It's Called Fishing Not Catching

Fishing is more than just reeling in a big catch, it's an adventure full of laughter and a deep connection with people who have something going on in their personal lives, it can be anything from people in recovery from addictions to having a disability. The "JOY OF FISHING" has been out of reach for many in the disabled and the mental health community but that is changing, thanks to the inspiring initiative of Wish 4 Fish. Nestled in the picturesque Tauranga Marina, Wish 4 Fish offers accessible fishing experiences that enable people to bond over a shared love of fishing and maybe make some friends along the way.

Catch And Connect Crew

I just went on a fishing venture with the Catch and Connect crew. This is a facebook group that Jeremy Spence created. Their mission statment states "Here’s what we stand for:

🌟 Vision Statement

To create a supportive community where fishing becomes a tool for connection, healing, and personal growth, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and find peace on the water.

🌟 Mission Statement

At Catch and Connect Crew, we bring people together through fishing to provide support, encouragement, and relief from life’s struggles. Whether it’s mental or physical challenges, we believe in the power of the outdoors and camaraderie to help clear minds, build resilience, and foster meaningful connections.

🌟 Our Core Values

💙 Compassion and Connection

We foster a supportive, inclusive community built on empathy and meaningful relationships, ensuring everyone feels valued and understood.

🌿 Healing through Nature

We harness the power of fishing and the outdoors to provide relief, clarity, and renewal for those facing challenges.

💪 Empowerment and Joy

We inspire resilience and strength by uplifting one another while celebrating the shared joy of fishing and camaraderie.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’ll continue making waves of positivity and connection in the lives of many!

Wish 4 Fish

Founder Bryce Dinneen, states and also gives some information why he decided to start the charitable trust

“After suffering a high-level spinal cord injury in January 2007 following a shallow water diving accident, it was my dream to take my passion for being out on the water partaking in saltwater activities, and make this accessible to all New Zealanders and abroad. I wanted to share the super amazing, healing properties of being out on the water with those who have challenges in their lives, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or financial.

In 2011 the registered charitable trust was formed and over the next 10 years I dedicated my life to achieving a vision of a purpose-built fully accessible vessel named “Project Noah” to support the beneficiaries of Wish 4 Fish and beyond. I was truly grateful to work alongside a small team of highly motivated great New Zealanders for an extended period of time, allowing us to strategically plan working toward an incredible fundraising goal of $2.4 million. This allowed us to build an 18m Roger Hill designed displacement catamaran, completed in January 2021. This could not have been achieved without the amazing support from the wider community, community funders and many fishing competitions, boat shows and sausages sizzles. In June 2023 my services to the disabled community were acknowledged in the Kings Honours awards in which I humbly received New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). We are now embarking on exciting new fundraising goals, including “Buy the Berth”, for Noah. I now willingly challenge you to reach out and come fishing with me, experiencing New Zealand’s boat in its most tangible form, and see the magic for yourself. Please receive this open invitation to come and be part of an inspirational legacy moving forward…“

Accessibility in fishing is essential to guarantee that everyone has a chance to be part of the adventure. With specialised gear and trained volunteers, Wish 4 Fish creates an inclusive experience tailored to the specific needs of all participants. Wish 4 Fish effectively breaks down barriers to ensure that everyone can enjoy fishing. The organization emphasises accessible fishing, offering unique opportunities for individuals requiring accommodations due to mobility challenges. This initiative ensures that the thrill of fishing is shared by all. In fact, up to 90% of participants report feeling more included in their communities after engaging in these accessible fishing experiences.

On Saturday the 1st of February, I went on a fishing trip funded by wish 4 fish but the crew on the boat was from catch and connect crew. To start with I had to be loaded on to the boat, luckily for me the boat has a fully accessible hoist which I was raised up on. When everybody was assembled in the cabin, Jeremy who was the one who organised it made a speech and the captain did a safety briefing. Before that we watched part of a documentary of Bryce from Wish 4 Fish. The trip out of the harbour was very cool as I got to stand outside and look at the view, especially looking at the ocean. When it came to the fishing everybody enjoyed themselves while meeting great people, I caught 14 fish but none of them were keepers. In order for me to fish I used a contraption made out of garage door remotes. These were connected up to an electric fishing rod, and all I had to do is push down the buttons as seen in the picture below. The blue button made the fishing rod go down in the water, the yellow button reeled the line up, the green button helps you to strike the fish and the red button button stops the reel. I found this system amazing as the 1st time I went on the boat I used a normal rod with the help of my mum, it made me feel more included and not being reliant on other people for help. I would highly recommend the trip to anyone who enjoys fishing and making new friends.

How to Get Involved

If you or someone you know from the disabled community is eager for a fishing adventure that opens new opportunities, then Wish 4 Fish is for you. They offer regular group fishing trips, welcoming everyone!

To participate, visit their Facebook group where you'll find announcements about trips and events. Getting involved is easy and welcoming—prior fishing experience is not required.