Adaptive Fishing Equipment

      Fishing is a leisure activity that most take for granted. Those with disabilities know all too well the barriers associated with fishing once they are physically disabled. Highlighted here are adaptive equipment that helps facilitate this leisure activity. Fishing requires casting, mobility, threading hooks, and many other obstacles. Fishing will not be a barrier anymore once these devices are highlighted and shown for their resourcefulness. 

      
     The first barrier reviewed is the inability to thread a hook because of certain physical deficits. The 20/20 Magnetic Tip Threader will correct this first barrier. This is magnet and holds the needle in place for easy threading and knot tying. The skills needed for this device are cognitive skills to carry out this leisure activity, sensation involved in fingertips to feel string and lure, and finally, the ability to tie a knot. Because of this, the individual would need some fine motor control. This device can be found online at many wholesalers. The place I found it was at the Fly Fishing Discounters. The exact price is $6.49 which is 13% off the actual price. There is a whole section there related to adaptive fishing equipment at a discounted price with low shipping costs (Discounters, 2008).

     The cons of this device are minimal to non existent. The device enables the individual with no risk or potential hazards to thread the needle successfully with minimal fine motor control or adequate visual acuity. The device enables independence when away from home and is small in size for functionality and mobility (Discounter, 2008).

     Casting the fishing line and lure could be an issue for many physical disabilities. If they have some arm movement but have issues with wrist flexion or extension, they will not be able to cast the line into the water. The ability to cast is a huge part of fishing. Getting the lure in the exact spot you want adds to the leisure activity. For those with arm movement there is the Receive-All and Strong Arms. This device consists of an arm brace and adapter. The price of this device runs in the amount of $59.99 plus shipping and handling from Discounters. The ability to allow ease when casting is very important to sustain the activity (Discounters, 2008). 


     The pros of the Strong Arms harness decrease wear and tear of muscles and joints, enable ease with casting, and easily manipulates line for positive fishing experience. The cons would be the inability to make small flickers with the rod creating tension ripples in the fishing line. The Strong Arms device is not designed for deep sea fishing due to risk of injury. The harness is best used for small fish or fish of a lighter weight than wheelchair and individual (Discounters, 2008).

      Another such issue is the fact that they cannot cast because of paraplegia or quadriplegia. With an issue like that there is something called the Power Caster. The Power Caster can be manipulated via mouth or switch allowing individuals to cast and reel. This can open up a whole new area of fishing to those who thought it was impossible. The power caster has three steps. Step 1, pressing a button or mouth piece to activate the rod to the ready position for casting. Step 2, pressing a button or using a mouth piece casting the line and the rod is put in the fishing position. Step 3, press a button or mouth piece to activate reeling in the line. For the button operated Power Caster the price is $1425.00 plus shipping and handling. There are sip and puff controls or both, but the price increases. At a maximum, the price for everything is $1674.80 for both activation devices. The manufacturer is listed below under citations. Breaking boundaries is what assistive technology is all about and breaking through barriers in leisure will enable people to maintain quality and happiness in later life (Ostrovsky, 2012).


     The Power Caster is a device that is utilized by Ken in the picture above. This device casts the line for the individual with a switch or mouth operation. The con would be that another individual would need to be present in order to facilitate baiting and removing fish from hook. The pro would be increased independence and ability to provide food for self or family (Ostrovsky, 2012). 

Citations

Discounters, F. F. (2008, January 1). Adaptive Fishing Equipment. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Fly    Fishing Discounters: http://www.fly-fishing-discounters.com/adaptivefishingequipment.html

Ostrovsky, G. (2012, May 11). Ken's Power Caster Takes Disabled Fishing. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from medGadget: http://www.kenspowercaster.com/

Photos by 

Fly-Fishing-Discounters.com

Ken'spowercaster.com