A Teenage Passion Turned Business: The Story of NorCal Catch
At just 16 years old, Colby Ralls has already made a name for himself as Marin County’s youngest fishing entrepreneur. An incoming junior at Terra Linda High School in San Rafael, California, Ralls has transformed his lifelong passion for fishing into a thriving business called NorCal Catch. What began as a childhood hobby quickly evolved into a unique opportunity to share his love for the sport with others.
From Childhood Memories to Entrepreneurship
Ralls’ connection to fishing dates back to when he was only 3 years old. One of his earliest memories involves a family trip to Quincy, where he first encountered the thrill of fishing in a small pond. Initially hesitant to handle worms for bait, Ralls was encouraged by his father, who taught him how to prepare the hooks. By age 4, he was hooked — and this early exposure laid the foundation for what would become NorCal Catch.
His entrepreneurial spirit was further nurtured by his father, who runs Addictive Coffee Roasters, a local coffee company. Inspired by his dad’s success, Ralls decided to combine his passion for fishing with his growing interest in business. With guidance on building a website and developing a brand, NorCal Catch officially launched late last year.
Teaching the Next Generation
Through NorCal Catch, Ralls offers fishing lessons for children aged 5 to 15 across Marin County. He leads expeditions several times a week to popular spots such as Loch Lomond Pier, Paradise Pier, and Bon Tempe Lake. While he has experience working as a deckhand on boats, current operations focus solely on shore-based instruction. This approach takes advantage of the rich marine biodiversity of the San Francisco Bay, which teems with shallow-water species like bat rays, leopard sharks, halibut, and largemouth bass.
One of the more rewarding aspects of teaching young anglers is helping them overcome their initial discomfort with handling bait. “In one session, a girl was really scared to put the worm on the hook,” Ralls shared. “But it’s part of the cycle of life. I try to help kids understand that they’re part of an ecosystem where everything eats and gets eaten.”
Community Engagement and Giving Back
Despite being a relatively new business, NorCal Catch has already built strong ties within the community. Local businesses like Pacific Catch in Corte Madera support Ralls’ mission by offering free kids’ meals for any booked session. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from each lesson is donated to environmental nonprofits such as Surfrider Foundation and Seatrees, organizations dedicated to ocean conservation.
Beyond standard lessons, Ralls has also partnered with PAASS (Project Awareness and Special Sports) to provide inclusive fishing experiences. Through this collaboration, children with learning disabilities and Down syndrome are invited to participate in Learn to Fish Day events around the Bay Area. “It’s amazing to see how accessible and enjoyable fishing can be for everyone,” Ralls said.
Balancing School, Surfing, and Business
Running a business while still in high school comes with its own set of challenges. “Sometimes parents are surprised because I’m still a teenager,” Ralls admitted. To build trust, he emphasizes safety by carrying a med kit, displaying proper licenses, and clearly communicating his preparedness during sessions.
Outside of fishing, Ralls is deeply connected to the ocean. He surfs regularly at Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge and plays water polo. As president and co-founder of his school’s Ocean Awareness Club, he advocates for environmental protection through initiatives like beach cleanups.
Looking ahead, Ralls envisions expanding NorCal Catch beyond shore-based lessons. Future plans include boat excursions targeting different fish species and even manufacturing custom fishing gear like hooks and rigs. For now, though, he remains focused on making a difference one lesson at a time — inspiring kids to connect with nature, learn new skills, and appreciate the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
