Teenagers Visit Oklahoma On Journey To Catch State Fish In All 50 States

Two Virginia teenagers put their first year of college on hold because of COVID-19 and decided to go on a year-long fishing trip instead. They’re going to all 50 states to catch the state fish in each state, and they’re here in Oklahoma.

Daniel Balserak and Luke Conson had a choice- they could start their freshman year of college in the middle of a pandemic and do their schoolwork virtually or they could come up with another idea.

They came up with another idea.

"Me and my friend Daniel are on a trip to catch the state fish in all 50 US states," said Conson. 

Getting parents on board was easy for Conson, but Balserak’s parents took a little more persuading. They have already been to 30 states.

"We have been everywhere from the east coast, to the Texas, Minnesota line," said Conson. 

There have been a few exceptions, but they will circle back around. They have been on this trip since August- with a couple trips home.

"In Maine we were fishing, and a bunch of moose walked across the river just like 50 yards down from us which was pretty crazy," said Conson. "In New Jersey we were fishing up in the mountains and I had never seen that part of New Jersey before."

They have been sleeping in a van and things like showers and laundry? Well, they take the opportunities they are given.

"There are definitely days we are eating pop tarts three meals a day, but I don't know, it is definitely still enjoyable," said Balserak. 

The guys are in Oklahoma now with their sights set on catching a white bass.

"Right now, they are kind of schooled up in deeper water and we don't have a boat," said Balserak. 

A new challenge in front of them and dozens more on the road ahead.

"We are just going out there and doing what we love- and I think people like that," said Balserak. 

If you want to help these guys in any way you can message them directly here through their Facebook page. You can also donate to their Go Fund Me here.