Fishing For Life

"I count it a blessing to have represented the United States 7 times in the World Championships of Freshwater Fishing.  Even so, my true passion has always been to introduce people – especially families – to the sport of fishing.  Living out that passion has lead me to partner with Fishing For Life  in support of their many programs that serve families through the language of fishing.  Their Next-Gen program finds mentors for children of families in need .  A special focus within the program serves families of our Veterans who have lost loved ones serving our nation.  The intersection of these components inspires me to do something especially meaningful to help them." 

"On September 11th, 2018, I will fish for 24 hours straight to raise funds and awareness for Fishing For Life’s Next-Gen program from the Giant Goose Ranch in Canton, Illinois .  The Giant Goose Ranch is a family-focused recreation facility offering activities like camping, kayaking, and fishing - making them an ideal host for the Marathon Man event ." 

"Ultimately, our goal is to raise $25,000 that will directly provide intentional, consistent, measurable one-on-one fishing and outdoor-related experiences, as well as meaningful spiritual guidance for youth from military families and from single-parent households. Youth in the Next Gen program range in ages from 10-16 years old, are from military and/or single-parent families, with a special emphasis on those who have a parent on active duty, those who have lost a parent due to war, and those who have a parent who has become incapacitated due to their war wounds."

Donate $20 or more and you will be entered to win one of our many fishing prizes from our amazing sponsors. Learn more at the Marathon Man Fishing Facebook Page 

"I'm counting on your support, which will directly help these families by covering the cost of finding and training mentors, covering administrative needs like background checks, connecting the mentors with families in need, covering costs associated with outdoor experiences and providing equipment for the kids."

"There are kids whose parents are deployed, aren't coming back, or aren't able to participate in the outdoors because of war injuries, and these kids are waiting for mentors right now. They need our help, which is why I'm choosing September 11 to raise awareness, and why I'm asking you to join me in making a difference in their lives with a donation."

Your friend,

Jeff Kolodzinski

Jeff Kolodzinski is a man on a mission, and he needs your help.  Kolo is fishing's Marathon Man, and he's out to break a record he already holds. On September 4 and 5, 2019, at Giant Goose Ranch in Canton, Illinois, he will attempt to catch more than 2,143 fish on hook and line to break his own world record set in 2011.

But Kolodzinski is not doing it for a spot in the record books. He’s doing it to introduce people and families to fishing and to increase awareness and financial support for the Fishing For Life, a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization whose Next GEN program finds mentors for children of families in need. A special focus within the program, serves families of our veterans who have lost loved ones while serving our nation.  It’s important to me to remember those who have sacrificed for our nation, so we’re doing our event just ahead of 9/11.  This is a day and a time that we can honor those who have given all, and shine a light on those still serving.

“My true passion has always been to introduce people — especially families — to the sport of fishing,” Kolodzinski explains. “Partnering with Fishing For Life and Giant Goose Ranch is my way of giving back to the sport that’s given me so much while bringing awareness to a program that supports our military heroes. We hope to raise money — from inside and outside the fishing industry — to fund the Next GEN program for the many families of military personnel who will benefit from it. Along the way, I think we can show people how great the sport of fishing really is — how it promotes nature, family, camaraderie and fun in the outdoors. It’s been a huge part of my life, and I want to share it.”

Fishing For Life is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization that has numerous programs and events through which it reaches out to youth and families.  Each program — large or small — has been carefully designed to be a positive experience, and all are designed not only to introduce us to one another, but to deepen our relationships as well. The Next GEN program is designed to provide intentional, consistent, measurable one-on-one fishing and outdoor-related experiences, and meaningful spiritual guidance for youth from military families and from single-parent households. Youth in the program range in ages from 10-16 years old and are from military and/or single-parent families, with a special emphasis on those who have a parent on active duty, those who have lost a parent due to war, and those who have a parent who has become incapacitated due to their war wounds. For more information, visit fishingforlife.org.

Want to join Jeff and the crew in making a difference?

A donation in any amount matters, and donations over $25 enter you into a drawing for prizes from Marathon Man sponsors. 

Some have pledged $.10 per fish, $.25 per fish, or just flat gifts - $25 to $100 seems to be the most common. 

Thank you for being part of this critical mission!