Wheelchair Angler

[JKB]

Hi,
I am recently retired and am considering getting back into fishing. There are two obstacles I need to overcome; first, I broke my neck 35 years ago and have to use a power wheelchair because I have no use of my lower body and only limited arm function. Second, my wonderful wife refuses to touch a fish. I think I have found the necessary adaptive equipment to fish and am interested in freshwater fishing only. Assuming, I can get the adaptive gear to work I will need someone to help me actually fish and thought I would try this forum. Thanks for reading!

[William Ritchie]

Hope you can find a helpful partner . Good on you for your desire and effort to regain the sport .Are you looking to fish from shore or from a boat ? How capable is your chair IE rough surfaces , sand Etc. . WR

[Midnightpass]

Good luck... I'm not in the area and don't do much fresh water fishing, so I'm no help...
Butch

[JKB]

Thanks for your responses! WR I have fished only from a pontoon boat because I have to stay in my wheelchair. Also, despite being relative light in bodyweight my combined weight with the wheelchair is close to 400 pounds. As a result, bank fishing is the most feasible, but my wheelchair only does okay off-road. It tends to get stuck in sandy soil or mud. JB

[William Ritchie]

Looking up lakes Etc. that have wheelchair access seem to be slim to none . I would like to help you get on to some fish . I am finding it difficult to figure out where to go . Hang in there there has to be some docks , side walks , Etc to enable your circumstance . At least enough to get your adaptive gear hooked up so to speak and running properly . Note I am a former Mechanic and fabricator if we need to RIG a particular gear set . Looking forward to see just what accommodations the San Diego lakes have . Feel free to PM me with any info you have gathered on access to areas . There is some access to free motorized , beach capable chairs , but I am not up to speed on what your requirements are as far as needed equipment that may not be on the SD beach chairs , and it would seem the access to provided motorized chairs is limited to Mission Beach Lifeguard Tower area to an hour or so at a time . WR

[Vacationinc]

Try lake Miramar. Has docks that are wheelchair friendly for fishing. Very solid docks and trout stocking schedules. My sister in same situation as you and have been trying to get her to come with me. Let me know if u need a parter. Would love to see is your setup works.