Nonprofit allows elders, vets, and people with disabilities to fish for free in Wausau-area
WAUSAU, Wis. (WJFW) – The nonprofit organization Let’s Go Fishing serves elderly, veterans and people with disabilities by giving them a chance to get out on a lake and fish or just enjoy the boat for free.
They started in Minnesota and that’s where most of its locations are. But 13 years ago, Rhinelander started a chapter, and now the city of Wausau has one, too.
The mission of Let’s Go Fishing is simple. Take seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities on fishing trips at no cost. But opening a new chapter takes a lot of work and funding.
Many still have never heard of Let’s Go Fishing, like Stevens Point resident and Navy veteran, Barbara McClow.
“I had never heard of them before, so this is fantastic to know that this is so close to me,” McClow said.
President of the Wausau chapter, Bernie Lakus, started the groundwork last summer with the help and guidance of the Hodag chapter’s president, Mark Schroeder. The fundraising lasted a year, and eventually they were able to buy a custom built $60,000 pontoon that is handicap accessible.
Let’s Go Fishing comes to Forest Lake
Let’s Go Fishing — Forest Lake is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free fishing and boating experiences for seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities and youth groups during the summer months.
The organization, which was created 20 years ago, provides access to the healing powers and pleasure of fishing and boating for those in the community who may not have easy access on their own. In total, there are 17 chapters in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
“There are studies out there that show there is a very positive correlation between time spent outdoors and those individuals’ mental health,” said Keith Kuhnly, president of the Let’s Go Fishing — Forest Lake chapter. Kuhnly also is member of the Forest Lake Lake Association.
“It also gives them the opportunity to get out on the lake with their friends and form new bonds and create new memories,” Kuhnly added. “That’s really what it’s all about for us.”
The Forest Lake chapter was initiated by Kyle Young, parks and recreation coordinator for the city of Forest Lake. Kuhnly said the Forest Lake chapter has also connected with community education to include information about the fishing trips in the senior newsletters.
“It’s a great fit for Forest Lake because the philanthropy here is great. (The) volunteerism is strong … It’s a wonderful thing for us overall,” Kuhnly added.
Walleye Fish Fry at Confidence Learning Center in Brainerd
A huge THANK YOU to the Brainerd Let’s Go Fishing chapter for helping bring awareness to Camp Confidence and the incredible opportunities it provides for individuals of all abilities. 💙
Community partnerships like this make a real difference — creating more opportunities for connection, outdoor experiences, confidence, and unforgettable memories right here in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
We’re grateful for organizations that believe in inclusion, accessibility, and supporting our community. Thank you for helping spread the word and supporting the mission of Camp Confidence!
Let’s Go Fishing to launch in Forest Lake in 2026
Minnesota-based nonprofit Let’s Go Fishing has added a new chapter in Forest Lake that is expected to launch its services in June 2026.
Let’s Go Fishing provides free fishing and boating outings for seniors, veterans, the disabled and youth. The Forest Lake chapter, which established in July, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce in early October.
“It’s a great thing that’s going to help the community and help the city continue to grow as a community, and hopefully we’re enhancing the lives of people here,” Forest Lake resident and chapter president Keith Kuhnly said, later adding, “It’s a great organization [and] great mission, so I think it sells itself once people know about it.”
“We’re trying to reconnect people with the outdoors, the lakes, especially here [as] this is such a focal point in Forest Lake,” Kuhnly said. “It’s a wonderful resource that we all can enjoy. It’s just easy to enjoy reconnecting people with that, especially elderly people, who we focus on quite a bit.”
The Forest Lake chapter has already begun fundraising for its operational needs and yearly maintenance.
Let’s Go Fishing nonprofit brings mission of hope and healing to central Wisconsin
A nonprofit dedicated to getting seniors, veterans and people with disabilities out on the water is expanding to central Wisconsin, with a new chapter of Let’s Go Fishing set to launch in Wausau.
The group, which began in 2002 in Minnesota, uses specially equipped pontoon boats to bring people who may not otherwise have access to outdoor recreation onto area lakes and rivers. Sometimes, passengers fish; other times, they simply enjoy the experience of being on the water.
But the trips are about more than recreation. In a conversation on WPR’s “Morning Edition,” Let’s Go Fishing Chairman Joe Oprosko said time on the water can ease loneliness, spark memories, and bring joy to people who may otherwise feel isolated.
Read or Listen to the full article here… WPR
Let’s Go Fishing volunteers feel the joy of giving
BRAINERD — Imagine volunteering for an organization where every outing leaves memories for the participants and also the volunteers that can be life-changing.
Let’s Go Fishing is one of those organizations. To be passionate about the mission is an understatement for volunteers Captain Ron Plinske, Loree Besser and longtime First Mate Steve Oslos.
A recent trip from 2023 was especially rewarding for volunteer Plinske. He was on a boat trip for veterans of the Afghan war who were gathered at Cragun’s Resort for a Reuniting After War group. According to Plinske, the trip was so rewarding, it changed his life. He spent the day bobber fishing in the bay with this group of veterans and they experienced the joys of being together just enjoying the day on the water and each other.