Disabled Fisherman

[Jim H.]

Iam an old, crippled up, decrepit, fat man. I recently decided I must get backinto bass fishing. I bought a big wide aluminum boat with a 75 HP motor and amhaving problems launching and trailering the boat. All my old fishing partnersare either in nursing homes, cemeteries, or prison!

Last Friday, I was launching my boat on a local lake. I tripped and fell intothe lake and darn near drowned! Beingfat does have its advantage. In this case, I discovered that I float like acork. Even with a .45 1911 on my hip, a pair of Red Wing boots, on my feet, Irelaxed and... Well... I floated like a cork and managed to paddle my way backto shallow tater. That was fortunatebecause there wasn't another soul on the lake!

Question: How do I locate some other retired guy thatlikes to fish and would be willing to go along and help launch and recover theboat?

Anysuggestions are appreciated

[B-Dozer]

Try asking at your local bait shop. Your access to a boat should help you find a buddy. May I suggest leaving the 45 at home? Hooks and line are much more effective on fish.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Try asking at your local bait shop. Your access to a boat should help you find a buddy. May I suggest leaving the 45 at home? Hooks and line are much more effective on fish.

True, but hooks and line don't do a whole lot of good against those two legged animals.

[B-Dozer]

I'm not paranoid, people really are out to get me!

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Shhhhh. THEY might be reading this right now.

[jokerjp]

What is the setup at the ramp/dock you use to launch? You might be able to use a rope on the bow eye, back the trailer in, let the boat float off (gently) and then pull it back to the dock using the rope.. I've used that method of launching solo on my glass boat and it works fine, will only be easier with your aluminum rig.

[zenyoungkoh]

i cant help you, but the way u wrote that poster made me lmao. No offence intended, but its funny how u said u float like a cork because you are fat lol.

[Bluebasser86]

Just a thought but you might try putting something in the classifieds of your local newspaper? Just write it up that you have the boat but you're handicapped and need someone who likes to fish that is willing to help you launch and trailer your boat?

[Catt]

I don’t know if it’s true but there is this thing call the “internet” invented by some guy named Gore, you might go on there & let people know where ya from & they might have someone from your area.

Since ya don’t have nothing in your profile it’s kinda hard to help.

[Sfritr]

I don’t know if it’s true but there is this thing call the “internet” invented by some guy named Gore, you might go on there & let people know where ya from & they might have someone from your area.

Since ya don’t have nothing in your profile it’s kinda hard to help.

X2

Also, when launching by yourself just tie a 20 ft rope to you bow eye and the other to the back of your tow vehicle. when you launch the boat just let it float off. Get out, walk to the back of your truck, unhook the rope and pull your boat to the shore/dock. Tie it off and park your truck. Problem Solved.

BTW if you float like a cork just tie some line to your ankle, flop in the water. Look, now you are a bobber...... who needs a boat

[NBR]

Jim,

I hear you. a few years ago I put a notice on the net. I believe it was this site looking for partners for a geezer (me) and the only response was from a smart**** responding to my statement about my glass boat and wasn't I afraid it would break. I haven't bothered since. I bought an automatic self inflating PFD. Now that I'm older it has become a struggle to launch and recover.

[Long Mike]

I was successful posting on my local Craig's list under the Fishing and Boating sections. Be specific about yourself, your boat, and the type of individual you are looking for.

Stay away from the Personals sections. Too many weirdos on those boards.

[38 Super Fan]

I just hope your 1911 is OK.

[SirSnookalot]

Not knowing your age and level of your disability it's difficult for a non professional to recommend a course of action. How fat is fat, 10#-20#- 50# or more? Unless one is genetically predisposed to obesity weight loss can be obtained. Shedding some weight will give you more energy, may possibly ease up on some of your limitations and without doubt give you more self confidence to do things you may be avoiding now. Being 66 myself I'm not the guy I was when I was 21, I know my limitations, staying reasonably fit does add to the quality of my life.

[Ratherbfishing]

"Crippled up, decrepit, fat man." You've just described about about half the members of this forum. Just joking! But seriously, how crippled up are you? Is someone going to need a gate belt to lift you? Or are you exaggerating to make a point? The greater your needs, the more specific your search will need to be. I've already found an "old man" who can go more or less whenever I want. That, I must say, is a real advantage when many working people force you to conform to their schedules (usually on weekends). Only problem is he usually catches more fish than me!

[Grey Wolf]

Join a fishing club.