ABOUT REELIN FAMILY FUN
Where Confidence, Connection & Outdoor Adventures Begin
Reelin Family Fun was created with one simple belief:
kids and families thrive when they connect with nature, learn new skills, and share unforgettable experiences.
What started as a passion for fishing and the outdoors has evolved into a mission-driven program that helps young explorers, their families, and their groups build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong outdoor skills—one cast at a time.
OUR STORY: FROM A LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS TO A PURPOSE-DRIVEN PROGRAM
Hi, I’m Jeff, the founder of Reelin Family Fun.
Fishing has always been more than a hobby for me — it has been a source of peace, patience, joy, and connection with the people I love most.
Over the years, I saw fewer kids getting opportunities to step away from screens and truly experience nature. I met families who wanted to explore the outdoors but didn’t know where to start. I talked with teachers and youth leaders who needed programs that were safe, structured, and meaningful — but also fun.
That’s when I realized there was a real need for something different.
And Reelin Family Fun was born.
OUR PURPOSE
At the heart of everything we do is a simple mission:
To inspire a passion for fishing and the outdoors in young explorers, families, and groups by providing engaging, educational, and interactive experiences that foster lifelong skills, environmental stewardship, and cherished memories.
Every program, event, and community partnership is designed to help kids, their families, and groups:
Build confidence
Explore curiosity
Develop hands-on skills
Discover the joy of the outdoors
Strengthen connection with family, peers, and mentors
Every session is designed with safety, skill development, and age-appropriate learning at the core.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Kids today need more than entertainment — they need experiences that shape who they become.
We believe:
Fishing teaches patience, problem-solving, and perseverance.
Outdoor exploration boosts confidence and creativity.
Shared adventures strengthen families and communities.
Positive mentors make lifelong impact.
Reelin Family Fun brings all of that together in an environment that’s safe, structured, and full of adventure.
Kids leave our programs more confident, more curious, and more connected—to nature and to each other.
MEET OUR TEAM
Jeff Peterson
Jeremiah Stillwagon
Jaydah Stillwagon
Luna The Puppy
Meet Team Reelin Family Fun: Jeff, Jeremiah, Jaydah, and Luna! They are eager to take you on a fishing journey like no other! With years of fishing experience and a passion for teaching, Jeff and his grandson Jeremiah, his granddaughter Jaydah share their love for the outdoors and all things fishing, while Luna, our playful lab puppy, adds a dash of fun and adventure. Together, we create a welcoming and exciting adventures where children, families, and groups can learn, bond, and make unforgettable memories.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
We Bring the Adventure to YOU
Schools, youth groups, community programs, and family organizations — our experiences are fully mobile.
Age-Based, Experience-Based Learning
Our Angler In Training Adventures include unique programs tailored for ages 4–17+.
Hands-On, Screen-Free Engagement
Kids learn by doing — casting, knot tying, identifying fish, exploring nature, and practicing stewardship.
Built on Our Core Values
Faith, family, honesty, integrity, and respect for the outdoors guide every experience we create.
OUR IMPACT
Who We Serve
Families • Schools • Youth Organizations • Churches • Homeschool Groups • Community Organizations • Daycares
Through partnerships across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan, in-person and online, we want to help kids, families, and groups reconnect with nature and with each other.
With big smiles to “first fish” moments, every experience reminds us why this work matters.
MEET THE MISSION
Reelin Family Fun isn’t just a program —
it’s a movement to bring families, kids, and communities back to nature… and back to each other.
If you’re looking for meaningful, memorable, outdoor-based experiences for your group or organization, we’d love to bring the adventure to you.
Learn More About Our Mission
Hear Jeff share the heart behind Reelin Family Fun on these podcast episodes:
Featured Podcast Appearance
Coversations with Geoff Tyson
It's not just about the catch; It's about time spent together and the memories made!
This session was all about family, community and business. For Jeff and his family, fishing is more than a pastime—it’s about bonding, lifelong skills, and unforgettable memories.
Here is my Conversation With Geoff Tyson Podcast Show.
https://streamyard.com/tw79xgr2s3he
Check his podcasts out below
Featured Podcast Appearance
Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast
In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Jeff Peterson, founder of Reelin Family Fun, about his grassroots initiative to teach families how to fish. Jeff shares his passion for fishing, the importance of creating lasting memories, and the health benefits of spending time outdoors. The conversation highlights the joy of fishing as a bonding experience, the significance of building confidence in new fishers, and how technology has changed fishing practices. They also discuss fly tying as a creative hobby, the importance of conservation, and the communal aspects of fishing.
Here is my Conversation With Jason Elkins, Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast Show.
https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/jeff-peterson/
or listen on YouTube below:
https://youtu.be/PRw39bvujU4?list=PL6LBdKBWsncRZdI8-QMBbzjmL4PfTg9YC
Check his podcasts out below
