Don’t Let Your Physical Limitations Prevent You from Traveling to Fish
We all have physical limitations, some of which we’ll never overcome and others which we can. For example, I’ll never be able to throw a fastball 100mph or dunk a basketball, but with a bit of training and discipline I might be able to complete a marathon.
Many of our fellow travelers have physical limits or disabilities. Perhaps they were injured, or born differently-abled than most others. Perhaps they’re just out of shape. Nevertheless, a little bit of perspective and a lot of want-to enable them to live out their angling dreams. We’d never send someone on a trip that was wholly inappropriate for them, but we aim to help people overcome perceived limits.
If you think you can’t physically achieve your fishing goals, then I encourage you to learn about Clay Dyer.
If Clay can do what he does, then you can probably do a lot more. Still, before you book a fishing trip, if you have some physical ailments or limitations I’d suggest you consider the following factors:
Pick the Right Trip – Depending on your state of physical fitness and any limitations that you might have, certain trips may not work for you. If you don’t have legs, or can’t maintain your balance, something that requires long hikes into the backcountry is likely a non-starter. If you have strong and potentially fatal allergies to certain insects, consult a travel doctor before heading into zones where those insects exist – and perhaps pick something different. Be realistic and ask lots of questions before you make plans. There’s nothing wrong with being adventurous or pushing your boundaries, except when your safety or health is clearly in danger.
Pick the Right Outings – Even within a given trip, certain things might work for you and others won’t. For example, when we go to Bear Trail Lodge in Alaska, there’s great fishing right out the back door on the Naknek River. There’s also a range of fly-in trips, some of which allow you to plop down right in the zone and others which require long hikes through the tundra. You can have a great trip without going on the more strenuous outings. Be sure to check into this ahead of time, asking the lodge how your limitations may be accommodated, and take a realistic assessment of what it takes to be most successful.
Prepare Ahead of Time – Get in shape to do the things you’ll need to do. That could be a physical fitness or physical therapy regime. It could be figuring out adaptive methods or adaptive technology that’ll make your trip better. Watch YouTube videos to see what you’ll be doing and there’s no such thing as too many questions in advance.
Bring Gear to Make Things Easier – If you know how you’ll be fishing, and know how you might be limited, figure out how to make the process easier. It might be a knee brace or wrist protector, or it could be something more substantial. One frequent guest to Anglers Inn El Salto has limited use of one leg due to an old injury but still wants to stand to fish. He purchased a leaning bike seat, took it down there, and leaves it at the lodge for his frequent visits.
Utilize the Gear They Offer – Ask the lodge or guide or outfitter how they can enhance your chances of success. If they’ve been around for a while, they’ve likely seen it all and want you to succeed. At Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala, most of the sailfish are caught on standup gear, but the boats do have fighting chairs. If you can’t keep your balance, particularly in a bucking sea, ask them to keep the chair ready for when it’s your turn. We did that with my nearly 80 year-old parents and it allowed them to winch in some beautiful sailfish.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help – Again, a good outfitter wants you to succeed. If there’s anything that makes you uncomfortable, or you’re not sure you can do it, ask for help. That could be as simple as getting in the boat or into the float plane. At El Salto we frequently see a group from San Diego, one of whom is a paraplegic. They all take a hand at lifting him up in his chair to get him into the van or the boat. There’s almost always a solution if you want to be out there.
Take Care of Yourself – Ultimately, as much as you want to push your limits – and I encourage you do push them hard – you’re the one who will have to live with the results. Don’t overdo it, don’t put yourself in danger, and no one will hold you in less regard if you don’t live up to the Rambo standard you want to portray. Fishing is about having fun and there are all sorts of ways to get that done, all over the globe.
Here's more Clay Dyer to inspire you:
