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.