Surrounded by nature’s beauty and the sound of water lapping gently on the dock, fishing can be a relaxing experience. In addition to the calming benefits, I observed many physical skills needed for fishing during a recent outing. For example, fine motor skills are necessary for hooking the bait, a strong grip for holding the fishing rod and balance while casting the line. Fishing is an ideal activity for blending fun and therapy.
Caitlin participates in a social group for special needs kids and one of their activities was fishing. The Bait Shop sponsored the outing and treated the kids to a wonderful afternoon of fishing. The owner, Mark, was very generous in providing the bait and all of the fishing equipment. We were grateful for his thoughtfulness in making the activity hassle-free for the kids and families.
The outing was held at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, a beautiful 3,745 acre state park. There are two fishing docks at the park, both handicap accessible. Mr. Mark suggested the dock on the east side of the park because the fish bite more frequently over there. The distance to the dock from the parking lot is pretty far. But it’s a nice walk along the beachfront and I easily pushed Caitlin in her transport chair on the paved boardwalk. There is also a dirt road that leads to a grassy area near the dock. In previous visits to the park, I’ve noticed cars driving on the dirt road to drop items off closer to the dock. My guess is, with permission, it would be allowable to drive closer to the dock if unable to walk/roll the long distance.
I was not keen on Caitlin baiting her own hook for fear she might get cut. She loves to help others so she was just as excited to pick the bait from the container for Mr. Mark to put on the hook. He was not kidding about the hungry fish on this side of the lake! All the kids caught a fish within minutes of casting their lines.
The fish were too small to keep so we had to throw them back in the water. The frequent fish-catching held Caitlin’s attention for the entire hour! The water was so clear you could see the fish swimming all around the dock. It was a fun challenge trying to hook a fish by dangling a line at the side of the dock!
Caitlin has no ability to grip with her right hand and was not able to hold the rod on her own. With her left hand she was able to turn the casting reel and cast the line with some assistance. For next time, we will need to make some adaptations to increase her ability to fish independently. Here are a few items I found that looked promising:
- Sammon Preston Grasping Cuff – a hand brace that is designed to hold items for those with limited or no hand grip. Could be helpful for holding a fishing rod.
- PLUSINNO Fishing Boat Rods Holder with Large Clamp Opening – a clamp that can be attached to a wheelchair or other surface and holds a fishing rod to allow for one-handed fishing
- No Cry Cut Resistant Gloves – protective gloves to wear for putting bait on hook or removing fish from hook
- Sportaid.com or Handiaccessories.com – a product called Reel Deal when used with the Fishing Palm Cuff helps those with limited or no hand grip to turn the casting reel
The dock accommodated our group of ten easily with plenty of extra room to move about. The railing is about waist high, not too high for Caitlin to fish from her transport chair and for others fishing from their lawn chairs.
There was also a picnic table to relax and have a snack. Caitlin worked up an appetite catching all those fish! The kids munched on snacks after the activity (and after washing hands of course!)
We are very thankful to Mr. Mark at The Bait Shop for teaching the kids how to fish and for being so patient and kind!
JoAnn’s journey as a parent and caregiver to an individual with disabilities started when her daughter was born pre-maturely with multiple health issues resulting in cognitive, physical and speech disabilities. Over the years, JoAnn discovered that recreation, travel and social experiences can bring happiness and relief to a life that is often stressful and frustrating. She loves to seek out adaptive, accessible and fun activities for her daughter and the whole family to enjoy. She started the blog www.OurSpecialFunOasis.com to share her uplifting stories and positive ideas to help and to inspire others.