Fishing for the Disabled

rabbi2 · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:35 am Post subject: Fishing for the Disabled

Looking through some of my old posts I came across a crack that someone wrote me about using my zimmer frame as a rod rest lol. The more I looked at it the more it got me thinking (as the old grey matter is still intact even if me body's knackered) Why not create a device to do just that, and even come up with a seperate rod rest that can be clamped to a wheelchair? There are a few disabled lads on this forum alone for this to be looked into. And it may also encourage others to try the sport. I have a mate who has retired now, but when he was younger was a first class engineer, perhaps between us we may be able to come up with something suitable for both. The zimmer frame would have to have an extra leg that could be swung forward so as to steady it and it would also have to be adjustable for uneven ground. As for the wheelchair idea it would more than likely be in the form of a clamp that could be fastened to the armrest of the chair.

Anyone who can contribute to the idea would be welcome

Fishing is for everyone[/b]

gazza76 · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:06 am Post subject:

hello keith ,
I just read your post and looked on the internet for anything for ideas but as you said there aint nothing to help i went one site but its the same old story some bloke in a wheelchair holding to rod all the time , so after having a think about it i came up with this.

5ft long aluminum v shaped with a hole the top which a rod holder v shaped as well screws in. and at the bottom there could be a 2inch tube so the rod can slot in and if a bite is detected it wont lift the rod butt up in the air, also the rest is clapped on to the wheelchairs arm rest and if the arm rest raises up that will keep the rod tip at a nice angle , which then you could have a bracket to hold the arm rest in place, the angler will be able to grab the rod at the first sight of movement and also to pour a cuppa with out turning away from the rod, i just a extension of the wheel chair.

as for the zimmerframe that's not something i have thought about only problem there is if you had a device attached to the frame holding the rod and didn't have your full weight then the whole lot could go, so i think some sort of seat to be use and use the zimmerframe with a v shaped rod holder as the tripod,
best i can think of mate.
Gary

welsh · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject:

Whats wrong with someone in a wheelchair using a tripod or resting the rod somwhere?

rabbi2 · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:56 pm Post subject:

Because he or she has to get out of the chair to wind the fish in. Anyway we think we have the problem solved and I will post the results on here.

welsh · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject:

Im not trying to knock the idea but im just trying to point out any flaws that might affect the idea taking off. winking

rabbi2 · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject:

No offence taken its just that I would like to see them fish in comfort instead of struggling as some of them do even with their disabilities, they seem to be able to escape them for a short period of time whilst fishing. keith

gazza76 · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:07 pm Post subject:

I'm not in the position to say about if id like a tripod attached to my wheelchair , but if it would be possible i suppose if i was sat in the seat and had some kind of device where i didn't have to wheel myself around the tripod and bait up then back to the rod to casted and if you catch bend down for the rod, instead just have the rod next to me at all time , who knows maybe a few of us will be in that position one day and have a real sense of what we want .
Gary

rabbi2 · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

My mate and I have come up with a design for the wheelchair rod rest. It incorporates existing parts that are readily available and should cost between £24 to £30. The parts are available all over the country so there will be no need for folk to have to send away for stuff thus incorpoating postage. As soon as the prototype is completed I will post the design on here so that anyone can copy it for themselves. Keith in Blackburn

trooper · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject:

I've seen plenty of gear to help disabled fresh-water anglers but nothing for the sea angler, so it's a good idea to come up with something to help them make their fishing easier and more comfortable.

rabbi2 · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:14 am Post subject:

Just to let you guys know that I havent shelved the idea, we are stll working on it as The last thing I want is to post it on here only to find it has a major flaw. We are actually field testing it. keith

rabbi2 · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:27 am Post subject:

Well as promised, we have field tested it and the chap who tested it for us wont give it back. lol so we are making another to post on here. Well actually told the chap he could have it for testing it out for us. It is suitable for left and right handed people so no problems there.

stroodsue · Regular Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 219 Location: Strood

well done rabbi.. you need to get it patented asap or someone will knick your idea get that done !!!! oh i dont know how but lol theres the internet haha
best of luck with that by the way!

Sue

rabbi2 · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject:

Hi sue, Not interested in money or the patent as Im using existing gear already on the market ecept for a clamp that someone else makes. Tight lines

sp3ctrum · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject:

my mate is in a wheelchair and i take him sometimes with me he has some ideas but he hasnt done nothing as yet but i will post anything as i get them even some pictures if i can get them
it would be nice to see some disabled people fishing even if they dont catch its fresh air aswell because i look after my disabled wife she dont like fishing but she comes with me just for the fresh airand to relax

rabbi2 · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:01 pm Post subject:

Good for you mate, what you want to do is to wait till your rod knocks and get her to wind it in. She'll sone get the fishing bug! big grin