On a mission to connect youth to the outdoors, Learn 2 Fish With Us teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee for a full day of fishing and fun on Tuesday. July 1st. The day began bright and early in Oshkosh, where Captain Greg and his dedicated volunteers gathered at his home, loaded up two trucks with fishing gear, and made their way to Humboldt Park in Milwaukee.

At Humboldt Park, Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted three one-hour fishing sessions, each serving a different Boys & Girls Club located near the park. These clubs were selected specifically because of their close proximity—allowing youth to bike to future fishing outings, empowering them to continue their angling adventures independently. Youth ranging from ages 4 to 14 arrived in Boys & Girls Club vans, filled with energy and excitement, many holding a fishing rod for the very first time.

With the help of volunteers and Captain Greg, the young anglers quickly learned how to cast, bait hooks, and identify fish. Bluegill, bullhead, and crappies were among the species caught during the morning sessions. Whether they caught a fish or simply enjoyed the time outdoors, the kids left Humboldt Park with smiles, memories, and a newfound appreciation for nature.

A special guest joined the morning’s activities—Paul Smith, Outdoor Writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Paul observed the educational and hands-on components of the Learn 2 Fish With Us program and spoke with youth about their experiences. His upcoming article will help highlight the impact programs like this have in urban communities.

At noon, the Learn 2 Fish With Us crew packed up and made their way to Washington Park, a scenic urban pond located on Milwaukee’s north side. Before the afternoon session began, volunteers enjoyed a relaxing lunch beside the pond, soaking in the peaceful setting and recharging for the final group.

At 1 PM, another Boys & Girls Club van pulled up—and the youth were more than ready to fish! With rods in hand and excitement in the air, they spent the afternoon catching bluegill, perch, and even some blueheads, making the experience both successful and memorable for both sessions.

To ensure the fishing doesn’t end here, each participating club received at least ten fully rigged fishing combos, courtesy of Learn 2 Fish With Us. These rods and reels will be available for future outings or for youth to borrow—removing a major barrier to entry for many families.

This event was the perfect culmination to a week of fishing education. On June 24th and 25th, Captain Greg visited various Milwaukee-area Boys & Girls Clubs to present the Fishing Basics seminar, teaching youth about safety, equipment, casting techniques, knot tying, and more. These classroom sessions set the stage for a successful day of on-the-water learning.

Captain Greg also plans to add Humboldt and Washington Parks to the Shore Fishing Locations section of the Learn 2 Fish With Us website, so families and youth can easily find accessible fishing spots near them.

At Learn 2 Fish With Us, the belief is simple but powerful: Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn how to fish and connect with the outdoors. Judging by the enthusiasm of the Milwaukee youth, this mission is well on its way to making a lasting impact—one cast at a time.

#TeachFishing #Learn2FishWithUs #BoysAndGirlsClub #UrbanFishing #OutdoorEducation #FishingForAll

Today was one for the books as Captain Greg brought the Fishing Basics program to the incredible youth of the Allen Field Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee! With nearly one hundred enthusiastic participants ranging from ages 6 to 16, the energy was high, the smiles were big, and the excitement for fishing was contagious.

From the moment the program kicked off, it was clear this group was ready to learn. Captain Greg covered all the essentials to help these future anglers get started with confidence. The youth learned about:

Fishing Safety – why it’s important and how to stay safe around the water.
Casting Techniques – with a little practice, many were casting like pros in no time!
Knot Tying – strong knots mean strong chances of landing that big catch.
Live Bait – the kids got a close-up look at the bait they’ll use on the water.

There were laughs, questions, “aha!” moments, and plenty of hands-on learning—just the way we like it!

And here’s the best part: the kids were thrilled to find out that next week, they’ll be heading to Humboldt Park to put their new skills into action during a real fishing trip. We can’t wait to see these young anglers test their knowledge and maybe even reel in their first fish!

Thank you to the Allen Field Boys & Girls Club for an amazing day and for helping us share the joys of fishing with the next generation.

#Learn2FishWithUs #FishingBasics #MakingADifference #TeachAFutureAngler #LetsGoFishing #BoysAndGirlsClub #MilwaukeeFishingFun

On June 24th, Captain Greg of Learn 2 Fish With Us hit the road and headed to Milwaukee for a day of education, inspiration, and hands-on fun. The occasion? A Fishing Basics program hosted for youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, including the Mary Ryan, Sherman, and Pieper-Hillside locations.

The energy was high as young participants gathered, eager to dive into the world of fishing. Throughout the day, Captain Greg introduced the essentials needed for every successful angler. The youth learned about fishing safety, proper equipment handling, casting techniques, and knot tying—key skills that form the foundation of a safe and fun fishing experience. It was incredible to see their curiosity spark and their confidence grow with every cast and knot.

But this is just the beginning!

Next Tuesday, we’ll bring this group to their local Urban pond at Washington Park, where they’ll get to put their newfound skills to the test during a real fishing trip. We can’t wait to see the excitement as they make their first casts and (hopefully) reel in their first fish!

This program is more than just fishing—it’s about building confidence, connecting with nature, and creating lasting memories.

#MakingADifference #TeachFishin #LetsGoFishing

Mark Moran, board member of Learn 2 Fish With Us, launched his fishing program called Bike and Fish—an adventurous and educational program combining biking through scenic parks with hands-on fishing instruction. The program kicked off in Ohio and offered youth an opportunity to experience the outdoors from two perspectives: the seat of a bicycle and the end of a fishing line.

Adventure #1 – Delaware Lake (May 29, 2025)

Our very first Bike and Fish event began at Delaware Lake in Delaware, Ohio. After a safety briefing and a warm welcome, the group hit the trails for a 3-mile ride through the park. Along the way, participants enjoyed the peaceful sights of nature, including a few deer and other wildlife.

Following the ride, it was time to fish! We started with a lesson on how to rig up a fishing pole for slip bobber fishing, including how to properly set the depth and understand how the bobber system works. Our first fishing stop was the kids’ pond, where the group practiced their skills and learned about various fish species. We then made our way to the lake itself, where some participants were lucky enough to catch bass and other sizable fish, wrapping up a fantastic first session.

Adventure #2 – Sharon Woods Metro Park (June 3, 2025)

For our second Bike and Fish event, we visited Sharon Woods Metro Park in Columbus, Ohio. This time, our crew of 18 biked a scenic 4-mile trail around Lake Schrock. The trail gave everyone a chance to appreciate the beauty of the lake and the serenity of the surrounding landscape.

After the ride, the group gathered to learn how to use a jig head rig. Participants were shown how to tie the rig to their poles and attach a soft twister tail—a classic and versatile lure. Everyone then put their knowledge to the test by fishing in Lake Schrock, enjoying both the tranquility and the excitement that fishing brings.

Adventure #3 – Blues Creek Park (June 5, 2025)

Our third adventure took place at Blues Creek Park, part of Delaware County Preservation Parks. A group of 15 biked a little over three miles through meadows and wooded paths, enjoying the cool shade of the trees and the vibrant blooms of the prairie wildflowers.

This time, we introduced the group to spinner lures, teaching them how to rig their setups with a spinner and also giving them the freedom to choose their favorite fishing rig. Each participant received a free spinner courtesy of Thrivent, a Learn 2 Fish With Us t-shirt, and full access to their own fishing combo provided by the organization.

Through biking, fishing, and learning new skills, the Bike and Fish program has provided a refreshing way for youth to connect with nature, stay active, and grow in confidence and knowledge. A huge thank-you to Mark Moran for leading the charge and to our partners and volunteers for making these adventures possible. We’re excited to keep the wheels turning and lines casting this summer—stay tuned for more Bike and Fish outings coming soon!

#BikeAndFish #Learn2FishWithUs #GetOutside #PedalAndCast #OhioOutdoors #ThriventCares #FishingEducation

Adventure #4 – Alum Creek Lake, Delaware County (June 17th, 2025)

Our fourth Bike and Fish adventure of the season with Learn 2 Fish With Us led us to the scenic Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County — a location known for its beautiful lake views and great trail systems.

Thirteen excited youth joined us for the day, kicking things off with fishing along the shores of Alum Creek Lake. Captain Greg introduced the kids to the art of using a flipping jig — a skillful presentation often used for bass fishing. After practicing the technique, each youth selected their preferred fishing rig, and lines were cast in hopes of a bite. Despite a few pop-up showers rolling through, the kids stayed focused and managed to reel in a few fish, making the experience all the more memorable.

With the fishing portion complete, it was time to shift gears — literally — and hop on the bikes! The group split into two crews based on comfort and experience levels. Some chose to take on the nearby beginner mountain bike trails located in the park, while others rode along a more casual nearby trail. The mountain bikers definitely got their share of fun — and mud — as recent rain made for a few exciting splashes and slips along the way.

From casting lines to kicking up mud, the Alum Creek adventure was filled with learning, laughs, and lasting memories. We can’t wait to see where the next Bike and Fish journey takes us!

#BikeAndFish #Learn2FishWithUs #OutdoorAdventures AlumCreekStatePark #MakingMemories

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.