ADAPTIVE FISHING EQUIPMENT

Does anyone out there have a disability? Would adaptive fishing equipment help you? Are you letting your disability disrupt your life unnecessarily? Please, don't.

I started this web site with the sole idea of giving advice and recommendations to assist the handicapped/disabled angler to enjoy the sport of fishing.

I did this from a unique perspective. I have am adaptive disability. There, I've said it. Now I feel better.

I am a diabetic. As a consequence of this disease, I have retinopathy, which means a loss of vision to the point where seeing the bobber or strike indicator at any sort of distance is really difficult. I also have a heck of a time tying on tippets and flies.

Another consequence of my diabetes is neuropathy, or the loss of feeling in certain parts of the body. In my case, I have a 95% loss of sensation from the knees down. This does not inhibit my motor nerves (for movement) but I just don't feel the ground underneath my shoes. I know it's there because I feel the pressure. But I could step on a sharp object and not know that I did so until I see the blood.

Compared to other disabilities, mine is rather inconsequential. I live with it and cope.

The good news is that since I've done my research, research, research, I have found great new unique and/or unusual products to make fishing expeditions much more enjoyable.

Having a disability is not going to stop me from surf fishing, trout fishing, carp fishing, bass fishing, salmon fishing, etc. Due in great part to modern adaptive technology, new adaptive devices are coming out almost daily.

I am writing to let you know what new adaptive fishing equipment is out there; which equipment and gear Fly Fishing Discounters.com will be carrying in inventory; why we recommend a particular item; and advice on how to make standard products perform better for the adaptive angler.

Adaptive Friendly Products

Now I would like to introduce you to some adaptive fishing equipment that I've researched recently which I believe can be a "godsend" to people with disabilities:

1) Reel Combo Systems™ has 2 fantastic fly fishing products that will increase your fly fishing time, increase the number of fish you catch per hour and revolutionize the way fly fishermen of all skill levels fish...the Dual Fly Combo System and the Nymph Dropper System. It's dual because experts agree fish prefer to see two flies instead of one. It's easier and much faster because you can add flies to your line in a matter of seconds -- not minutes! Don't waste precious minutes fooling around trying to add and/or replace flies on your fishing line. Now you can change and add flies in a matter of seconds.

I have used this system in Colorado and expect to use it again in Tennessee in July. It takes me just about 60 seconds (as advertised) to tie on the rig, even with hands that are mildly insensitive to feel due to diabetic neuropathy.

2) Sunglasses are an absolute necessity. We all are born with 5 senses (touch, taste, hearing, smell, and sight). From someone who has lost partial vision, I can't state this too strongly -- don't risk your eyesight by using inferior products.

Sunglasses for fishing should be adaptive to the conditions. They should have a strong frame but light in weight; they should have built in magnifiers; they should be able to accommodate several colored lenses for use with various water colors and clarity; and they should wrap-around for utmost sun protection and glare avoidance.

There are many manufacturers making good glasses, but only a few who meet the standards above. I am in the process of talking with several companies right now and will update you shortly on my recommendations.

3) Thingamabobber (WestWater Products) makes a strike indicator that is amazingly light, bright, easy to cast and easily seen by those with certain vision problems such as cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Other features: trapped air technology; easy to attach and adjust; does not slide up and down on your line; and it never sinks so you don't need floatant.

Jason Reep of East Tennessee Fly Fishing put me on to this extraordinary adaptive aid. Many thanks, Jason.

The StrikeFighter™ is an amazing adaptive device that makes fighting large fish easy. The StrikeFighter™ uses your leg movement and body weight along with your arms and back to assist you to fight fish. You can generate hard rod strikes. The StrikeFighter™ holds your rod for you while doing many things, such as lowering your downrigger, sitting, standing, wading, trolling, baiting your hook, striking, fighting, netting and removing fish. Your rod is always at your fingertips and you have extreme sensitivity for bite detection even if you doze off. Flipping the StrikeFighter™ sideways holds your rod out to the side for trolling. This is a wonderful example of adaptive fishing gear at its best.

The Shelton Release™ has a sleeve that holds the hook in the straight position while fishing. After the angler catches the fish, the hook is removed by pulling the sleeve forward either by hand, trip rod or tag line. When the sleeve clears the shank of the hook, the hook is rotated at the eye located at the bottom of the hook by pulling on the main line. When the hook has rotated it will self-release. The ease of releasing will help prevent excessive handling in removing hooks of all types and configurations including lures and jigs. The Shelton Release is super strong by design and has a built in line protector. They are available for salmon, a small version for fishing with floating baits, and most types of fishing.

6) The RECEIVE-ALL is an adaptive device that can give new possibilities to some people, or less pain and fatigue for others.

The RECEIVE-ALL system consists of an Arm Brace and an Adapter. You simply attach an adapter to the item you wish to hold; fishing rod, garden tool, the possibilities are endless! That item can now be attached to the Arm Brace that is secured to your forearm and hand, giving you control of that item. Only one Arm Brace is needed to be able to use an unlimited number of items. Items can be left in the Adapters and ready for use.

Common uses for the Receive-All include fishing, gardening, painting, kitchen tools, hand tools, etc

The Receive-All is a well thought out piece of adaptive fishing equipment. I really like this product and definitely recommend it.

The Receive-All is available for only $69.95 directly from the manufacturers web site. Just click www.receive-all.com and then go out and have a great time!!

7) Here's a new adaptive fishing equipment product that looks promising. The motto of this company is "With Driftmaster, You Fight The Fish, Not The Rod Holder."

... the harder a fish pulls, the tighter the rod is held. There is never any slack line ... just remove the rod from the holder by lifting the rod tip ... the hook is set instantly and automatically. Because of the effortless hook-set, you will catch more fish with Driftmaster!

Driftmaster's Lean Mean rod holder is made with 3/8"-diameter threaded stems and holds rods at a 20° angle.

Interested? Go to http://driftmaster.com/ for more information.

We will be keeping you up to date on more adaptive fishing equipment in future updates by linking new pages to this one shortly.

Please join our blog and stay informed. Always do your due diligence -- Research, Research, Research.

For further information on adaptive fishing equipment please CONTACT US or visit our DISCOUNT STORE (coming soon).

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