Oconto River Trout Unlimited – Life Sports – Fishing Segment at GHS
On Friday May 16, 2025, the Chapter was invited to help teach students from Gillett High School how to cast a fly rod. The opportunity arose as part of the “Life Sports” Class taught by Mrs. Jill Halla. The class included a unit on fishing. Students were taught basics on different styles of fishing including spinning, baitcasting, and flyfishing. Twenty plus students, mostly upper classmen, both boys and girls, participated in the casting demonstrations with “hands on” individual instruction out on the football field. Chapter members taught two classes on a very windy day. Morning and afternoon sessions provided a challenge to show how to cast effectively. Wind at 20-30 mph also tested Chapter members including Wayne Czypinski, Lyman Wocking, Dean Simon, Bill Wagner, and Dale Halla. The Chapter’s has fly rods to teach the basics of fly casting. Surprisingly, there were several students that had never had an opportunity to learn to fish.
On Friday, May 30, 2025, the students went on a field trip to Lyman’s Pond. This would be their opportunity to practice what they were taught. The class was split into three groups of about 7. Each group could spread out on a side of this 5-acre manmade mini lake. One side was reserved for those new fly fishermen to test their skills. The groups switched sides every 25 – 30 minutes allowing students ample opportunities to catch something. Each fish caught was logged as to species, length, and captor. Over 75 fish were caught and released on a fun day for both students and the adults that had volunteered to mentor them. Thanks to those adults including Lyman and Cathy Wocking, Gary and Helen Lisowe, Wayne Czypinski, Bruce Kitzman, Gary Lemon, Bill Wagner, and Dale Halla. Prizes were awarded for the largest fish of each species. Beautiful day and fun for all.
Photo: Youth practicing fly casting on the football field. (Article written by Dale Halla, June 5, 2025)
