water. Shouts of “Got another one!” and “They’re getting bigger!” echoed from the shoreline, creating a chorus of enthusiasm and joy that could only mean one thing: success.

Thanks to the wonderful support of the Outagamie Conservation Club, anglers reeled in bluegills, perch, and even some bass. The highlight of the day? A bass just over 19 inches — though the angler’s grin may have been even bigger than the fish itself!

We’re incredibly proud to help foster these moments of joy and connection through fishing. Events like these are more than just a fun day outdoors — they’re about building confidence, learning new skills, and forming lasting memories.

The next scheduled fishing day for VPI Inc. Clients is June 30th — and we can’t wait to see what will be reeled in than.

Tight lines until then!

On the rainy evening of Wednesday, May 28th, Learn 2 Fish With Us held a fishing clinic for Big Brothers Big Sisters at Appleton Memorial Park. Despite the weather, the event was a success thanks to the park shelter, which kept youth and volunteers dry and comfortable.

Participants, including youth and their families, learned essential fishing skills and gained hands-on experience with the equipment needed to begin fishing.

 Instruction included:

• Fishing safety
• Using spin cast and spinning combos
• Safe and accurate casting techniques
• Various fishing presentations
• Knot tying
• Understanding live and artificial bait
• Fish identification
• Recognizing aquatic invasive species
  …and much more!

After the educational portion, each youth received a fully rigged fishing combo and a fishing education book to keep, empowering them to continue fishing on their own.

Even in the rain, the youth enthusiastically fished for over an hour and caught many fish. In a memorable moment, one youth even caught a turtle, which was safely released back into the water.

We hope all the youth continue fishing and enjoying the outdoors throughout the summer!

In April, Owen and Mason students of Oshkosh North High School attend a fair so they could chose a Service Project for thier Coimmunities of Oshkosh North group.  Captain Greg from Learn 2 Fish With Us was there and they started talking about thier passion for fishing, giving back and Learn 2 Fish With Us mission.  Owen and Mason choose to partner with Learn 2 Fish With Us service project.  

During thier first meeting they established the schools for the Service Project.  It was to get the Learn 2 Fish With Us fishing program into Oshkosh Elementary schools that they were not already in.  After a few emails, Owen and Mason had interest from Oaklawn Elementary and Lakeside Elementary.  Another goal was to learn the Fishing Basic program so thet could present with Captain Greg.

On Tuesday May 13th, Owen and Mason along with Captain Greg hosted the fishing program and you should have seen all the fun they had while learning to fish.  WLUK Fox 11 was there and did a story of the Communities of Oshkosh North and Learn 2 Fish With Us.  Link to News Story

Lakeside Elementary Fishing Basic program will be hosted on June 3rd and the students our excited.  Thanks Owen and Mason for your hard work this semster and make sure to get out this summer and fish!!

Owen and Mason from Communities of Oshkosh North did an outstanding job organizing and assisting at our recent Fishing Basics program for Oaklawn Elementary’s third graders.

Students learned essential fishing skills, including how to safely handle gear, use both spin cast and spinning combos, cast accurately, and understand different fishing presentations. They also practiced tying the Clinch and Palomar knots, explored the differences between live and artificial bait, identified various fish species, and learned about aquatic invasive species.

Each participant received an “Invader Crusader” T-shirt and a fishing education booklet to take home. With new knowledge in hand, these young anglers are excited to hit the water and put their skills to the test!

What a beautiful, warm day it was for over 120 excited third graders from Winneconne Elementary! Our young anglers kicked off the day learning all about the gear and skills needed to fish. They then rotated through fun, hands-on stations where they practiced casting, tied their own knots, and even identified different kinds of fish.  Thanks to the Winneconne High School Fishing Team for all thier help throughout the day as they made it a fun and safe day!!

The highlight of the day? An afternoon of real fishing — and real catches! Bass, bluegill, and bullheads were reeled in by our proud students, making for an unforgettable experience.

Way to go, third graders — you really made a splash!

It was the day before Wisconsin’s fishing opener and Captain Greg and Kimberly High School Fishing Team members (Grant, Jackson and Kayden) taught third and fourth graders the Fishing Basics at Westside Elementary!! Students learned the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing or become a better fisher-person!!   

Learn 2 Fish With Us has been visiting Westside Elementary in Kimberly, Wisconsin for the last sixteen years.  You should have seen all the excitement from the students.  Many of the students look forward to utilizing the skilled learned this weekend and through out the summer.

Learn 2 Fish With Us was excited as Kimberly High School Fishing Team members helped out and shared thier passion for fishing which fishing is all about!!

On Monday, April 28th Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted it’s Fishing Program for the third graders of New Holstein Elementary.  This was the first year Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted it’s fishing program for New Holstein Elementary.  Youth learned all the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing and were they excited.  They learn  saafety while fishing, how to use a spin cast and spinning fishing combos, how to cast safely and accurately, how to tie a Clinch and Palomar knot, live and artificial bait, fishing presentations, fish identification, aquatic invasive species, keeping a fish log and so much more.

After the fishing program was completed students learned they would get a Invader Crusader shirt and fishing educational book and were they excited!!!  Thanks to our great sponsors for these giveaways!!

Teachers are hoping that we will be back next year!!

On Monday, April 28th Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted it’s Fishing Program for the third graders of Zielanis Elementary which is located in Kiel, Wisconsin.  This was the first year Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted it’s fishing program for Zielanis Elementary.  Youth learned all the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing and were they excited.  There was so many hands on activities for the youth from casting, knot tying and so much more.

After the fishing program was completed students learned they would get a Invader Crusader shirt and fishing educational book and were they excited!!!  Thanks to our great sponsors for these giveaways!!

After the program the teachers were excited and hope that we will come back next year and maybe add fishing!!

Last week, Learn 2 Fish With Us proudly hosted our second annual Fishing Basics clinics in partnership with VPI, Inc. — an organization that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through life and work skill development.

We offered two clinics in one day, giving participants hands-on exposure to the joy of fishing and the confidence to try something new.

Morning Session – VPI Appleton Plant
At our first stop, located at 110 N Kensington Dr., participants who are part of VPI’s skill-building work program gathered for a one-hour Fishing Basics session. From 10:00 to 11:00 AM, we introduced the group to key fishing concepts, equipment, and techniques. Everyone had the opportunity to practice casting, and their smiles said it all!

Afternoon Session – VPI Community Day Center
Next, we visited the Community Day Center at 2350 N. Casaloma Dr. This site offers daytime care and activities for adults with disabilities in a more relaxed setting. From 12:30 to 1:30 PM, we continued sharing our love of fishing through demonstrations and casting practice.

Both groups were engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to learn — and we can’t wait to see them again!

Looking Ahead

On May 29th, we’ll be taking VPI participants fishing at the Outagamie Conservation Club, where they’ll get to put their new skills into action. Last year, VPI organized three fishing trips for their clients following our clinics, and we’re thrilled to be part of that journey again this year.

At Learn 2 Fish With Us, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the peace, pride, and patience that fishing can bring. Thank you to VPI, Inc., for another great year of partnership, and to all the individuals who joined us with such open hearts and willing spirits.

On Tuesday, April 22nd, Captain Greg of Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted two Fishing Basics seminars for the fourth graders of Omro Elementary.  Fourth graders learned about the equipment and skills needed to begin fishing through our interactive seminar!!  Students learned; safety while fishing, spin cast and spinning fishing combos, how to cast safely and accurately, simple fishing presentations, how to tie the Clinch and Palomar knot, fish identification, live and artificial bait, aquatic invasive species and so much more.  After the seminar students received a Future Pro shirt and fishing educational book due to all our great sponsors and donors!!  The students were excited as you can see in the pictures!!!

This was the fourth year Learn 2 Fish With Us has hosted fishing seminars at Omro Elementary.  Dave, the principle along with the teachers of Omro Elementary were so happy to have us back as they feel we have a fun and educational program.