one handed fishing

[mikeandronda]

I have a freind that only has the use of one arm and I would love to take him fishing......Does anybody have any ideas on some how rigging a rod so he can use it? I know strange ? but if I can figure something out I am sure we all know how much fishing can add some enjoyment to somebodys life.Thank you.

 

[JB]

Re: one handed fishing

Hi, Mike. . .or is it Ronda?<br /><br />My Uncle Tom Braine was a passionate fisherman from childhood. He lost the use of his left arm in WWII. He was a champion tennis player and coached tennis at several boarding schools. Local jocks used to hate being whipped by a skinny old man with only one useful arm. Needless to say, his one arm was very strong and dexterous.<br /><br />He preferred a fly rod. I would strip out enough line for him and he would cast away, using his forefinger to control line feed to the loop. If he hooked a fish he used an automatic fly reel to fight it.<br /><br />He also enjoyed fishing with a cane pole.<br /><br />I taught him to cast a baitcaster one handed and tuck the handle in his left armpit while he reeled. <br /><br />He still preferred a fly rod or cane pole. Since he was expert with the fly rod from childhood, I would suggest a cane pole.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[DaleT]

Re: one handed fishing

Here's a link I found showing and describing a device that may waork. Best of luck.<br /> one hand fishing

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: one handed fishing

You might try mounting a rod holder in a convenient spot. Your friend could cast out, put the rod in the holder and then reel back in or, if trolling, just reel in. Electric reels are sold for deep saltwater fishing, but this may be a little much for your area. I think it's great that you want to take him fishing. Good for you.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: one handed fishing

Hey thank all of you guys for the ideas. I think this will work. Happy and safe boating to you all.<br />Oh ya this Mike .....wife(Ronda doesnt fish yet and I stress yet)....

 

[auslez]

Re: one handed fishing

Mike, my old man lost the use of his arm in the polio epidemics way back then. Did'nt stop him fishing though, he used the old standard handline to great effect. Pull in a length of line, slip it under his foot {barefoot}grab another length etc etc...caught plenty in his time<br /><br />Auslez

 

[roscoe]

Re: one handed fishing

I know they are a bit pricey, but Cabelas sells electric reels. They are called "John's Reels".<br />It comes with a battery, charger, control stick, belt. Made for left or right hand. <br /><br /> http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...201&catalogCode=2UD&parentId=&parentType=&rid =

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: one handed fishing

They make all sorts of electric reels and such for fishermen with disabilities. I have seen video of a paraplegic that had someone cast for him then set the rod in a holder. He could then activate the reel the same way he controls his wheelchair. He needed help at boatside to land the fish but it worked wonders. This perhaps is not "fishing" to some of us but to him it was wonderful. There are also hunting adaptations as well. <br />On a personal note if he is missing the arm from the shoulder down he would almost need some sort of rod holder or electric reel. If he was missing from elbow down perhaps someone could fashion a prosthetic rod holder. There are a lot of variables regarding what gear/accessories can be used or made to help him get the most enjoyment out of any outdoor activity. First it needs to start with making sure he wants to try it out then talking to someone at the local prosthetic/home medical supply store and seeing what is available. Of course you don't have to purchase everything but getting a handle on what can be gotten might help in deciding what to fabricate.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: one handed fishing

Hey, everybody who replied is awesome, he does have a bit of strength in his shoulder so we are going to see if it strong enough to cast and then slip it uner his arm pit to hold.....But, Ok wishful thinking here, but when he ties into a biggen' im worried about losing pole so I was thinkin' about attaching a small line to his belt and then to rod. Once again guys thanx for all the replies this message board is a great thing.

 

[Dman]

Re: one handed fishing

Try this link too. <br /> http://www.fhnbinc.org/ <br /><br />Dman