Introduction to Fishing

Fishing is one of today's most popular recreational activities. Fishing also represents one of the easiest activities to adapt to people's individual needs. Many resources are available, as is specialized equipment, including rods, reels, line, rod holders, and tackle. Most fishing-related organizations welcome and encourage people with disabilities. Many disability organizations and resources are available to assist people in accessing fishing opportunities in addition to promoting the activity

Accessing Fishing Areas

For individuals who use wheelchairs, the biggest barrier to participation in fishing is accessibility. Solutions include locating an accessible fishing area or pier (usually available through state Department of Natural Resources' Fisheries Divisions or Fish and Game Departments), or using a wheelchair-accessible boat. Pontoon boats can provide easy accessibility for loading and unloading wheelchairs. Other solutions include working to increase the number of accessible fishing sites available. Many state Departments of Natural Resources (DNRs) have lists of accessible fishing areas. Some accessible fishing sites in each state are listed on the Project Access Web site.

Project Access

Project Access is a volunteer organization that provides accessible paths to trout fishing streams. Its Web site is meant to serve as a database and starting point for other independent projects across the country. The group hopes that others will be encouraged to create additional sites about rivers nationwide. The Web site provides "how-to" information to those interested in initiating a project. A 12-minute video is available for purchase. The Project Access site also provides a section on accessible fishing. Information supplied by various states identifies those fishing opportunities that are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Fishing Has No Boundaries

The goal of Fishing Has No Boundaries to open up the great outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing. FHNB has grown into a National Organization with 23 chapters in 11 states, enabling thousands of individuals with disabilities to participate fully in this spirit lifting, morale booster, trouble free recreational activity.

Paralyzed Veterans of America National Bass Trail

The Paralyzed Veterans of America sponsors a variety of fishing tournaments for people with disabilities. Locations of these tournaments and information about the National Bass Trail can be found on the National Bass Trail Web site. Each tournament consists of an open/team competition for those who wish to fish from a boat and a bank competition for those who prefer to fish from the shore. Individuals with disabilities in the open/team competition are paired with able-bodied boat captains and fish as a team. Only anglers with disabilities compete. Individuals in the bank competition are paired with volunteers who assist them in any needs they have while fishing from the shore.

Equipment

Individuals with upper limb amputations, high-level spinal cord injuries and various grasp disorders can use several adaptive equipment modifications.

Rod Holders: Two types of rod holders available are the harness rod holder (left) and attachable rod holders (right). The harness rod holder allows an individual with limited use of either arm to participate while the attachable rod holder can mount on a wheelchair or the side of a boat.

Reels: Individuals with upper-extremity disabilities may use electric reel-in devices. These devices provide an excellent solution for individuals who have difficulties reeling in a fish. These reels are controlled by one hand. Most models have a coiled cord with a plug for a battery pack and/or a cord with a clip to be attached to a battery on a boat, car or power wheelchair.

Van's EZ Cast (left) is designed for individuals with severe upper-extremity disabilities and requires only a small amount of upper-body movement to activate.

The Strong Arm (below right) is an excellent product for anyone with limited or no grip.

Note

The information provided here is offered as a service only. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, University of Illinois at Chicago, the National Center on Accessibility, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago do not formally recommend or endorse the equipment listed. As with any products or services, consumers should investigate and determine on their own which equipment best fits their needs and budget.

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
http://www.ncpad.org
ncpad@uic.edu
(800) 900-8086 (voice and TTY)
(312) 355-4058 (facsimile)

Organizations

1. Paralyzed Veterans of America :
   Washington , District of Columbia
2. United States Fish and Wildlife Service :
   Washington , District of Columbia

Suppliers

1. Electric Fishing Reel Systems Inc. :
   Greensboro , North Carolina
2. Dolphin Electreel, Inc. (electric reels) :
   Bradenton , Florida
3. Big Fish Tackle :
   Huntington Beach , California

Videos

1. Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. Project Access Video.

This fact sheet was last updated on 09-05-2007.

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