Learn 2 Fish With Board Member and Angler Educator Mark Moran, held a week of fishing education during JEC Day Camp, which was held at St. Johns in Marysville, Ohio Day one camper learned safety while fishing, different fishing combos and how they work along with tying a few fishing knots. Day 2, campers learn how to safely and accurately cast with each of the fishing combos. Day 3, campers learned about live and artifcial bait along with making thier own spinner (how cool is this). Day 4, campers learned about the different species of fish in Ohio along with coloring thier favorite fish. On Day 5, campers utilized all the skills learned to go fishing and did they catch fish!! Thanks Mark Moran for hosting this great camp!!

Despite the scorching heat on July 12^th, the spirit of adventure and learning was even hotter at the recent Fish Camp organized for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee! This unforgettable event was held at the beautiful Pewaukee Lake, where youth from the Milwaukee community, gathered for a day filled with excitement, education, and plenty of fishing.

Learning from the Best

The day kicked off with an insightful Fishing Basics seminar led by the experienced Captain Greg. His passion for fishing and his ability to impart knowledge left a lasting impression on the young anglers. The seminar covered essential fishing techniques, safety tips, and the importance of patience and respect for nature. It’s clear that Captain Greg’s wisdom resonated with the kids, as almost every participant went on to catch between one and six fish!

Hands-On Experience

Armed with their new knowledge, the youth eagerly spread out along the lake, ready to put their skills to the test. For nearly two hours, the air was filled with the sounds of laughter, splashing water, and the thrill of reeling in fish. The sight of so many smiling faces, each one experiencing the joy of fishing, was truly heartwarming.

A Day Made Possible by Volunteers and Sponsors

A huge shout out goes to the dedicated volunteers who traveled to Pewaukee Lake to support the fishing clinic. Their guidance and encouragement were invaluable, ensuring that each child had a memorable and educational experience.

The last two days (July 9^th and July 10^th) have been a whirlwind of fun and learning at the Fish Camp in Sun Prairie, led by the passionate and knowledgeable volunteers from Learn 2 Fish With Us. This engaging camp was an incredible opportunity for young campers to dive into the world of fishing, gaining hands-on experience and valuable skills.

Day One: Learning the Basics

On Tuesday, July 9th, campers gathered to learn the foundational skills and equipment needed to embark on their fishing journeys. Captain Greg, with his extensive expertise, guided the campers through a Fishing Basic seminar, which taught campers the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing.  After the seminar, campers attended a series of educational stations that covered everything from casting safely and accurately to tying essential fishing knots like the Palomar and Clinch knots. The campers then applied these skills to rigging their very own fishing combos, gearing up for an exciting day of fishing.

Day Two: Putting Skills into Practice

With their newly acquired knowledge and equipped with their rigged fishing combos, the campers headed to Tenney Park for a day of fishing. The anticipation and excitement were palpable as almost every camper succeeded in catching a fish! The joy and pride on their faces were a testament to the effectiveness of the training and the thrill of the experience.

A Grateful Nod to Our Sponsors

The success of this Fish Camp was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Thanks to their contributions, each youth participant received a complete fishing combo, a stylish “Future Pro” shirt, and an informative fishing education book. These tools and resources not only enhanced the camp experience but also provided the campers with the essentials to continue their fishing adventures long after the camp concluded.

As Captain Greg embarked on his journey down to Milwaukee with a truck full of eager volunteers, the skies opened up with a downpour. Looking through the windshield, rain pouring down in sheets, a thought crossed his mind: “What have I done?” Yet, as if someone up above had been watching over them, all the fishing clinics this year had been spared from rain, and today was no different.

Friday June 28th, Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted a Fishing Clinic for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and St. Augustine Preparatory Academy. For many of the youth attending, it was their very first fishing experience. The anticipation and excitement were palpable, despite the initial challenge of the weather.

Despite a few changes to the original plans, everything fell into place. The Urban Pond at Humboldt Park became the perfect spot for this adventure—a location accessible enough for most of the kids to reach by bike. After gathering and getting settled, the day kicked off with our Fishing Basics seminar. Here, the kids learned about the skills and equipment needed to fish, a foundational knowledge that would soon be put to the test.  Thanks to our great sponsors and the Future Angler Foundation, each youth received a fully rigged fishing combo, Future Pro shirt and fishing educational book.

With rods in hand and newfound knowledge in mind, the kids ventured to the pond. Laughter and shouts of excitement filled the air as they cast their lines into the water. The result? A successful day of fishing where many bluegills and, admittedly, some weeds were caught. But more than the fish, it was the smiles and sense of achievement that made the day memorable.

A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers who traveled to Milwaukee to make this day possible. Your dedication and passion for teaching these young anglers the joy of fishing is what makes events like this so special. Through your efforts, many children experienced the thrill of fishing for the first time, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In the end, what started as a rainy and uncertain day turned into a sunny, joyful experience for everyone involved. This Fishing Clinic was not just about catching fish but also about catching the spirit of community and the joy of learning something new together. Here’s to many more successful clinics and sunny days ahead!

June 23, 2024 was a day to remember for Captain Greg 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 sun was shining, 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. Captain Greg, with his vast experience and warm-hearted approach, ensured that everyone felt included and capable.

The joy on the faces of the VPI Inc. employees 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.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! On August 7th, Learn 2 Fish With Us and the VPI Inc. team will continue their fishing adventure at the Outagamie Conservation Club pond. Known for its abundance of fish, the pond promises another fantastic opportunity for the participants to enjoy nature, practice their skills, and make even more unforgettable memories.

At the heart of every fishing clinic hosted by Captain Greg 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., Captain Greg is not only sharing his 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.

On Sunday afternoon, June 23rd, Captain Greg Karch and Pipe Fishing Club members taught youth the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing.  This event was held at Columbia Park which is located in Malone, Wisconsin.  The afternoon started out with Captain Greg presenting his Fishing Basics seminar where they learned; safety while fishing, spin cast and spinning fishing combos, simple fishing presentations, live and artificial bait, aquatic invasive species and so much more.  After the seminar, youth were split up into three groups where they attended fishing educational stations.   The three stations were; how to cast safely and accurately, how to tie a Clinch and Palomar knot and fish identification.

This was Learn 2 Fish With Us third year partnering with the Winnebago Walleye Series, which makes sure families have fun activities prior to the tourneys weigh-in.

Thanks to the National Professional Anglers Association, Future Angler Foundation, and Learn 2 Fish With Us, each youth received a fishing combo, NPAA Future Pro shirt and fishing educational book.

On Wednesday, June 19th, Captain Greg of Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted a fishing clinic for Big Brothers Big Sisters at Appleton Memorial Park.  Why was this fishing clinic so important?  It was fifteen years ago that Captain Greg hosted Learn 2 Fish With Us very first fishing clinic, which was for Big Bothers Big Sisters at the same park!!  Memories!!  Today, this was Learn 2 Fish With Us four-hundred and nineteenth fishing clinic.  Captain Greg, so remembers his first fishing clinic and how they have improved, to make their fishing clinics so educational and fun.

The weather threatened, as it was pouring just before and during the educational part of the fishing clinic, but due to the shelter, attendees were dry!!  Captain Greg hosted his Fishing Basics seminar, which taught attendees skills and equipment needed to begin fishing.  By the time the seminar was completed the rain had stopped and it was time to go fishing.   Thanks to our great sponsors, each Big Brother and Big Sister attending, received a fully rigged fishing combo, NPAA Pro shirt and fishing educational book.

Due to an early spring, the pond at Appleton Memorial Park was quite weedy but that didn’t stop youth from fishing and catching a few bluegill!!  Oh, they also caught a few turtles to!!  Laura said ‘I heard so much positive feedback from the youth and adults, so hopefully in the future we can have a fishing event annually!!

Learn 2 Fish With Us and our sponsors beleive in helping groups in need of fishing education and fishing equipment. Learn 2 Fish With Us donated twenty Shakespeare Fishing combos and three tackles boxes with hooks, sinkers, bobbers and fishing educational aids. Everything that Keller Lake Day Camp for the Developmentally Disabled would need for their week long summer program. One of the favotite activities during camp is FISHIING!! #MakingADifference