Dec 11

Ice Fishing Holiday Gift Ideas for All Skill Levels

Give a man (or woman or child) a fish. Feed ‘em for a day. Teach someone how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime. Provide the best fishing Christmas gifts for all those on your list, and your loved ones will be set up for a wonderful ice fishing season. Recommended by Learn 2 Fish With Us President and Executive Director Greg Karch, these top five best ice fishing gift ideas will support your loved ones unwavering dedication to the sport and encourage those who are just getting started.  

Ice Fishing Boot
There’s nothing worse than having wet feet for a full fishing day, especially in the frigidly dangerous winter temperatures. Give the gift of warm dry feet this year and your friends and family will thank you. President and Executive Director, Greg Karch highly recommends the Clams Sub-Zero X ice fishing boot.

“This past year I started using Clams Sub-Zero X ice fishing boot and found it warm and easy to get off besides being all rubber. Make sure to also have good ice cleats to not slip and hurt yourself,” said Greg.

Ice Fishing Suit

As the colder months continue—and we all wish for spring—you’re going to want to secure a good quality warm ice fishing suit for all those on your list who are planning on facing the frosty weather. Remind them to dress warmly and wear a life jacket outside of their clothing to stay safe. 

Curved Blade Augers

This practical gift is an essential tool for any angler who wants to slice through the ice efficiently and quickly. Captain Greg suggests getting curved blades so that they will cut through old holes as well as creating new ones. Another safety tip for ice fishers, be aware of ice thickness when choosing a spot. New clear ice should be about 4-inches thick.

Underwater camera

Give the gift of capturing action-packed footage with an underwater camera. The fishermen and fisherwomen of your life will be able to gain better insights with their fishing by being able to see fish up close and personal.

Fishing Flasher

Hugely popular with ice anglers is a sonar unit that shows objects in the water column. The biggest advantage to having a flasher when ice fishing is allowing you to see beneath the ice and know how deep you’re fishing. They will also give insights on what kinds of fish are present.

Take the guessing out of your 2019 ice fishing gift list with Greg’s top ice fishing selections. If you have any questions on ice fishing and/or ice fishing supplies don’t hesitate to email: CaptainGreg@Learn2FishWithUs.com.

Dec 11

Menasha High School Fishing Team Learn Tips & Tricks From Captain Greg

On Tuesday, December 10th, Learn 2 Fish With Us Angler Educator Captain Greg Karch worked with the Menasha High School Fishing Team to educate them on the equipment and skills needed to ice fish in the WIFA Ice Fishing circuit for High School Fishing Teams.  Captain Greg reviewed safety while ice fishing which include warm clothing, warm boots, ice cleats and carrying rope should someone fall in.  Next they reviewed the different ice fishing combos and Captain Greg discussed that he prefers straight line reels so the line has no twist allowing me to see lite bites.  In Wisconsin, we can ice fish with three lines so he reviewed the use of tip-ups and tip-downs to compliment their fishing.  Captain Greg, opened his tackle box to show Northland’s and Rapala’s jigs and spoons he uses along with colors he likes to use.  Next Greg reviewed using flashers and cameras while ice fishing and when he uses each of them.  Captain Greg reviewed how he uses maps to do research on a lake that he has never fished along with reviewing the depths.  Greg’s fishing logs included where, when, what he was using and fish caught.  Captain Greg reviewed the different artificial and live bait he uses and tips when using them.  Most students attempted to put a medium fathead on a hook and make sure it would swim around.  Greg explained that if the minnow is not lively when on the hook it most likely will not be bite by a fish.
The Menasha High School Fishing Team asked many different questions through out the seminar to better understand why he uses the equipment he does along with the techniques.
 
At the end of the seminar, the students learned their team would receive Berkley Tip-ups, Abu Garcia and Shakespeare Ice Fishing Combos, Garmin and Triton Boat hat thanks to Learn 2 Fish With Us and Captain Greg’s sponsors!!!
 

Dec 08

Youth At Boys & Girls Club Of Oshkosh Learn 2 Ice Fish

On Wednesday, December 4th, Learn 2 Fish With Us Angler Educator Greg Karch held an Ice Fishing Clinic for the youth of the Oshkosh Boys & Girls Club.   During the Ice Fishing Clinic youth learned about the skills and equipment needed to begin ice fishing which included learning about safety while ice fishing which included; warm cloths, wearing a life jacket outside clothing, ice picks, rope, ice cleats, hooks and more.  Next, youth learned about ice fishing equipment which included different ice fishing combos, jigs, plastics, lures, tip ups, along with learning how to use them.  Youth learned about the different baits used while ice fishing along with how to hook the bait.  Captain Greg reviewed what he does on a typical day when ice fishing.  Greg, then showed videos of him ice fishing, so they would know how to jig while ice fishing along with seeing how fun sight fishing can be.  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.  After the fishing clinic many of the youth went on to the Learn 2 Fish With Us website and checked out the other fishing videos and they really enjoyed them.    The youth said they really look forward to getting out ice fishing!!

 

 

Oct 24

Learn 2 Fish With Us Host Ice Fishing Clinic For Scouts

On Monday, October 21st, Learn 2 Fish With Us Angler Educator and NPAA Member Greg Karch #121 held an Ice Fishing Clinic for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Green Bay which was held at Langlade Elementary.   During the Ice Fishing Clinic scouts learned about the skills and equipment needed to begin ice fishing.  The evening started out with scouts learning about safety while ice fishing which included; warm cloths, wearing a life jacket outside clothing, ice picks, rope, ice cleats, hooks and more.  Next, scouts learned about ice fishing equipment which included different ice fishing combos, jigs, plastics, lures, tip ups, along with learning how to use them.  Scouts learned about the different baits used while ice fishing along with how to hook the bait.  Captain Greg reviewed what he does on a typical day when ice fishing.  Greg, then showed videos of him ice fishing, so they would know how to jig while ice fishing along with seeing how fun sight fishing can be.  The fishing clinic ended with the scouts 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 ice fishing prize such as Shakespeare ice fishing combo, bait, tip-up or ice spikes.  The adults attending the ice fishing clinic said they learned  a lot and planned on putting the knowledge to use this ice fishing season.so much!!

 

 

Sep 19

Why We Love Our Volunteers: YOU Make it Possible!

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!  


Sep 10

Harbor Fest Attendee’s learn 2 fish

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!!

 

 

 

Aug 08

Learn 2 Fish With Us Fishing Booth A Huge Success At PBS Get Up And Go Day

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.

 

Aug 05

4 Fish-tastic Ways to Celebrate National Fishing Month

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?

Aug 05

Captain Greg’s Go-To Lures for Walleye Fishing

Let’s face it: fish are picky when it comes to their food (especially walleye). And trying to find the right lures when you walk into the fishing section with rows of lures looking back at you is tough (and so is not buying them all…). That’s why Captain Greg is sharing his favorite fishing lures for walleye fishing.

  1. Storm’s Hot ‘N Tot®

Storm’s Hot ‘N Tot lure is one of Captain Greg’s favorite lures for catching walleye. This lure features a metal lip and side-to-side searching that walleyes have a hard time keeping their eyes off. What makes this lure so special though are the wide range of fish-catching colors it comes in. They come in classic, chrome, holographic or UV finishes. All of these features make the Hot ‘N Tot one of the best lures for trolling walleyes.

  1. Berkley® Flicker Shad Size 7

When Captain Greg is fishing for walleye in water 8 feet deep or more, his go-to fishing lure is the Berkley Flicker Shad size 7. With attracting colors and finishes, this crank bait is a pro at grabbing the attention of walleye. It also has a unique rattle and rolling, flicker action that mimics fleeing or injured baitfish.

  1. Berkley® Flicker Shad Size 5

The Berkley Flicker Shad size 5 is perfect when Captain Greg is fishing in water 7 feet deep or less. A lot like the size 7, the Flicker Shad size 5 acts as an injured or fleeing fish to trick walleye. Its smaller size makes this one of the best lures to catch Walleye in shallower water.

  1. Hand-tied Crawler Harness

Captain Greg ties his own crawler harnesses using Berkley Vanish, Dsichii hooks and Northland Baitfish Blades in gold, silver or chartreuse. These lures are known for zigzagging through the water and attracting the eyes of hungry fish. What are you waiting for? Grab some night crawlers and brush up on your knot-tying skills to start catching some killer walleye!



Jul 14

Oshkosh Fleet Farm & Learn 2 Fish With Us educate future anglers!!

On Saturday, July 13th the Oshkosh Fleet Farm and Learn 2 Fish With Us volunteers educated the youth to fishing during Fleet Farm’s Kids Fishing Day.  There were so many activities for the youth from a fishing seminar to many fishing educational stations for skills and equipment!!  Some of the educational skill stations which allowed hands on education was safety, casting, fish identification, bait and knot tying.  Youth and families also got to enjoy checking out safety equipment, different types of reels and rods, lines, lures, tackle and more.  Captain Greg even brought out his Triton 216 Fishunter and Mercury motors!!  Talking to the kids, they said they had a blast at Kids Fishing Day.  Thanks to the NPAA each youth went home with a Future Pro Shirt.  Thanks to all Fleet Farm and Learn 2 Fish With Us volunteers that helped at the event!!