On Friday, January 17th, Learn 2 Fish With Us Angler Educator Greg Karch held an Ice Fishing Clinic for the youth from Youth Go.   Attendees of the Ice Fishing Clinic learned about the skills and equipment needed to begin ice fishing.  Captain Greg started out by instructing them on safety as safety need to be the number one priority when ice fishing.  He covered wearing warm clothing, what is safe ice, wearing a life jacket outside clothing and the safety equipment he uses such as: ice picks, rope, ice cleats and so much more.  Next, youth learned about ice fishing equipment which included different ice fishing combos and when to use them along with reviewing tip-ups and tip-downs.  Greg reviewed vertical and horizontal jigs and when it is best to use each.  Greg brought his tackle box which includes everything he uses when ice fishing which included; jigs, plastics, spoons, jigging rapala’s and showed them how to use each of them.  Youth learned about the different baits used while ice fishing along with how to hook the bait.   Greg brought in spikes, wax worms and different minnows which included rosie reds, shiners and fat heads of different sizes.  Youth then tested their skills by placing a minnow on a hook and making sure it would be alive and swimming.  Captain Greg reviewed what he does on a typical day of ice fishing.  Youth then viewed videos that showed them how a flasher works, how to work the water column and of course how fun it is when fish are biting.  Youth learned and tied a Palomar and Clinch knot.  The fishing clinic ended with the youth learning how to identify fish, Aquatic Invasive Species and leave to trace which means to clean up the area you are fishing.  Each youth went home with a NPAA Future Pro shirt and a Shakespeare ice fishing combo along with Northland Tackle ice fishing jigs.  The youth enjoy the afternoon learning how to ice fish and look forward to having the opportunity to get on the ice!!

We wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors for everything they have done to contribute to this year’s success. At our 2019 fishing clinics, Learn 2 Fish With Us worked with a record-setting 6,000 youth and nearly 4,000 adults. We could not have done it without the time and energy our volunteers invested into teaching kids how to fish! Your dedication and commitment to share your passion for fishing have not gone unnoticed.  

Whether you have helped with setup or registration, managed the sales of merchandise, assisted with fishing stations, taught casting instruction or donated money or equipment, we truly could NOT have done it without you. Because of you, kids and families now have a skill for life they can all share and cherish. It’s amazing how many people a small nonprofit can impact. Our success was exhibited this year by attending, teaching, hosting and educating youth and their families through 32 fishing clinics. Learn 2 Fish With Us covered a broad range of areas from elementary and high schools, sports shows, educational events, festivals, outdoor events, cub and girl scouts and so many more.  
 
We cannot wait to see what the 2020 fishing season will bring. Together we can continue to grow the sport of fishing by educating and inspiring beginner and experienced anglers. All of us at Learn 2 Fish cannot say it enough: thank you to all our volunteers and supporters from the bottom of our hearts. We truly appreciate all that you do. Thank you!  

Stay tuned for opportunities to volunteer next year. We look forward to having a great team of volunteers to make our 2020 events even more successful!  

On Sunday, September 8th, Learn 2 Fish With Us and our volunteers attended Harbor Fest which was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the School Of Freshwater Science.  Learn 2 Fish With Us had a Fishing educational booth which educated over three hundred youth and nearly as many adults on the skills and equipment needed to fish.  Skills learned in the booth were casting, fish identification, safety while fishing, how to tie knots and the different baits we use while fishing.   Adults asked many questions such as; where do I buy an fishing license, best spots to fish, best bait to use and presentations.  A family that attended sent me a text that said “The grand kids had the best time at your booth.  Thank you so much.  The kids were so excited to tell their parents about FISHING and the live bait.  They were so excited about the shirts you gave them they put them on and my granddaughter can’t wait to use her Shakespeare fishing combo.  Youth received; Shakespeare casting plugs, NPAA Future Pro Shirts and fishing combos.  Thanks to the Learn 2 Fish With Us and Harbor Fest volunteers for all your help!!

On Saturday, August 3rd, Learn 2 Fish With Us and it’s volunteers where at PBS Get Up And Go Day at the Timber Rattlers Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin.  Learn 2 Fish With Us had a Fishing educational booth which educated over six hundred youth on the skills needed to fish.  Skills learned in the booth were casting, fish identification, safety while fishing, how to tie knots and the different baits we use while fishing.   Youth received; Shakespeare casting plugs, NPAA Future Pro Shirts and fishing coloring books.  Thanks to the Learn 2 Fish With Us volunteers.

Did you know that August is National Fishing Month? This fun holiday was created to increase interest in angling and get more people of all ages involved in the sport. Throughout Fishing Month, there are many activities you can participate in to celebrate! Whether it’s catching the biggest fish you can find or just fishing to your heart’s content, check out these great ways to celebrate Fishing Month!

1. Go fishing with your best friend. Nothing is more relaxing than fishing on the open water with your best friend. Beautiful weather, fresh air and catching fish is all you need to make the most out of National Fishing month.
2. Volunteer your fishing knowledge. Learn 2 Fish is always looking for volunteers for future Learn 2 Fish events. Watch for upcoming events and sign up to volunteer!
3. Work on your angler skills. Want to learn how to tie a new knot? Or maybe advance your casting skills? Now’s the time to do it. Take a few days out of National Fishing Month to work on your skillset (and then you can brag to all your friends!).
4. Purchase some new fishing gear. Whether it’s a new boat or a lure, we know you’ve had your eye on something for a while. Reward yourself this month and splurge on some shiny, new fishing gear. You won’t regret it!

So, how will YOU celebrate National Fishing Month?