Fishing Rod for the Disabled?

[fourbizz]

I know I have seen one somewhere. I have a cousin my age who has the most severe kind of muscular dystrophy and he has expressed an interest in fishing with me when I see him at our family reunion this summer.

He is incapable of casting or reeling a conventional setup. I imagine that casting will be impossible no matter what, but it would be nice if I could find some sort of electric reel, but not like the huge, expensive japanese deep water reels.

Anybody know?

[Big Bait Fishing]

i don't know , but props to trying to spread the joy of fishing to some who is disabled , i hope some one comes up with something !!!!! 

[zero]

i have an article somewhere in my home that someone make a rod that allow u to use reel,rod one handed but i am wondering if ur cousin have hard time function on both arms?

[fourbizz]

muscular dystrophy is a disease that deteriorates the muscle over time. Unfortunately my cuz is in its final stages and can only move his fingers and jaw.

I was suprised that he would show interest in fishing with me, so needless to say, it is very important to me that I figure it out.

I actually cooked up a pretty good plan for making an electric reel that he can use.

[Infidel.]

good luck with it, let us know how it turns out.

[The Rooster]

Given his current condition, I'd imagine that ANY kind of fishing would be good, so........

What if the rod and reel don't necessarily go together normally, but would work for this??

I know they make automatic fly reels that you could put on an ultralight spinning rod, make a cast for him with some live bait and a stand up float to indicate a strike, and wait for a crappie or bluegill to take the bait, then if he can move his fingers he could pull the release to take line in automatically with the fly reel. If you wind on some light line such as 6# then I don't see that being too much trouble. Might have to use backing inside the reel before tying on the 6# mono.

This idea I have is only a jumping off point, you'd have to look into it to see if it's plausible or not, and if so, how to refine it a bit to make it work. It's the direction I'd go in though. Crappie on an ultralight are a load of fun and feel like a fight worthy of the effort, but can be handled easily enough so that it's not overly too much challenge for him to handle. I'd say a few of those will be every bit as rewarding for him as a 10# bass is to us.

If he doesn't have control to set a hook though, you'd want to make sure you use absolutely needle sharp hooks so they pretty much set themselves as the fish swims off with the bait.  Missing a lot of fish might be frustrating.  However, he may just enjoy getting out there and attempting it, whether he catches a fish or not.  I'd do everything I could do to insure a fish hit the line and got stuck though.  Think outside the box on this one.

[K_Mac]

I found this site. You may have already been there. If not it might give you some ideas. Good luck. 

http://www.achievableconcepts.us/usa_fish.htm

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Jay, first of all, props to you on your endeavor.  I am a hard arse most of the time, but have a soft spot for the disabled.

I dont have anything to add as far as ideas to help him fish, but I have a feeling that he may not care if he participates in catching the fish at all.  Just spending time out on a lake with you may be all the excitement he is looking for.  If you can make the fishing rod/reel happen for him, all the better.  Dont let time go by just because he isnt able to physically participate.

As I said, the mere act of being there with you will likely be one of the best experiences of his life.

Nice work.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There is a "Rocket Fishing Rod" sold on infomercials but even that need to be pumped with air, kinda like a Nerf Gun. I think maybe SpeedBead called when he said the time out with you is the real gift. God-speed to you and your cousin.

ML

[NBR]

Call or Google the MD foundation. They should have a listing of those who could help. My wife teaches all sorts of challenged people from youngsters to adults to ski and it is amazing what can be done.

[b.Lee]

Call or Google the MD foundation. They should have a listing of those who could help. My wife teaches all sorts of challenged people from youngsters to adults to ski and it is amazing what can be done.

That is a great idea!  College Campuses would almost be always willing to help also, especially engineering departments.