"Reel will change the way we fish..."
“When I told my mates that I was going to make a reel that would work without your hands they laughed at me… but I’ve done it!”
These are the words of electrical engineer James Wardle, who has created a device that could change the way we fish.
Currently named the RapidReel, James has created motor that can be fitted to any fixed-spool reel that replaces its action, meaning that you only need the use of one hand to hold the rod.
After initially designing the motor to help disabled anglers, a host of other functions have been discovered, with its benefits extending from anglers with arthritis right through to carpers.
James revealed that the idea first came out of his own health issues:
“I was having an operation on my arm and wanted to spend my recovery time fishing, but my mates pointed out that I wouldn’t be able to use a reel and bet me that I couldn’t make a reel to use ‘handsfree’.
“I took up the challenge, and after playing around with ideas using Lego and Meccano, my neighbour who fishes had a stroke, which left him unable to use a reel. This really pushed me to finish the project.”
James has now completed his design and has made it user-friendly. The motor can be fitted to the reel with one hand in under 30 seconds.
“I’m now trying to get the idea out there and need the financial backing to take the motor to larger markets.” James added.
“I’ve shown it to the British Disabled Anglers Association, and they love it. I’ve also had some amazing responses from disabled anglers, such as my mate Lee Mason.”
Lee is an army veteran who had his left arm paralysed in a motorbike accident, and he describes the RapidReel as a ‘lifesaver’.
“To be honest, it’s made a hell of a difference to my life.
“I left the army with PTSD, and after I had my motorbike accident things were going downhill.
“I fished as a kid, so when I was introduced to the charity, Forces C.A.R.P. (Carp Angling Recovery Programme), they helped me to get back into fishing but of course it was very difficult to use a reel.
“This is where James came in, and we actually met through social media.”
The pair then worked together in the development of the motor, and Lee can’t endorse the product enough.
“It really has been fantastic to get involved with, and I can’t emphasise enough how much of a difference this has made to my life and the freedom I have on the bank.
“Now we just need people to get behind it so others can benefit.”
Some uses for the RapidReel
Helping disabled/arthritic anglers to fish
Spodding whilst carp fishing
Spinning/lure fishing
Sea fishing with feathers
Steering a boat whilst playing a fish
