We were thrilled to host our largest school fishing clinic yet at Bethany Lutheran Elementary in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, with 196 enthusiastic students attending across two sessions.

The day was divided into two groups: the first session welcomed students from Kindergarten through 3rd grade, and the second session included students from 4th through 8th grade. Each session kicked off with an educational segment covering essential topics like fishing safety, using a spin cast and spinning fishing combo, fishing presentations, live and artificial bait, and the importance of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

After the lessons, students were divided into small groups and rotated through hands-on stations. They learned how to cast safely and accurately, how to tie fishing knots, and for the older group, they even participated in fish identification. Meanwhile, the younger students enjoyed a special reading of “Walter the Willy Walleye.”

To cap off the event, every student proudly received a Future Pro shirt, which sparked plenty of excitement—so much so that even a few teachers were eager to get one! We were incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm and engagement from both students and staff, making this a standout event that we’ll remember for years to come.

Captain Greg and Karen attended the Green Lake Health & Wellness fair which was held on September 11, at the Town Square Community Center.  Why did we attend?  Learn 2 Fish With Us beleives that fishing allows you to have a healthy body and mind.   Learn 2 Fish With Us was recruiting volunteers, donors, along with sharing our mission.  Captain Greg presented his ‘Beyond The Basics’ seminar along with giving some tips on fishing Big Green Lake on the presentation stage.  A fun day was held by all.

Captain Greg attended Titan Fest on September 3rd to recruit volunteers from UW Oshkosh.   Not only did he get some possible volunteers a few of the students inquired about bringing a fishing seminar and loaner equiment to UW Oshkosh.  Students were also curious on good shore fishing options.  Captain Greg will be meeting with Kyle in the upcoming weeks to talk more.

On the shores of Lake Winnebago, Learn 2 Fish With Us held a celebration for our awesome volunteers.  In 2024, Learn 2 Fish With Us held over forty fishing clinics, educating nearly four thousand people to fishing through in-person fishing clinics.  Definitely a cause for celebrating!!  Our volunteers so help with making it an awesome and safe fishing experience for the youth. 

During the celebration, volunteers shared how long they have volunteered along with their favorite memory from this year.   Volunteers completed a Learn 2 Fish With Us Trivia where awesome fishing prizes where awarded.  John had the most correct!!  I have attached the Learn 2 Fish With Us Trivia questions.  See how you do.  Answers are below.

Answers our E,C,B,D,C,C,D,BC,B,A,D   3,800 miles

August 7th, was a day to remember for Learn 2 Fish with Us and the dedicated employees of VPI Inc., as they came together for an inspiring fishing clinic. VPI Inc. is a remarkable organization that works tirelessly to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them lead fulfilling lives. Captain Greg was honored to host this special event, aiming to give back to a community that makes a significant impact every day.

The rain made us hold off a bit longer than usual, but the wait was well worth it. Thanks to our awesome volunteers and the incredible support from the Outagamie Conservation Club and their volunteers, the VPI Inc. employees had a special and memorable day of fishing!

The sun finally broke through, and spirits were high as participants gathered, eager to learn the art of fishing. The clinic was not just about teaching the mechanics of casting a line or reeling in a catch; it was about creating memorable experiences, building confidence, and fostering a sense of accomplishment that ensured everyone felt included and capable.

A month ago, we hosted a fishing education session where, thanks to our great sponsors, each participant received a fully rigged fishing combo to keep. This generosity laid the foundation for today’s event, empowering the VPI Inc. employees to embrace the joy of fishing with their very own gear.

The joy on their faces was evident as they shared stories, laughed together, and experienced the thrill of their first catch. The event underscored the importance of community, support, and the simple pleasures in life that we often take for granted.

At the heart of every fishing clinic hosted by Learn 2 Fish with Us is a deep-seated commitment to making a difference. Each event is a chance to connect, empower, and bring joy to those who need it most. By partnering with organizations like VPI Inc., Learn 2 Fish with Us is not only sharing a passion for fishing but also contributing to a greater cause—supporting and uplifting individuals with unique challenges.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey, casting lines and creating smiles one fishing trip at a time. Whether it’s the thrill of the catch or the camaraderie shared, these moments remind us of the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives. Thank you to VPI Inc. for the incredible work you do and for allowing us to be a part of your mission. Together, we are making waves of joy and making a real difference in our community.

Learn 2 Fish With Board Member and Angler Educator Mark Moran, held a week of fishing education during JEC Day Camp, which was held at St. Johns in Marysville, Ohio Day one camper learned safety while fishing, different fishing combos and how they work along with tying a few fishing knots. Day 2, campers learn how to safely and accurately cast with each of the fishing combos. Day 3, campers learned about live and artifcial bait along with making thier own spinner (how cool is this). Day 4, campers learned about the different species of fish in Ohio along with coloring thier favorite fish. On Day 5, campers utilized all the skills learned to go fishing and did they catch fish!! Thanks Mark Moran for hosting this great camp!!

Despite the scorching heat on July 12^th, the spirit of adventure and learning was even hotter at the recent Fish Camp organized for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee! This unforgettable event was held at the beautiful Pewaukee Lake, where youth from the Milwaukee community, gathered for a day filled with excitement, education, and plenty of fishing.

Learning from the Best

The day kicked off with an insightful Fishing Basics seminar led by the experienced Captain Greg. His passion for fishing and his ability to impart knowledge left a lasting impression on the young anglers. The seminar covered essential fishing techniques, safety tips, and the importance of patience and respect for nature. It’s clear that Captain Greg’s wisdom resonated with the kids, as almost every participant went on to catch between one and six fish!

Hands-On Experience

Armed with their new knowledge, the youth eagerly spread out along the lake, ready to put their skills to the test. For nearly two hours, the air was filled with the sounds of laughter, splashing water, and the thrill of reeling in fish. The sight of so many smiling faces, each one experiencing the joy of fishing, was truly heartwarming.

A Day Made Possible by Volunteers and Sponsors

A huge shout out goes to the dedicated volunteers who traveled to Pewaukee Lake to support the fishing clinic. Their guidance and encouragement were invaluable, ensuring that each child had a memorable and educational experience.

The last two days (July 9^th and July 10^th) have been a whirlwind of fun and learning at the Fish Camp in Sun Prairie, led by the passionate and knowledgeable volunteers from Learn 2 Fish With Us. This engaging camp was an incredible opportunity for young campers to dive into the world of fishing, gaining hands-on experience and valuable skills.

Day One: Learning the Basics

On Tuesday, July 9th, campers gathered to learn the foundational skills and equipment needed to embark on their fishing journeys. Captain Greg, with his extensive expertise, guided the campers through a Fishing Basic seminar, which taught campers the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing.  After the seminar, campers attended a series of educational stations that covered everything from casting safely and accurately to tying essential fishing knots like the Palomar and Clinch knots. The campers then applied these skills to rigging their very own fishing combos, gearing up for an exciting day of fishing.

Day Two: Putting Skills into Practice

With their newly acquired knowledge and equipped with their rigged fishing combos, the campers headed to Tenney Park for a day of fishing. The anticipation and excitement were palpable as almost every camper succeeded in catching a fish! The joy and pride on their faces were a testament to the effectiveness of the training and the thrill of the experience.

A Grateful Nod to Our Sponsors

The success of this Fish Camp was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Thanks to their contributions, each youth participant received a complete fishing combo, a stylish “Future Pro” shirt, and an informative fishing education book. These tools and resources not only enhanced the camp experience but also provided the campers with the essentials to continue their fishing adventures long after the camp concluded.