As we reflect on the first quarter of 2025, it’s incredible to see how much we have accomplished in just a few short months. Our commitment to fishing education has continued to grow, reaching more people than ever before and fostering a deeper love for the sport among youth and adults alike.

To date, we have hosted 21 fishing clinics, each uniquely tailored to different audiences. From our Ice Fishing for High School Fishing Teams to the Ice Fishing Basics sessions at winter expos, we’ve provided hands-on learning experiences that equip anglers of all skill levels with the knowledge and confidence to succeed on the water. Our Fishing Basics and Beyond Basics programs at various shows and schools have introduced countless students to the fundamentals and finer points of angling. Working with youth from kindergarten through eighth grade, we have helped shape the next generation of passionate anglers, instilling in them the values of conservation, patience, and outdoor adventure.

Our impact extends far beyond just the number of clinics. Since the start of the year, we have educated over 1,100 youth and more than 700 adults at in-person fishing clinics, fostering a growing community of knowledgeable and enthusiastic anglers. The response has been tremendous, with five new volunteers signing up to assist at our 2025 events—an encouraging sign of the strength and sustainability of our outreach efforts.

Perhaps one of the most exciting milestones of this quarter is our digital reach. Since January 1st, we have engaged with over one million people through fishing education on Facebook alone. This remarkable online presence has allowed us to share valuable tips, event highlights, and conservation messaging with an ever-expanding audience.

As we move forward into the rest of 2025, we remain committed to our mission of providing high-quality fishing education and experiences. With more clinics on the horizon and a growing team of passionate volunteers, the future is bright for our fishing education efforts. Thank you to everyone who has supported and participated in our programs—together, we are making a lasting impact on the angling community!

On March 21st, Captain Greg presented two sessions of Fishing Basics to the third graders of Woodland Elementary.  This marked the thirteenth year that Captain Greg has visited Woodkand Elementary.  The students were so excited to learn the skills and equipment needed to fish as manu of them have never fished.   The afternoon started off with the students learning safety while fishing.  They then learned about the different fishing combos and how to cat with them.  This was followed by simple fishing prersentations and how to tie a Clinch and Palomar knot.  Captain Greg asked what else do we need to know to go fishing they yelled out bait and what fish we are going to catch!!  So they cover live and artificial bait and fish identification.  In each session Captain Greg asked stuidents why a musky is important in Wisconsin?  Many said they are big but a couple students in each session knew it was are state fish!!  They were rewarded with a hat.  Then Captain Greg cover Clean Drain Dry message and whay it is so important to follow so we keep our waterways in tip top shape.

Each student received a Invader Crusader shirt and fishinf eduvation book which covers most of what is  needed when fishing.  Captain Greg plans on visiting Woodland Elementary in 2026.

The afternoon of March 19th may have been raining, but the gym was ready for Captain Greg to host a couple session of our Fishing Basics program.  Session one, was held for third through fifth graders and session two  was held for sixth through 8th graders.  Over the two session we had over one hundred and twenty students.  This was the first time Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted our fishing program in Berlin. 

Students were eagle to learn the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing as most of the ice is gone from local lakes.  Students learned safety while fishing, how to use a spin cast and spinning combo, how to cast safely and accurately, tying knots, simple fishing presentations, live and artificial bait, fish identification, keeping a fish log and Clean Drain Dry.   After the fishing program, many students came up to Captain Greg, to ask what additional fishing gear should they have along when fishing along with where should I fish.  Each student received a Invader Crusader shirt and fishing education book.  

Next year our goal is to educate K through 2nd grade where we host our educational program and use the older students so the younger students could attend hands on education stations such as casting, knot tying and som much more!!

A Weekend of Fishing Education and Excitement

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show was a huge success, and what an incredible weekend it was! As a nonprofit dedicated to teaching fishing education, Learn 2 Fish With Us was honored to be part of this annual event for the third year in a row.

At our Fishing Basics and Beyond the Basics seminars, we had outstanding attendance. Aspiring anglers, both young and old, engaged in hands-on learning experiences that covered essential fishing skills, from casting techniques to knot tying and tackle selection. It was amazing to see so many people eager to gain confidence in their fishing abilities!

Empowering Future Anglers with Gear and Knowledge

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to provide young anglers with tools to kickstart their fishing journey. Thanks to our incredible sponsors and donors, we distributed:

✅ Fully rigged fishing combos
✅ Exclusive Invader Crusader shirts
✅ Mini tackle boxes with tackle
✅ Fishing educational books filled with tips and techniques

These resources ensure that kids leave the show not only excited about fishing but also equipped with the knowledge and gear to get started.

Recognized as a Sports Show Staple

We are beyond grateful for the warm reception and appreciation from attendees, as well as the recognition from Milwaukee Sport Show host Kenneth: “You represent what it’s all about, showing the next generation the ‘Magic of Fishing.’ You are a Sports Show staple!! Hope to see you next year!”

Fishing isn’t just a pastime—it’s a lifelong skill that fosters patience, appreciation for nature, and unforgettable memories. Seeing young anglers light up with excitement as they learn reinforces why our mission is so important.

Thank You, Milwaukee!

A huge thank you to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show for having us back, and to our generous sponsors and donors who help make this possible.   Thanks to Wildlife Forever and Getting Families Fishing & Boating for supporting this event with the fishing combos and Invader Crusader shirts.  Your support allows us to continue inspiring and educating the next generation of anglers.

If you missed us at the show, be sure to follow Learn 2 Fish With Us on Facebook and visit our website for upcoming fishing clinics, youth fishing programs, and educational resources.

Until next time, Milwaukee—keep casting, keep learning, and keep discovering the Magic of Fishing!

March 13th was a whirlwind of excitement for Captain Greg as he brought the joy of fishing to two different youth groups in a single day! From Sherwood to Omro, young anglers had the chance to learn, practice, and experience the thrill of fishing in a fun and engaging way.

The day began at St. John Sacred Heart in Sherwood, where Captain Greg led a fishing clinic designed to introduce students to the basics of angling. From learning about fishing gear to practicing casting techniques, these young fishers gained hands-on experience that will serve them well on the water.

Later in the evening, Captain Greg made his way to Omro Elementary Literacy Night, where this year’s theme was Under the Sea. With rods in hand, excited kids cast their lines in hopes of catching some of the deep sea’s most famous creatures—Blue Marlin, Sharks, Whales, Tuna, Red Snapper, and more! While the fish may not have been real, the fun certainly was. The event combined fishing education with an interactive reading experience, inspiring kids to explore both books and the outdoors.

A huge thank you goes out to Karen and the Omro Elementary volunteers who helped make the night such a success. Their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences for youth truly makes a difference!  We so appreciate the support of our sponsors along with Wildlife Forever and the Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative.

At Learn 2 Fish with Us, we believe that fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about building confidence, learning new skills, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Whether on the water or in a school gym, every cast brings us closer to the next generation of passionate anglers!

Want to bring a fishing clinic to your school or community event? Visit our website to learn more!

On the afternoon of March 14th, Captain Greg hosted the second session of Fishing Club for the students of South Park Middle School.  In this session students learned different fishing presentations such as bobber fishing, jigging and casting crankbaits along with artificial baits and tying different knot.  After the edcuation they all tied a Clinch and Palomar knot which will help them for session three when they rig a fishing combo that will be given to them from Learn 2 Fish With Us.  In session one they learned the different fish they could catch and today we reviewed and Captain Greg was impressed on how they retained the different fish.  Fishing Club next session will be held on April 17th.

On March 13th, Captain Greg of Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted a fishing clinics for Kindergarten through third grade.  These students were eagle to learn the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing as we are so close to the ice leaving the lakes.  Students learned safety while fishing, how to use a spin cast and spinning combo, how to cast safely and accurately, tying knots, simple fishing presentations, live and artificial bait, fish identification, keeping a fish log and Clean Drain Dry.  The students loved working with Captain Greg and so look forward to going fishing.  Each student received a Invader Crusader shirt, fishing edcuation book and thanks to Zack a fishing combo with casting plug!!  Let’s go fishing!!

This past weekend, we had the incredible opportunity to host three Learn 2 Fish seminars at the Wisconsin Fishing Expo, and what an experience it was! From eager young anglers to adults looking to refine their skills, we saw firsthand how passionate people are about the sport of fishing.

A huge thank you to the Wisconsin Fishing Expo for providing us with a private room where we could engage with attendees on a deeper level after each seminar. These one-on-one and small group interactions allowed us to answer questions, share tips, and help set up new anglers for success on the water.

Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing sponsors. Wildlife Forever, Getting Families Fishing and Boating, and our other great sponsors and donors, helped ensure that each participant left not only with knowledge but also with the tools they need to get started—fishing combos, shirts, mini tackle boxes filled with tackle, and educational fishing books were provided to attendees. These resources make a huge difference in turning interest into action, helping families get out on the water with confidence.

One of the most rewarding moments of the weekend came from hearing feedback like this: “Me and my daughter attended both seminars on Saturday and were very appreciative of the info that was shared. Many thanks for what you are doing for the youth! Keep up the good work.” – Paul Soldner

This is exactly why we do what we do—fostering a love for fishing, conservation, and the great outdoors in the next generation.

A big shoutout to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make these seminars a success. The future of fishing is bright, and we’re grateful to be part of the journey!

This past Friday, Captain Greg, Jehan, and Eric kicked off Fishing Club at South Park Middle school in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Fishing Club will be held monthly, and club members will learn about the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing.  During the first session club members learned safety while fishing, how to use a spin cast and spinning fishing combo, live bait and how to identify over fifteen different freshwater fish.  Captain Greg asked club members what was so important about a muskie in the state of Wisconsin and one student said it’s are state fish!!  He was rewarded with Northland jigs and plastics!!   Fishing Club will continue with more education along with them rigging a fishing combo that they will utilize to go fishing and will keep!!  Do you think we had fun at Fishing Club!!!