On Sunday, December 15^th our very own Captain Greg presented his seminar Icing Panfish On Your Local Lakes to an early morning crowd.  It may have been early but attendees were excited to learn his secrets and tips.  Attendees learned; what to do before the ice forms, where to find panfish early and late season, fishing combos, live bait and plastics, tools to have in your ice fishing arsenal and so much more.  This was the second year Captain Greg presented ice fishing seminar at the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo and was excited to be in the Eskimo stage as Eskimo is one of his sponsors.

This past Saturday, Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted an incredible ice fishing clinic where we introduced over 70 eager participants to the basics of ice fishing. From fish identification to the tools you need on the ice and various techniques to help anglers succeed, the seminar was packed with educational and hands-on experiences.

A highlight of the event was handing out ice rod and reel combos to youth participants, ensuring they had the gear to take what they learned and hit the ice with confidence. After all, youth are the future of the sport of fishing, and we are proud to help inspire the next generation of anglers. This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, Wildlife Forever and the National Professional Anglers Association. We are so grateful for their support in making this opportunity a reality for our participants.

We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to the WI Ice Fishing Expo and EAA for hosting us for the second year in a row. Your support and partnership help make events like this successful, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

At Learn 2 Fish With Us, we’re passionate about introducing youth and families to the joy of fishing. This ice fishing clinic was a great way to teach essential skills while building excitement for this classic winter activity.

See you on the ice, and we’ll see you all next year at the WI Ice Fishing Expo!

Captain Greg of Learn 2 Fish With Us presented his Icing Panfish On Your Local Lakes to the Freedom High School Fishing Team on Wednesday, December 11th.  Students and coaches said they learn so many tips and tricks to catch more fish while ice fishing.  Captain Greg reviewed what should be done prior to the ice even forming so you are set once the ice is safe.  Ice fishing combos, electronics and other equipment was talked about so they understood what might be best for each student.  After the equipment, students learned the locations to fish as the ice fishing season progresses and why.  Ice fishing safety was covered asking they think before they do should someone fall.  After the seminar, students and coaches had so many questions to ask Captain Greg.   Captain Greg said, ‘It’s so nice to see such a dedicated group of coaches to lead this Ice Fishing Team!!  Thanks to our great sponsors we had ice fishing gear to give to the team!!

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what an incredible year 2024 has been! Our team worked tirelessly to share the joy of fishing across Wisconsin, and the results speak for themselves.

This year, we proudly hosted 48 fishing clinics, educating over thirty-five hundred youth, adults and parents to fishing.  Traveling over 4,000 miles, we brought hands-on fishing education to communities across the state. Beyond these youth-focused clinics, we also took part in some of the biggest events in the fishing world, leading seminars at the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo in Oshkosh, the Wisconsin Fishing Expo in Madison, and the Milwaukee Sport Show.

Collaboration was a cornerstone of 2024. We partnered with an incredible variety of organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and more. A highlight was launching a middle school fishing club and working with mentally handicapped adults from VPI. Additionally, we supported high school fishing teams with educational sessions, like our popular seminar, Icing Panfish on Your Local Lakes.

In the digital realm, we made waves by expanding our educational content. We created over 20 new fishing videos and added a collection of helpful fishing diagrams to our library. This effort allowed us to extend our reach far beyond in-person events. By year’s end, we had grown our Facebook community to over 28,000 followers and achieved an incredible 14 million organic engagements—proof that the love for fishing connects people across every corner of the state.

As we wrap up 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who made this year possible—our partners, supporters, volunteers and, of course, the anglers we had the privilege of meeting along the way. Here’s to more adventures and tight lines in 2025!

Cheers to all,

The Learn 2 Fish With Us Team 

Our sponsors include; Shakespeare, Berkley, Wildlife Forever, Future Angler Foundation, National Professional Anglers Association, Lake Poygan Sportsmen’s Club, Dave Musky Club, J.J. Keller Foundation, AMCOR, Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, TTI Blakemore Fishing Group, Off Shore Tackle Company, Northland Tackle Company, Mercury Marine, The Boat Doc, KYND Eyewear, Greg & Kristen Strehlow, and so many others!! 

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.