What I'm going to do is explain how I fish. Obviously, what I say is not written in stone, you may find an easier and more comfortable way of fishing. Your disability may also differ from mine. If you are a C5/6, or even a C4, read this page and have a go. I'm quite confident you'll manage O.K.

Being a C5/6 quadriplegic / tetraplegic obviously means I have no movement in my fingers, it's not going to take a genius to realise that I can't hold a rod in the conventional way. It's important to attach the rod to your arm so it is totally secure. When you've got an angry twenty pound carp on the end of your line, the last thing you want is your rod slipping. Another thing to take into account is the angle of your arm when the rod is on it. If you sit all day with your arm at an unnatural angle, you're going to have problems.

What I use to attach the rod to my arm and hand is a wrist splint and an elasticised strap. The wrist splints are the type that has a metal strip running up them. I got a friend of mine to shape a piece of aluminum (I'll call it a trough) so the part of the rod just in front of the reel would fit snugly, once there was Velcro stuck in it. The shaped aluminum was then riveted onto the splint. It's important to make sure that the reel sits in nearer enough the same position as it would on a conventional able-bodied set-up. The elastic strap that I use has Velcro sewn on to it. There's some sticky back Velcro stuck on the butt so the strap can be attached to the rod before tightening around the arm.

When you choose a rod, try to go for one that's as light as possible. You might have to spend a little more, but it'll be worth it. Depending on what rod you choose, the butt may be a little long. You can get someone to chop it down to size, I prefer to have professional rod builder do it. It's cheap and will look tidier.

I have never seen such things as "electric fishing rods" or anything that is going to automatically cast for you. You can either get someone to cast for you, or do it yourself. It really isn't difficult at all. I use my fore and middle finger to pull the bail arm back. The line is automatically transferred under the two fingers. It's just a case then of casting and letting the line go, easy! I favour reels that have twin handles. It makes reeling in that much easier, just spin the handle.

When I'm lucky enough to hook a fish, I like to jam the butt into the side of the chair seat. This acts as a sort of butt pad, it gives you a bit more leverage.

That's it really. I've explained how I do it, you can try it my way, or work out a technique that suits you. Being in a wheelchair hasn't stopped me fishing. Don't let it stop you. With a little thought and preparation you could be enjoying this wonderful hobby as much as I do.

I don't even mind looking like a plonker if it means I can go fishing

There are various websites around at the moment advertising specially designed equipment for the disabled angler who can't hold a rod or reel properly. If you want a specially designed piece of equipment that can turn the handle of the reel for you, you are going to be looking at around £300+. Even this type of equipment has not been designed for people who have no movement in their fingers. There are various products available which are very similar to the items pictured below. Unfortunately they have a ridiculous price tag attached to them. You can have a splint and strap made for a fraction of the price that it would cost for the above.

The splints I use are nothing special, they can be purchased from an orthopaedic shop or you may be able to get one issued to you free if you are disabled. The fishing rod is going to have to be attached to your hand/arm fairly tightly. If it isn't, it will move around and you will have problems if you do manage to hook a fairly big fish. You will have to be very careful that you do not get any pressure marks under the splint. If you are a high-level tetraplegic, the chances are, you will not be able to feel if the splint is too tight so it is best to keep an eye on your skin the first few times you use a splint. I also use a sturdy elasticated strap that goes around the rod and my arm. I have also found that this needs to be fairly tight as well.

If your disability prevents you from using a reel in the traditional way, there are various automatic type reels on the market. Unfortunately they don't come cheap but if it means you will be able to go fishing, it is certainly something to consider.

There is a company called Elec-tra-mate who manufacture reels that can be operated by pressing a switch. Unfortunately, if your disability prevents you from moving your fingers, you may find using this reel impossible. I haven't looked into it, but I'm sure there must be a way of adapting the push switch to some sort of switch that a tetraplegic can use

Check their website out which can be found at www.elec-tra-mate.com/physical.html

I am going to update this page with new material the summer so come back soon