Pulling in a trophy silver king is something that Bradley Richmond, a 14-year veteran of Operating Engineers Local 150 in Rockford, Illinois, had only dreamed of. An unexpected invitation from Brotherhood Outdoors to fish for tarpon in Florida’s famed Boca Grande with Daniel Lee, Julie and the show’s crew offered him the chance.
“I fish bluegill and crappie just about every weekend,” said Bradley, who is committed to conservation efforts as a member of his local fishing club. “Our club is looking to make it easier, cleaner and more accessible for those in our area that are as nuts about fishing as we are.”
Bradley Richmond fishing with Brotherhood Outdoors in Florida’s famed Boca Grande.
Bradley, who said he began fishing as a young boy, is also committed to helping make life a little nicer for children battling cancer as a dedicated volunteer of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. It’s the only pediatric cancer center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance and where no child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay.
For the past four years, Bradley has helped raise money for St. Jude’s Kids through an annual Rock River catfishing tournament. This year, Bradley is also involved in the planning and coordination of a fishing outing for children with disabilities with the hope of raising enough money to fund a new lift at the town’s community pool.
“Over the years, I have volunteered with many charities and have come to the realization that each and every one of us should be able to find some way to help those who cannot help themselves,” he said. “Helping others, even in the smallest way, can and does make a difference.”
Bradley also recognizes the importance of helping and supporting one another on the job. “It does my heart good to help the apprentices and give them a hand whenever needed,” said Bradley. “I had someone take me under his wing in my first few years and that man and I are still friends. We are in this together, all for one, one for all.”
Hard, good work is what his weekdays are about, but for Bradley, weekend-time means fishing-time.
“My dad started taking me fishing when I was four years old and it’s been a great love of mine ever since,” he said.
Come along on this action-packed episode of Brotherhood Outdoors when Bradley checks in to the exclusive Gasparilla Inn in picturesque Boca Grande, Florida. Follow him along on his off-shore adventure as he reels in snook and mackerel and aims for the prized silver king. Listen in and laugh along while Bradley and the Brotherhood Outdoors crew swap big fish stories. Feel the excitement when he ties into his very first tarpon, a 200-pounder that gets away. And see who wins the fight when he ties into another big one.
Tune in to Brotherhood Outdoors Sundays at 11 a.m. ET on the Sportsman Channel.
