Nonprofit allows elders, vets, and people with disabilities to fish for free in Wausau-area

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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.

Read the full story and see the video here…

Let’s Go Fishing nonprofit brings mission of hope and healing to central Wisconsin

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A pontoon boat with several people wearing life jackets travels on a calm lake surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.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