What is FishingOnWheels?
Basically, FishingOnWheels is just a name for this web site, but within that name is also a concept. The concept is a way for quadriplegics of level C5 or lower to have the ability to go fishing using only their physical strength, coordination, and dexterity – no electronic devices. The concept is for a quadriplegic to be able to cast, hook a fish, and reel one in, all on his or her own. This basic concept stays the same regardless of whether one wants to go fly fishing, spincasting, or light tackle bottom fishing. Utilizing the upper body strength that a C5 or C6 quadriplegic possesses, and at the same time, knowing his or her physical limitations, a person with a high spinal cord injury can go fishing in a semi-conventional way without having any devices doing the work for them.
How does it work?
The apparatus is set up unconventionally in that the reel is not connected to the rod. The reel is mounted to a wheelchair armrest on one side of the body. From the reel, the line crosses the body to the bottom eye of the fishing rod, which is fastened to the opposite arm with a splint. Separating the rod and reel to the opposite sides of the body helps to compensate for the lack of a quadriplegic’s ability to use their abdominal muscles, and in turn, allows for much better balance, coordination, and comfort. The separation of the rod and reel permits the person that is fishing to cast and reel in without having both hands together, where in such case, a quadriplegic may be more likely to fall forward. Casting and reeling in varies depending on the type of fishing one prefers.
What will I need?
An occupational therapist can help make the splints that are necessary to reel in the line and hold the rod. If you do not have access to an occupational therapist and you have someone handy, splinting material such as Orthoplast or Kay-Splint can be purchased online at sites such as WisdomKing.com or AliMed. You will need an extra armrest for your wheelchair. This can be purchased through your wheelchair vendor. Hopefully, you also know somebody who is somewhat handy in woodworking, and has access to an electric drill, screwdriver, saw, and router.
Easier than you think. Easier than it looks.
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