A Parent's Guide to Accessible Fishing

Our guide to accessible fishing provides all the information parents need to know about adaptive fishing equipment, finding an accessible fishing spot, safety tips, & more.
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Although there is a growing awareness and acceptance of children with disabilities, it might be difficult for your child to share the same experiences as others. Taking your child fishing is a great way to help them enjoy nature, spend quality time with their friends and loved ones, and introduce them to an awesome new hobby!

Children who engage in activities that require them to learn new skills (such as fishing) can work on polishing their social skills, improving their problem-solving capabilities, and increasing their learning abilities because it fosters self-confidence.

Discover the best and safest ways to take your child with a disability fishing.

Planning An Accessible Fishing Trip

When it comes to planning for a fishing trip, you have many options. You can go out into the wilderness and plan a canoe or kayak trip, but depending on your specific circumstances, you might need to think outside the box. Here are some tips to help you successfully plan your accessible fishing trip.

Finding A Fishing Spot

Finding an accessible spot to fish can be difficult, especially if your child has limited mobility. It's important to know what steps you can take beforehand so that you don't end up wasting time trying to navigate an inaccessible area.

Publicly accessible piers might be a good option, depending on the nature of your child’s disability. If you choose to go this route, ensure that your child’s wheelchair has working brakes so you can lock them securely in place as they fish.

Accessible fishing site maps are available for state-owned bodies of water. Do a quick online search for accessible fishing spots in your area, and with one of these maps handy, it's easy to find an accessible fishing spot. For a particular waterway to be accessible, it helps if it has at least two possible access points. These could include bridges, footbridges, swim ladders, and lifeboats.

Father Holding Daughters Hand In The Outdoors

Adaptive Fishing Equipment

Adaptive fishing equipment is essential when you’re enabling children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, or sensory processing disorders to engage in the sport of fishing.

There are many different types of adaptive fishing equipment that can accommodate these disabilities and enable your loved ones to enjoy fishing regardless of their condition.

Electric Reels

Children with any condition that makes operating a traditional reel difficult can use an electric fishing wheel. An electric reel automatically casts out and reels in. This is a handy adaptive fishing accessory for those who are unable to walk or stand for extended periods.

Accessible Boats

If your child has limited mobility, travel by boat might be a challenge if they rely on a wheelchair. This can be frustrating because you may feel that you are unable to experience the joy of cruising or boating with them. The good news is that there are boats that can accommodate you and your children.

Accessible boats typically have wide doors at the front or back to make it easy for wheelchairs to get in and out. Some boats have a lift system that can help a wheelchair to get on and off the boat. Other features may include wider doorways, lowered sink controls, and lowered life vests so that children can more easily reach them.

Adaptive Life Preservers

Children with sensory processing disorder are often overwhelmed by sensations, textures, or activities. The products you wear or the objects you encounter may feel abrasive to your child.

If they're not properly protected against these sources of discomfort, your child might not want to wear a regular life preserver. The adaptive life preserver enables children with sensory processing disorders to float safely and comfortably. Their weight is supported by a buoy located on their right side, and they can hold onto it as they float.

The adaptive life preserver is placed around the child or held by a parent/guardian or another trustworthy adult as they take part in water-based activities, such as boating, water skiing, or tubing. Even if your family doesn’t plan on swimming during your trip, as a preventative measure you should consider purchasing one for your child to wear while fishing.

Fishing Necessities

Before going fishing, there are some things you’ll need to consider to ensure that everyone is safe and happy. Hydration, clothing choices, and emergency prep are important for a successful fishing trip.

Staying Hydrated

If you’re planning a fishing trip, do your body a favor and pack some water. Fishing trips can last for hours on end, and dehydration is often the result of too little water intake. These tips for staying hydrated will help your family prepare for a long day of fishing and sun!

1. Drink 8 to 16 fluid ounces of water per hour. Eight ounces might not be enough in hotter climates or at higher altitudes and should be increased to 16 ounces of fluid per hour. Ensure your water is clean and odor-free, and that you keep it cold as long as possible using stainless steel insulated containers like tumblers, cups, or vacuum bottles.

2. Moderate your drinking habits. It’s no secret that rehydrating is more challenging after you’ve already consumed a large amount of fluid. Instead of chugging water, take regular sips. This helps prevent stomach cramping and overhydration.

Child Filling Water Bottle From A Water Jug

3. Moderate caffeine and/or alcohol. Both of these beverages are diuretics that make your body produce more urine than usual, which means you’ll be losing more water. If you must drink something to stay awake, try fruit juice or a sports drink. For caffeine, consider small tea or coffee mugs to keep caffeine to a minimum and keep warm on the boat.

4. Stay out of the sun. It can be difficult to do so at times, but it’s well worth it. Too much exposure to the sun will dehydrate you faster and result in sunburn. If you are forced to spend time out in the sun, use sunscreen to protect your skin from further damage and limit your exposure as much as possible.

5. Eat foods high in moisture (fruits, vegetables).

Appropriate Clothing

When going on a fishing trip for the first time, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. For example, if the weather will be hot, it might be better to bring shorts or light pants instead of jeans and heavy socks.

Additionally, loose clothing will allow you to move and sit in different positions comfortably while fishing. Loose clothing also offers protection from mosquitoes and other pests.

Pro tip: Think layers. Weather on the water is often unpredictable, so be prepared to remove or add on garments as needed.

Emergency Preparedness

When it comes to family trips, anything can happen. This is especially true for trips that require your family to spend an extended time out in nature. Here is a checklist to help you ensure your family is prepared for any emergency that might arise!

  1. First-aid kit Bring along bandages, aspirin, antihistamines, latex gloves, and any prescription medications your child might require.
  2. Food and water Non-perishable food items such as canned goods and energy bars are a great idea because there is little chance of them accidentally spoiling.
  3. Weather radio — Many radios can be programmed to notify you of inclement or dangerous weather occurring in your area, which will let you know exactly what you are in for.
  4. Boat GPS (global positioning system) If you are going to be fishing in an unfamiliar area, it's important to keep track of your boat's position. This is especially true for fishing in large bodies of water. GPS units usually come with a lanyard or clip that can be attached to something on the boat, normally the steering wheel.
  5. Extra batteries — To ensure that your cell phone and other electronics can stay charged, it is a good idea to bring extra batteries along for the trip. Remember to keep the batteries in a waterproof container such as a sandwich bag.

Fishing Licenses

Each state has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to fishing licenses. Therefore, it’s important to know whether you’ll need a fishing license and how to purchase one in your state so that your family fishing trip won’t be marred by any legal issues. Fishing license fees can range from under $10 to more than $100 depending on the state, the type of fishing you’re planning to do, and the age of the license holder.

Most states offer discounts on fishing licenses for children, and some even offer permanent licenses for people with disabilities. Those who aren’t fishing in their home state can often go online and print their fishing license.

Children with sensory processing disorder are often overwhelmed by sensations, textures, or activities. The products you wear or the objects you encounter may feel abrasive to your child.

If they're not properly protected against these sources of discomfort, your child might not want to wear a regular life preserver. The adaptive life preserver enables children with sensory processing disorders to float safely and comfortably. Their weight is supported by a buoy located on their right side, and they can hold onto it as they float.

The adaptive life preserver is placed around the child or held by a parent/guardian or another trustworthy adult as they take part in water-based activities, such as boating, water skiing, or tubing. Even if your family doesn’t plan on swimming during your trip, as a preventative measure you should consider purchasing one for your child to wear while fishing.

Things To Consider When Fishing With Kids

Here are a few tips to consider when taking your kids fishing:

  • Safety first: Safety should always come first. Make sure that everyone on the boat or in the water is wearing appropriate life jackets. Safety should be a priority whether you are fishing alone or with a group of people.
  • Keep your kids close: Teach your children to swim and play near the boat. Even if you think the water is shallow enough for them to swim, it's still safer to keep them close in case they fall overboard or get caught in a current.
  • Beware of chemicals in the water: If you are fishing at a lake, make sure you know about any harmful chemicals that were used or dumped there recently. The chance of this happening is fairly minimal, but it’s best to do some quick research beforehand.
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen: There’s nothing worse than a sunburn and risking prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. Sunscreen with a decent SPF will reduce the chances of this.
  • Bring plenty of food and water: Staying hydrated and nourished is a must — not only for a regular day of fishing but in case of an emergency as well. Be sure to pack a nutritious meal and have a water bottle large enough to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
  • Partake in some fun outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained: Kids aren’t as patient as adults, and when their attention span begins to wane, consider coming up with little games (quizzing them on fish names, for example) or any other game you can think of.
Girl With Stanley Vacuum Bottle & Fishing Poll

Special Considerations For Children With Disabilities

Water can be very dangerous for any child. Children with Down syndrome are at a very high risk of drowning at an early age as well, so take extra precautions in or around the water. There are a few things you can do to minimize your child’s risk while maximizing their fun.

Water Safety and Training

If possible, consider signing your child up for swimming lessons before taking the fishing trip. A qualified special-needs instructor's formal knowledge of swimming will prepare your child for the water and teach them the right way to move their bodies.

Becoming certified in CPR is also a good way to prepare yourself in case of an emergency involving your child.

Managing Sensory Processing Disorders and the Outdoors

If your child has a sensory processing disorder and you're going fishing, the environment of the boat is important to consider. Often, children with sensory processing disorder are hypersensitive to sounds, so excessive engine noise could create a feeling of overwhelming anxiety. The motion of the boat is also something to consider.

Below are some tips to help your child with sensory processing disorder enjoy your fishing trip:

  • Consider noise-canceling headphones. Make sure the headphones work well for your child before they use them on the trip.
  • Make sure your child's seat belt or safety device is on.
  • Help your child stay awake and alert. If they need a break from the fishing, have them get up and walk around as much as possible. If you notice your child is getting sleepy, let them nap.

Fishing Safety Tips

Fishing can be a fun and productive hobby. However, if done incorrectly, fishing can also be quite dangerous. Here are some fishing safety tips to help you and your family stay safe outdoors.

  • Pack plenty of fresh water, food, and extra clothing.
  • Let a trusted family member or relative know where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. If possible, they should know who to contact if you don't return as planned.
  • Be prepared for sudden storms and extreme cold or heat (bring along an appropriate amount of clothing for layers).
  • Show any inexperienced members exactly how to use all equipment
  • Save the emergency numbers for your nearest hospital and sheriff's department so you can call for help if someone gets hurt or sick.

Further Reading On Teaching Children To Fish

It’s important to educate children when you’re introducing them to fishing. There are quite a few helpful resources available, but you can start with some of the agencies below:

    • Take Me Fishing: Covers everything from fishing for beginners to in-depth details about gear and how to fish in various environments and climates.
    • Strike and Catch: Offers a great deal of information regarding location-based fishing and frequently asked questions.
    • Salt Strong: Developed by two brothers who were inspired to leave their six-figure jobs to teach the world about their true passion — fishing. Salt Strong offers invaluable guides, product reviews, and comprehensive instructional videos.

 

Children Exporing A Tidepool

Recommended Resources for Bringing Individuals With Disabilities Outdoors

Fishing can be a fun and productive hobby. However, if done incorrectly, fishing can also be quite dangerous. Here are some fishing safety tips to help you and your family stay safe outdoors.

  • Pack plenty of fresh water, food, and extra clothing.
  • Let a trusted family member or relative know where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. If possible, they should know who to contact if you don't return as planned.
  • Be prepared for sudden storms and extreme cold or heat (bring along an appropriate amount of clothing for layers).
  • Show any inexperienced members exactly how to use all equipment
  • Save the emergency numbers for your nearest hospital and sheriff's department so you can call for help if someone gets hurt or sick.


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