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

It’s because Captain Greg of Learn 2 Fish with Us and National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) attended Tigerton’s Summer School, with his Fishing program.  On Wednesday, June 11^h, Captain Greg traveled to Tigerton and taught K4 through fifth graders the fishing basics.  One seminar was for K4 through second grade and the second seminar was for third through fifth grade.  This was Captain Greg’s first-time teaching K4 students as teachers in the past gave him feedback that his interactive seminar would keep youth engaged, and that is exactly what happened!!  Teacher’s, thanks for your feedback over the years.  Over eighty youth, leaned the skills and equipment needed to fish through his Fishing Basics seminars, where students learned; safety while fishing, spin cast and spinning fishing combos, how to cast safely and accurately, simple fishing presentations, how to tie the Clinch and Palomar knot, fish identification, how to take great pictures, live and artificial bait, aquatic invasive species and so much more.  Captain Greg also shared a couple places students could fish from shore and catch some fish!!

So, students are so excited to get out fishing with the skills and spots they learned about!   LET’S GO FISHING!!!

Learn 2 Fish With Us and National Professional Anglers Association members, Captain Greg #138 and Karen Karch #121 attended the 31st Kids Fishing Day which was hosted by the Michigan DNR, US Forest Service and Kids Fishing Day committee.  Kids Fishing Day took place on Saturday, June 8th, at Upper Peninsula Pocket Park in Escanaba, Michigan.  Over two hundred youth and adults attended the event which was held during Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend. 

Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted a fishing education booth, where youth and parents could learn to cast safely and accurately, tie a Palomar and Clinch knot, fish identification and safety while fishing.  A huge thank you goes to US Forest Service volunteers and Jake Munn for their help in the Learn 2 Fish With Us hands on fishing educational booth.   Youth went fishing in the stocked pond where many fish were caught.  Other educational opportunities at Kids Fishing Day was BB gun shooting, shooting a bow, aquatic invasive species, meeting Smokey the bear and so much more!!  After the youth attended all the stations, it was time for lunch which included hot dogs, chips and a soda!!  Youth received a fishing related prize which included fishing combos, nets and many other fishing goods.

Thanks to the National Professional Anglers Association and Future Anger Foundation each youth received a U.S. Forest Service shirt.

On June 7^th, Captain Greg traveled to Whitcomb Mason Boys & Girls Club Camp which is located in Hartland, Wisconsin to make a difference at their camp.  Captain Greg’s truck was loaded with fishing goods along with fishing educational aids from Learn 2 Fish With Us sponsors.  Another part of his mission for the day was to train camp leaders on the skills and equipment used while fishing.

When Captain Greg arrived, he was greeted with a bunch of fishing combos all in a mess.  Not one of the fishing combos was fishable!!  Captain Greg meet with five camp leaders and reviewed the following; safety while fishing, how to use a spin cast and spinning fishing combo along with how to cast safely and accurately with each, how to tie a Clinch and Palomar knot, how to rig a fishing combo, live bait, fish identification, aquatic invasive species and soooo much more!!  Camp leaders so enjoyed the training and are going to recommend, that next year, the entire staff get trained on fishing!!  Captain Greg liked that idea!!

After training it was time to re-rig fishing combos along with rigging the equipment that Learn 2 Fish With Us sponsors donated.  Camp leaders, Rhys, Treshaun, Onesti, Madison and Mame were experts after rigging over fifty fishing combos!!  We had such a fun time working together along with a feeling of accomplishment that the camp had useable fishing equipment.  Captain Greg so enjoyed that Rhys stepped up and said he would take ownership of the fishing equipment and would keep it in working order!!

Now, all the fishing equipment is ready for camp, which will open in one week!!  Camp leaders so look forward to hearing FISH ON!!!

                   BEFORE                                                                                     AFTER

Learn 2 Fish With Us partnered with the Fox Crossings and Neenah Park & Recreation to host a fishing clinic for the families that lived in the communities.  Captain Greg and volunteers shared their passion for fishing on Wednesday, June 5^th, at Doty Park, which is located in Neenah, Wisconsin. 

The morning may have started out raining, but that did not keep the families from attending the fishing clinic.  The fishing clinic was full and everyone that registered, attended!!   Attendees were first introduced to our Fishing Basics seminar, which taught them about the skills and equipment needed to begin fishing.  Skills and equipment they learned was: safety while fishing, how to use a spin cast and spinning fishing combo, how to cast safely and accurately, live and artificial bait, how to tie a Clinch and Palomar knot, fish identification, aquatic Invasive species and so much more. 

After the seminar each youth received a fully rigged spin cast fishing combo, Future Pro Shirt and fishing educational book thanks to the Future Angler Foundation and Learn 2 Fish With Us sponsors.  It was time to go fishing and the rain had stopped!!  With all the rain we had this past week, the current was strong and was sweeping the youth boobers through the water, quickly.  The water was also extremely dirty.  All factors that make it a tough fishing day, nothing like last year’s fishing event, where many fish were caught.  Today, only two fish were caught; a rock bass and largemouth bass.  That was tough fishing, but as you look through the pictures, there was plenty of smiles!!  Another safe and successful event, which is Learn 2 Fish With Us mission!!

Board Member Mark Moran kicked off Learn 2 Fishj With Us Bike and Fish program in Ohio.  The first stop was at Lake Delaware State Park in Delaware, Ohio.  They learned the skills and equipment then went fishing.  Each youth received a fishing combo, mini tackle box with tackle, Future Pro shirt and fishing education book thanks to our sponsors.