Dickens' Big Brothers Fishing Retreat returns to Adams Park for fourth year

Mayor Andre Dickens' Big Brothers Fishing Retreat held its fourth annual event at Adams Park, bringing city agencies, conservation staff and volunteers together to teach fishing and life skills to young men and to offer mental-health sessions.

Mayor Andre Dickens' Big Brothers Fishing Retreat held its fourth consecutive event at Adams Park on a spring Saturday. The program brings city agencies, state conservation staff and community volunteers together to introduce young men to fishing and related life skills. The retreat began shortly after Mayor Dickens took office as a signature community initiative designed to replace idle time with structured activity. This year’s program included fishing instruction, stocked ponds, and sessions led by licensed mental health practitioners. Event details: - The retreat is in its fourth year and took place at Adams Park. - Partners included the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Atlanta Fire Rescue, the Atlanta Police Department, and Atlanta Parks and Recreation. - Organizers say participation has expanded from an initial 25 participants to 160 registered this year. - Michael Sellers of the Georgia DNR stocked the pond with catchable catfish and bream and noted that children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Georgia; his work includes the Gateway to Fishing program and adaptive fishing efforts. - Former Atlanta Falcons receiver and children’s author Joshua T. Ali attended; his father’s company, Keen Water, sponsored the event. Summary: The retreat seeks to connect young people with outdoor recreation, practical skills and emotional-wellness tools while engaging multiple city and state partners. Organizers report steady growth and say they plan to add a second retreat at Piedmont Park next year.