On Thursday, June 19th, Learn 2 Fish With Us brought our Fishing Basics program to the enthusiastic second and third graders of the Brillion Summer School Program—and what a fantastic day of learning it was!

Led by our very own Captain Greg, students dove into the world of fishing, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to become confident young anglers. The program covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Fishing safety
• How to use both spin cast and spinning combos
• Safe and accurate casting techniques
• Simple fishing presentations for different environments
• How to tie the Clinch and Palomar knots
• The differences between live and artificial bait
• Fish identification and recognizing aquatic invasive species
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Captain Greg even brought in live nightcrawlers and leeches, giving youth the opportunity to touch and learn about real bait—an experience that sparked both excitement and curiosity!

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, each student went home with their very own Invader Crusader along with a Fishing Basics educational book to reinforce everything they learned during the day and to continue their fishing adventures at home.

Programs like these are a big part of our mission to inspire the next generation of anglers while fostering a deeper respect for our natural resources. A big thank you to the Brillion Summer School staff, the students, and our sponsors who make it all possible!

Stay tuned for more fishing fun coming soon—tight lines until next time!

On Monday, June 16th, Learn 2 Fish With Us was thrilled to host a fun-filled and educational Fishing Basics program for the youth from Neenah and Fox Crossings Park and Recreation Departments. Held at the beautiful Doty Park, the day was packed with learning, laughter, and some truly MONSTER bass!

The morning began with our Fishing Basics seminar, where young anglers learned the essential skills and knowledge to begin fishing. From fishing safety and casting techniques to identifying different fish species and selecting the right bait, youth were equipped with all the fundamentals. Each participant received a fully rigged fishing combo and a Fishing Basics educational book to take home, reinforcing what they learned and encouraging them to keep fishing!

Thanks to an outstanding turnout of Learn 2 Fish With Us volunteers, each volunteer was able to work closely with just two to three youth, giving plenty of one-on-one time to guide them during the hands-on fishing portion of the day. That attention paid off—youth reeled in some incredible catches, including huge largemouth and smallmouth bass, along with plenty of rock bass. It truly was a “Bass of a Day!”

Despite a chance of rain lingering to the west, all forty registered youth showed up, full of excitement and ready to fish. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious, with many parents and youth sharing how much fun they had and how much they learned during the experience.

We were also excited to welcome Dan Hagenow Video Creations LLC, who was on-site filming the program. The footage will be used to create a virtual version of our Fishing Basics clinic, allowing even more families to learn and get inspired from the comfort of their homes. It will also contribute to a new Learn 2 Fish With Us promotional video, helping us spread our mission even further.

Thank you to all the families, volunteers, and partners who made this day a success. We can’t wait to cast lines with you all again soon!

On June 12th, Learn 2 Fish With Us made its first visit to the beautiful town of Green Lake to host a fishing program designed to introduce youth to the joys and fundamentals of fishing. While the forecast hinted at rain, the skies held off just long enough to give the community a perfect day to learn, explore, and fish!

The program kicked off at the Town Square in the heart of Green Lake, where Captain Greg led the “Fishing Basics” seminar. Youth and their families learned all the essential skills and equipment needed to begin their fishing journeys—including water safety, how to use a spin cast combo, casting techniques, knot tying, and much more.

After the educational session, the group took a short walk across the street to a peaceful bay just off Big Green Lake. There, excitement filled the air as young anglers cast their lines, many for the very first time. With help from passionate Green Lake community volunteers and the Learn 2 Fish With Us team, the youth were able to apply their new skills while staying safe, having fun and catching fish!!

Each participant received a fully rigged fishing combo, an Invader Crusader performance shirt, and an educational fishing book—all thanks to the generous support of our amazing sponsors. These take-home tools will empower the youth to continue exploring fishing on their own and with their families.

A huge thank-you goes out to the Green Lake community for their warm welcome and enthusiastic support, and to all the volunteers who helped make this first-ever event in Green Lake a memorable one. Learn 2 Fish With Us is excited to continue expanding to new communities and introducing even more youth to the lifelong sport of fishing!

On Sunday, June 8th, Learn 2 Fish With Us and Wausau & Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry hosted a fun-filled and educational fishing clinic at Bluegill Bay County Park in Wausau, Wisconsin. Despite the threat of rain and thunderstorms looming in the forecast, the weather held out just long enough for families and youth to enjoy a full three-hour fishing experience.

The event kicked off with Captain Greg presenting his Fishing Basics seminar, where nearly 100 youth and just as many parents and guardians learned all the essential skills needed to begin fishing. This event brought together kids ranging from 2 to 16 years old for a day they won’t soon forget.

After the seminar, the youth were divided into four rotating groups and took part in engaging hands-on educational stations that included:

• Casting safely and accurately
• Tying fishing knots – including both the Clinch and Palomar knots
• Rigging a fishing combo with bait and learning how to properly hook it
• Identifying fish species found in local waters

With their new knowledge in hand, it was time to hit the water! Each youth received a fully rigged fishing combo tailored to their age and experience level, along with an educational fishing book to continue learning at home.

The fishing was a success with many smiling faces and bent rods. Youth reeled in Bluegills, Rock Bass, and Perch, and the excitement was contagious. Whether it was the thrill of a first catch or the joy of learning something new, the smiles said it all.

We received many compliments from attendees who praised how organized, engaging, and informative the event was. A huge thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors who made the day possible. Their support helped create a meaningful experience that brought families together, encouraged outdoor activity, and inspired a new generation of anglers.

We can’t wait to return to Wausau again soon for more fishing adventures!

On Saturday, June 7th, Learn 2 Fish With Us proudly participated in the 39th annual Kids Fishing Day at the Upper Peninsula Pocket Park in Michigan—and what a beautiful day it was to be outdoors!

For the fifteenth consecutive year, Learn 2 Fish With Us joined families and young anglers at this incredible event designed to introduce youth to the wonders of nature and fishing. Hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, and supported by countless business and personal donors, Kids Fishing Day is a celebration of outdoor education, conservation, and family fun.

The Pocket Park was buzzing with excitement as youth explored a wide variety of outdoor educational booths, each offering a hands-on learning experience. The highlight for many? The stocked fishing pond, where countless kids reeled in their very first fish—an unforgettable moment that brought huge smiles and maybe even a few surprised cheers.

At the Learn 2 Fish With Us educational booth, we helped attendees build a strong foundation in fishing. Youth and families learned:

• How to cast a fishing rod safely and accurately

• How to tie both the Clinch Knot and Palomar Knot

• Fish identification basics

• The difference between live bait and artificial bait

The energy was high all day long as curious young anglers practiced their skills, asked great questions, and built their confidence in fishing—many for the very first time.

Events like Kids Fishing Day are a perfect example of how communities can come together to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. We had a blast, and we’re already looking forward to being part of next year’s celebration!

Until then—tight lines and happy fishing!

There’s no better way to kick off a day than with a fishing rod in hand and the promise of adventure ahead! Our recent Fishing Basics Clinic brought together enthusiastic young anglers ready to learn the skills they need to enjoy the lifelong sport of fishing.

Participants started the afternoon by diving into the fundamentals of fishing. They learned about safety while on or near the water, how to properly use a spin cast and spinning combo, and the importance of casting safely and accurately.  We also covered how to tie two essential fishing knots—the Clinch and Palomar—discussed both live and artificial bait, and explained how different fishing presentations can attract different species. Youth also gained an understanding of aquatic invasive species and the impact they have on our waters.

Each participant received an Off Shore Tackle Company cooler and a Go Fishing education book thanks to our sponsors.

Thank you to all the partners, and teachers who helped make the day a success. Whether it was a child’s first fish or their first time holding a rod, the excitement and confidence gained were unforgettable.

On a beautiful day in Amherst, Wisconsin, the Girl Scouts swapped their cookie boxes for tackle boxes and hit the water for an unforgettable outdoor adventure! Learn 2 Fish With Us was thrilled to host its Fishing Basics program, specially designed to teach the foundational skills of fishing in a fun, hands-on environment.

The day was packed with excitement and learning as the Girl Scouts discovered everything they needed to know to get started in fishing. Topics covered included:

• Fishing safety
• How to use both spin-cast and spinning combos
• Proper casting techniques for safety and accuracy
• Simple fishing presentations
• How to tie a Clinch knot and a Palomar knot
• The difference between live and artificial bait
• Fish identification
• Understanding aquatic invasive species
  … and so much more!

Each participant received their very own fully-rigged fishing combo and a fishing education booklet to take home — the perfect tools to continue their fishing journey long after the event.

And the fishing? Absolutely amazing! During the hands-on portion of the program, the water came alive with excitement. Huge largemouth bass and plenty of dandy bluegills were reeled in by the enthusiastic young anglers. The thrill of the catch and the joy on each girl’s face was something to remember.

Scout leaders shared that this was a day these Girl Scouts will cherish for a long time. Not only did they learn new skills, but they also created lasting memories, shared lots of laughs, and built confidence in the great outdoors.

A big thank you to the Girl Scouts of Amherst and everyone who made this event possible. At Learn 2 Fish With Us, we believe that teaching fishing is more than just a skill — it’s a pathway to empowerment, education, and appreciation for our natural world.

We can’t wait to see these future anglers out on the water again soon!

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!!