The Fishing Foundation, 129 the Mall, Berea, OH (2026)

ABOUT THE FISHING FOUNDATION

The Fishing Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization based in greater Cleveland, Ohio launched in 2010 by co-founders Dennis J. Grizzell; its mission is to improve people’s lives through the sport of fishing – targeting youth in under served areas. With the newly released book, "Learn to Fish: A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers," written by Dennis and Gail, tweens and teens can begin fishing immediately. It’s full of facts, information, and tips on everything from fishing equipment, preparing to go fishing, casting and even how to land a fish and what to do after you catch a fish. It’s fully illustrated with a diverse group of original art and photographs to guide you step-by-step through the learn-to-fish experience. "Learn to Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers," is not the first book written for beginning anglers; however, it is innovative. Research revealed that while there are books on the market on how to fish, none represents a landscape of ethnic inclusion like this new book. The book is an outgrowth of Dennis and Gail’s commitment to take kids fishing. To learn more about the book, "Learn to Fish: A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers," and The Fishing Foundation go to our website at www.thefishingfoundation.org or contact Gail Grizzell at 440.463.4476 or via email at [email protected].

10/07/2026

KAYAK DONATED TO CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

Dennis Knowles, President of The Fishing Foundation recently donated his recreational kayak to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s African elephant exhibit.

The exhibit includes a 15-foot-deep pond used by the Zoo’s four elephants. The kayak will help the elephant care team reach deeper areas of the pond to place food, enrichment toys and other items for the elephants.

We’re happy we could put the kayak to good use and help the Zoo’s elephant care team in such a unique way!

The Fishing Foundation — Improving Lives Through Fishing… and occasionally kayaking!

09/11/2026

Fishing, Family & Fun at Lake Roaming Rock!

More than 100 family members and friends joined The Fishing Foundation (TFF) and the North Coast Bass Anglers Association (NCBAA) for our 2026 Family Picnic & Fishing Day at Lake Roaming Rock.

TFF provided rods, reels, and bait for fishing, while guests enjoyed great food, music, dancing, games, swimming, and plenty of fellowship.

It was a wonderful day of bringing people together, building friendships, and creating memories.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success!

07/09/2026

The Fishing Foundation Hosts Tri-C Students for a Day of Fishing and Outdoor Fun!

Sometimes the best classroom comes without walls. That was the case as The Fishing Foundation welcomed students from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) to the Cleveland Metroparks, Garfield Reservation for a day of fishing.

The event introduced students to the joys of fishing in a relaxed and scenic setting. Cleveland Metroparks generously provided the use of rods and reels, bait, and worked alongside with The Fishing Foundation volunteers to ensure that participants had everything they needed to enjoy a successful day on the water.

Participants enjoyed food, refreshments, snacks and celebrated their catch, and experienced the many benefits of connecting with nature.

The Fishing Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland Metroparks for their partnership and commitment to providing meaningful outdoor experiences for students.

05/30/2026

The Fishing Foundation and Shaker Heights
Police Department Debut Mobile Fishing Unit

The Fishing Foundation (TFF) and its partner, the Shaker Heights Police Department (SHPD), debuted their new Mobile Fishing Unit during a free youth fishing event held May 14 at Cleveland
Metroparks’ Wallace Lake in Berea, Ohio.

The new Mobile Fishing Unit is designed to transport rods, reels, tackle, safety gear, and educational materials to free fishing events throughout the region. Organizers say the unit will help expand access to outdoor recreational opportunities for underserved youth and families.

The event also marked the launch of Cops and Bobbers, a new collaborative initiative between TFF and SHPD designed to introduce young people to the sport of fishing while exposing them to Northeast Ohio’s green and blue spaces.

Approximately 60 youth attended the event, where they received hands-on instruction in the basics of fishing from nearly 60 police officers representing departments from several Northeast Ohio communities. Officers worked side-by-side with beginning anglers, helping them learn how to cast, bait hooks, handle fishing equipment, and safely reel in fish.

04/01/2026

The plaque says it all! At the 2026 Cool Running and North Coast Bass Anglers Association Awards Banquet, held at Hellriegel’s Inn in Painesville, Ohio, I captured Co-Angler of the Year honors for the third consecutive year. The evening celebrated the season’s top anglers, recognizing excellence, consistency, and dedication to the sport. (Dennis Knowles holding the plaque)

03/03/2026

The Fishing Foundation's
Pursuit to Create Avid Anglers

OPPORTUNITY MISSED
6% of adults in the U.S., or 15.5 million people, wanted to fish as kids but did not. As adults, 55% have gone on to fish, while 45% of these have not fished, or upwards of 7 million adults who might be anglers today if fishing was available to them in their younger years.

These 'lost' anglers represent a possible 18% increase in the total number of anglers that fish today.

YOUTH ANGLING PROGRAMS POTENTIAL
Youth angling programs serve to help people discover if fishing is right for them and help spark the interest of beginning anglers to fish.

While as many as half of all fishermen consider themselves anglers, nearly 20% had no interest in the sport until attending a fishing program and a third were interested but did not consider themselves “capable” and needed support.

Many people participate in youth fishing programs because they do not have access to fishing partners, water ways, gear, or information to get started. Youth fishing programs, like The Fishing Foundation, help fill this gap by providing the support roles many youth are missing.

TARGETING THE YOUTH
The greater the exposure to fishing as a youth, the more likely they will participate as an adult.

Three quarters of first-time youth anglers tried it prior to their twelfth birthday.

Of adult anglers who participated in a youth program, 84% did so before the age of 14.

Address

129 The Mall
Berea, OH
44017

Telephone

+12163378891

Website

http://thefishingfoundation.org/

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