Fishing reels for Handicaps

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Just wondering if anyone knows if there is a reel that is designed for a person with one hand? My son-in-law uncle had a stroke several years back and only has use of one hand. Took him with us last night and he said he really wished he could fish someway somehow. <br /><br />Since we catch most of our fish off the stern of the boat, we was going to get him set up with a cane pole. But he seemed he wasn't interested in using one. He wants a real fishing rig.<br /><br />So with all the knowledge within this boating forum I thought I might ask about any special reels that may already be available. So does anyone know anything about such a reel? Thanks....

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Fishing reels for Handicaps

do a google search on "electric fishing reels".<br />he would just have to push a button...<br />otherwise, secure his pole and let his good hand<br />operate the reel.

 

[cp]

Re: Fishing reels for Handicaps

Just a thought to maybe enable him to get out fishin: Set him up with a belly gimbal and a harness, attach the harness to a level wind reel with harness lugs (like the Penn 340GTI, maybe), then all he has to do is pump with his back and legs and crank with the one hand. Hope this helps get him out fishin!

 

[JB]

Re: Fishing reels for Handicaps

My Uncle Tom lost the use of his left arm in the Pacific and was a dedicated fisherman.<br /><br />He was skilled with a flyrod, using an automatic fly reel and had a variety of harnesses to hold the rod while he stripped line with his good hand.<br /><br />He also loved a cane pole, fishing for panfish.<br /><br />When he fished with me he used a one handed casting rod. He would cast, stick the rod butt into a rod holder and reel away. Same when trolling offshore.. .just leave the rod in the holder and reel.<br /><br />If he ever felt handicapped I never noticed it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Fishing reels for Handicaps

They are not cheap, but they have been around for a few years, so they are probably a decent rig.<br />http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0014201114953a&navAction=push&navCount=1&indexId=&podId=0014201&catalogCode=2UE&parentId=&parentType=&rid =&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml_A&_DAV=search

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Fishing reels for Handicaps

Thanks for the input. At least now you have given me some ideas on how it can be done. I have never had the opportunity to witness a person using just one hand. <br /><br />Jeff (my son-in-law) is going to invite him down for Fathers day. We are going to try to see how well he does using a rod holder mounted on the stern rail. <br /><br />I'm going to print the info out on the electric reels and show him. After next weekend it will be up to him on what technic he wish to choose. I think he may opt for the electric reel, but knowing him he would want to fish with the reel McCoy. No gadgets or gizmos. <br /><br />He was a police officer and a avid outdoorsman. It really is disheartning to see a big man dwindle down to almost nothing. But we keep pushing him that he can do those things again. I think it is working.<br /><br />Thanks for your help and suggestions everyone...