Learning to fish Again?

[Lund 95]

I recently lost my left my left arm after getting hit with a RPG in Iraq. I was wondering if anybody knew of any type of assisting tool that i could possibly use to fish again. I was a musky fishing nut before i got sent over... so hopefully I can figure something out.

Thanks, Adam

[Bobby Bass]

Lund I do believe that they make some electric bait casting reels out there I think a search would put you on some or someone from here would know who makes them. They would allow you to cast and retrieve with one hand, Muskie fishing would be exciting that way to say the least.. Am glad you are looking forward to fishing and I am sure like many who have read your post we thank you for your service to our country, Dan

[ddsbyday]

If you are right handed go with a long butt end rod in a sling holster. It has to be made of leather and I would think about 12 inches in depth. Use a bait caster place butt end in holster then reel. Keep the drag light because if you get to the boat and have to figure 8 you will not be able to lighten the drag. Landing the fish poses another problem. I fish alone a lot but when I have someone with me I still like to land my own fish. The reason being I hate the look on my partners face when they get off at the net. I have some ideas on this too. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR US!! If there is no such thing as a butt end sling there will be shortly . Where there is a will there is a way and I think you came to the right place.

[smmurphy]

Thanks! Just to let you know your appreciated!

[Lindy Lee]

My brother in law is missing his left hand from just below the elbow. He uses his hook to reel in with. I know being he still has his elbow he has a little more leverage than if he didn't. He uses spinning reels and not bait casters for bass fishing. He also swings golf clubs with one arm. has about a 225 yard drive. Keep your head up as you will find a way to get back to what you love. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID.

[FOOT]

Lund, I'm so very sorry that you lost your arm serving your country. I too was in the military but was fortunate to come out with nothing more then a concussion and cuts and bruises. May God be with you and fellow servicemen & women.

Now about a fishing rig. About 10 years ago I was fishing Percy Priest Dam outside Memphis Tenn. I was shocked as heck to see a gentleman casting with one arm. His left arm was missing from above the elbow down. He had a device that fit over the rest of his arm and strapped around his shoulder and chest. HE was darn accurate with his cast, for what they called "rock fish" I think they were strippers.

He caught 7 while I was there with the biggest going close to 20lbs. He would cast with his left and reel with his right.

Sorry I can't be any more help then that. I talked to him a little bit, he was a firefighter from Baltimore who lost his arm in a building collapse.

Good luck in your search. If I find anything I'll let you know.

[njsimonson]

Lund - What kind of prosthesis are/will you be equipped with? My understanding is that US Soldiers get top-of-the line prosthetic replacements and excellent follow-up rehab to help get used to them. I think from THAT point, we could better understand what you are facing in terms of being able to cast, reel, etc.

Off topic, but do you get phantom limb syndrome?

[Lund 95]

First of all thanks for all of the well wishes.

You are very right we do get the top of the line prosthetics and care here in the states aswell as in Germany before they fly us back.

I had my left arm amputated 3 inches above my elbow aswell as my right hand, pinky finger all way to the wrist, along with some extensive shrapnel wounds to my other limbs but luckily i made it through.

The arm I have recieved so far is a Myo-electric arm. It has its advantages and disadvantages. The good thing is that it is controlled by electrodes that are placed on my bi and tricep muscles along with my shoulders. It has quite the steep initial learning curve but it can be done. It is also pretty heavy and has the problem of moisture getting inside it making it slip-off. I will recieve more arms as i progress in rehab. And yes I still have some phantom pain from the remnance of my left arm.

I hope maybe this helps clear up the picture as to what boundaries that i have at least right now. I guess i was wondering if anyone could offer any info on electric reels and how well they actually worked?

Someday i hope it will be like second nature to use the new arm, but the time until that happens, is where i guess i need suggestions.

Thanks for all of the suggestions thus far.

[MJBo]

Heres something. I'm having problems visualizing how it works so I'll just post the information and let you evaluate it.

Quote:

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Fishing accessory for amputees. Fits most any fishing reel. Unit replaces terminal device and threads into amputee's wrist prosthesis. Nylon bearing replaces standard reel handle. Turning arm is inserted over nylon bearing to turn reel. Aluminum and stainless steel construction. Weighs 4 oz. May be purchased with Shimano MLX-200 Fast Cast System reel, for one hand casting, with nylon bearing attached. Specify right or left hand. .

Notes:

Price: Contact manufacturer

Price Date: DEC 1999

This product is available from:

Manufacturer:

Bassmatic

2512 Columbus Rd NE

PO Box 7117

Canton, Ohio 44705

United States

330-455-3983

Fax 330-455-6534 F

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[MJBo]

Heres another one. Sounds like with this you could reel with your good hand and use this (maybe with a sling too) to hold the rod and fight the fish.

Quote:

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The Ski Hand/Fishing Hand is a terminal device for sports made of molded silicone rubber that resembles a closed hand. The opening will hold a ski pole or a fishing pole. The rubber will remain pliable in sub-zero temperatures. DIMENSIONS: Standard 1/2-20 stud.

Notes:

Price: Contact manufacturer

Price Date:

This product is available from:

Manufacturer:

Hosmer Dorrance Corp.

561 Division Street

PO Box 37

Campbell, California 95008-6905

United States

800-827-0070

408-379-5151

Fax 408-379-5263 Fax

http://www.hosmer.com

[email protected]

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p.s. I know this equiptment must sound awkward, but I used to play tennis in highschool (no laughter please, football is only in the fall) and I got absolutly slaughtered by a guy whos right arm was amputated at the elbow. My guess is that if we had three arms we would think the third is indespensible for fishing. You will get this figured out and I'll bet you get more muskies than me this season..... I'd offer my boat but after what you've been through you deserve a fish or two so I suggest you hop in Jons (from the muskies forum) boat instead.