A spinal cord injury like quadriplegia affects arm and hand function. Fishing with a regular fishing rod and reel is difficult to use. One alternative is a battery fishing rod. Roef’s battery powered fishing rod has been specially designed to assist disabled people with limited hand or arm function.
Roef’s battery fishing rod is designed for lightweight estuary fishing from a pier, bridge or boat with disability in mind. A great idea in infancy stages, like many powered fishing rods, Reof’s lacks an automatic bait casting mechanism. Quadriplegics may find it difficult to flip the wire pick up over to cast. And release line from the spool. It’s possible to reverse wind but not ideal with an egg beater style fishing reel. Most often it will result in line twist and inevitably tangles.
The disability fishing rod’s manual winding arm has been replaced with a 12 volt 60 rpm battery powered electric motor. All other functions of the reel are the same. The lightweight power rod can lift it’s own weight of 1 kg (2.2 pounds) vertically. 12 volt rechargeable batteries are sealed in the butt of the rod. A 240 volt trickle recharger plugs in for overnight charge.
Roef’s disability fishing rod is Australian made and retails for $295.00 AU plus postage and handling. It gives 2-4 hours of general use before running flat. You can have your own favourite fishing rod converted if possible. The manufacturers offer a transformer switch and cables to run off a standard 12 volt car or power wheelchair battery. Additional backup battery packs and a rod holder for manual chairs are also available.
While useful for lightweight disability fishing we found Roef’s Power Rod struggles to land decent sized fighting fish. The egg beater reel cheap metal components are prone to fatigue and breakage. We experienced a great deal of line twist even with the use of a swivel. Once the battery runs flat there is no over-riding manual winding arm. For a quadriplegic wheelchair user perhaps the largest drawback however is no self-casting mechanism. An inability to cast means you are restricted to fishing from a boat or jetty unless you have someone cast for you (which can be done with a standard fishing rod).
Overall Roef’s battery powered disability fishing rod is handy for lightweight river or estuary fishing. Low level quadriplegics with some hand function and high level paraplegics may find it handy. Call or write to Roef’s address below for a brochure on their battery powered disability fishing rod.
We would like to see further development creating a more robust, more powerful, self casting version. If for no other reason a battery powered disability fishing rod is a great reason to spend a day by the water.
Where: Roef’s Engineering, P.O. Box 568, Pakenham 3810. Victoria. Australia.
Cost: $295.00 + postage, Phone ( 03 ) 5941 3525.
Intensity: 
Needs more torque. Not self casting.
WEBSITES
- Accessible Fishing Clubs: http://www.ableize.com/recreation-sports/fishing/
- Disability Fishing: http://www.disabled-world.com
- British Disabled Anglers Association (BDAA): http://www.bdaa.co.uk
Where can i purchase Roefs Engineering, electric reel winder in the US?
Hi Robert, I don’t know of any in-rod battery pack fishing rods in the U.S. If you’ve ever been deep sea fishing you may have seen what they call “auto reels” or “power assist reels” fixed onto boat rods or bolted straight onto the side of a boat. Large fishing tackle and marine stores stock these types of electric fishing reels. While they may seem overkill they are effective for estuary fishing. The beauty of owning an auto reel is they allow you to fish anywhere, they’re not much more expensive than Roefs battery fishing rod and reel and auto reels are more robust and capable. Typically running off 12 volts, convenient for power wheelchair users, ensure your unit comes with an in-line 15 amp fuse.
http://www.electric-fishing-reels.com/
http://www.deepdroptackle.com/deepwater_fishing_tutorials.htm
When you tire from the fight, just press the switch and let the electric motor take over. To return to manual control, simply turn the handle. The transition from manual control to power and back is smooth and seamless. Available in most countries, power assist reels are a great way for people with disabilities to go fishing and actually catch something.
The Rock Island PowerFish’nTM Pro is the first in a new line of hybrid electric fishing reels for fresh water fishing. The PowerFish’n Pro features a Shakespeare spinning reel fitted with a strong, quiet, electric motor to enhance the fishing experience. It gives users the ability to manually hand crank the line in, or retrieve it automatically with the touch of a switch. Users can fish longer without fatigue, have more options and techniques for catching fish, and generally enjoy fishing even more.
The PowerFish’nTM Pro also offers welcome benefits to kids just learning to fish, seniors, and anyone who may be physically challenged.
http://www.powerfishn.com
To whom this may concern I’ve been doing some research on these poles .. I’ve got a son that is 5 yes old I wouldn’t consider him disabled but in reality he is.. he’s only got one arm I was just wondering if you made these for kids also or just adults. Could you please contact me back I’m very interested in getting one customized for son … I greatly appreciate your time thank you
Fishermen need an excellent fishing rod, one that is well designed and made with excellent materials. This particular fishing rod looks great and will make a fine addition to anyone’s collection. Fantastic post.
Hi
I have tried calling about buying a fishing reel. Would love some more information. Could you please email me a number the call.
Thank you Banjo.
Check out some of these Banjo.
https://www.mpowrfishing.com/
https://ilcaustralia.org.au/products/10020
https://www.fishwinch.com/electric-spinning-reels
https://www.anglerswarehouse.com.au/products.asp?rangenospaces=reels_-_electric_72
https://www.ebay.com/b/Electric-Saltwater-Fishing-Reels/180092/bn_52461760
https://downriggershop.com/products/tanacom-750-electric-reel-combo
Keep in mind some electric and battery fishing rods require the user to cast the line manually first. Not hard from a boat or pier, but a creek bank or beach, you may need to be able to cast.
The last link – Tanacom 750 – is a beast.
Any new one handed reels? My left arm is paralyzed and I want to get back into fishing in South Florida. Mainly largemouth, peacock bass, and snook
Hello
I’m looking for a fishing reel for a young boy who is in a wheelchair he need a small enough reel to fit his hand
Hi Christian,
Can’t really suggest anything specific as it needs to suit the individual user and environment. You can find several types of battery powered fishing reels online if you search. Here are two entry level models.
https://www.discovery-japan.me/category/select/pid/77501/language/en/currency/JPY
https://www.fishwinch.com/electric-spinning-reels
Looking for a self casting fishing pole for someone with limited arm use.