A Fish Tale and A Friendship That’s A Keeper

Building Community One Cast at a Time:

 This isn’t your typical fish tale—it’s not about the one that got away, but about the friendships that were caught along the way.

When Andy, Jarrett and Matthew, participants in Richcroft’s Community Development (CDS) program, expressed an interest in going fishing, CDS Director Rachel Kollasch, CTRS, connected them with Bob Wall, a longtime friend, who has spent most of his life serving the Baltimore community, connecting people and sharing his passion for fishing with others.

Bob spent over 40 years working for Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, managing their programs and in his spare time, volunteering at events throughout the state of Maryland. Now retired, he spends his time volunteering in the community, organizing youth fishing derbies for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and teaching people of all ages and abilities how to catch the big one!

It turns out Bob was a perfect match for the Richcroft CDS group, and their adventurous DSP, Avery Van Pelt, who is open to and supportive of any activity the guys want to do.

The first time Bob met the Richcroft group he knew he was hooked!  “These guys are so much fun and unbelievable characters. I feel like Andy is my alter ego,” according to Bob.

The men have formed a close bond and have been getting together every few weeks at the Bynum Run Pond in Bel Air to fish.  They even had the opportunity to help Bob stock the pond for a fish rodeo event.  They love learning fishing skills from him, sharing their past experiences, but most of all just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.

This amazing experience has conjured up special memories for some of the guys (and Bob himself) who recall fishing as kids with their fathers (most of whom have since passed away).  Jarrett uses the fishing rod his dad gave him, and the tackle box Andy proudly shows off belonged to his dad and has been in his family for years.

“Everyone remembers catching their first fish and who they were with,” said Bob.

Matt, who is new to the sport, is excited to learn a new skill and finds fishing to be “quiet, peaceful and a stress-reliever.”  They all agree that it also takes patience, and a little luck! Most fisherman can relate to that.

This experience has also led to another great community connection with Tony and Dee Tochterman, the owners of Tochterman’s Bait and Tackle in Baltimore, a well-known spot to local fishermen.  The guys initially went to the store to check out the fishing gear and have since become regular and favorite customers of the owners. Tony & Dee love talking to the guys and showing them the ropes when they come in for a visit.

Fishing brings people of all ages and abilities together! Building relationships, making community connections and creating meaningful opportunities like this is at the heart of Richcroft’s mission.

“It’s a beautiful thing when these partnerships happen so naturally and friendships form as a result,” said Rachel.

Bob is now planning to take the guys to some new locations. “They are getting so good we need to find some new fishing holes.”  Pretty sure he knows a few!