Fishing with Disabilities in the UK: Challenges, Adaptations, and Accessible Angling

Written by Martin Grove – full-time EMT and part-time fisherman.

Introduction

For the last 14 years, I have been an EMT with the East of England Ambulance Service. In that time, I’ve met untold amounts  of people who’ve had to adapt their day-to-day lives due to an illness or trauma. It’s truly amazing how resilient people can be with a life-changing situation. I’ve walked into many homes smelt the TCP and seen fishing rods tucked behind doors, and faded fishing photos on the wall. As an icebreaker, I’ll often ask, “Do you still go fishing?” The answer, more often than not, comes in a Norfolk accent: “Nah... can’t do that anymore.”

But here’s the real question: can they? I think they can. With the right advice, a bit of guidance, some motivation and a helping hand, I honestly believe more people could get back out there with a rod in hand, soaking up the fresh air and that quiet peace only fishing gives you. It’s not just good for your mind, it’s good for your body too. 

Our bodies are built to move. That doesn’t mean running marathons, it means walking to your peg, setting up your kit, standing for a few casts. Little things that keep the blood flowing and your joints moving. You don’t need to break a sweat just do what you can. Being outside, even for a short time, can do wonders.

Writing about fishing with disabilities isn’t easy. Because no two disabilities are the same. One person might struggle to walk more than a few steps, another might have limited use of their arms, and another could be dealing with chronic pain or mental health problems, everyone is different. 

Writing an article on disabled fishing is tricky there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But here’s the thing: fishing is important. It’s therapy, tradition, independence, and identity. In the UK, more than 45,000 disabled anglers buy coarse fishing licences each year. These are people determined to keep casting, no matter what life throws at them.

This article is for them — and for anyone else looking to adapt their fishing, find the right gear, or just feel part of the angling world again. Before we move on, it’s important to mention something I see all the time in my work. The older generation — the ones who grew up with ration books, hand-me-downs, and a “make do and mend” attitude — are often the hardest to convince when it comes to accepting a little help. They’ve spent their lives looking after themselves and others, so letting go of even a small bit of independence feels like giving up.

But here’s the truth: giving up just 10% of your independence could stop you losing 90% later. I often say this when talking about things like fall prevention better to let someone help you now, than to end up with a hip fracture that takes away your mobility altogether. That advice often falls on deaf ears, but I say it anyway. Because that’s our elderly, stoic generation.

Everyone’s Different – and That’s the Point

There’s no universal answer to fishing with a disability. What works for someone with full upper body strength but no mobility will be different from someone with fatigue or visual impairments. The key is knowing your capability and adapting accordingly. Maybe you no longer feel safe casting far out – fish closer. Maybe long sessions wear you out – fish short and sweet. Maybe you’ve never even tried fishing before – this is a great time to start. It’s all about what you can do, not what you can’t.

Some people find asking for help hard. After losing a bit of your independence, it can be difficult to accept assistance. But as I often tell my elderly patients: if you give up just 10% of your independence, it might save you from losing 100%. Accepting help doesn’t mean giving up — it means getting back to doing what you love, safely and with support. The water doesn’t care how you get there. It’s just waiting.

Mental Health, Identity & the Power of Fishing

Fishing isn’t just a way to catch dinner. It’s time in nature. It’s peace. It’s quiet. For a lot of people, especially those coming to terms with a new disability, getting back to the bank can feel like a lifeline. Groups like Tackling Minds know this well. They use fishing help with problems like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.  Getting outside is my main ethos, we are not designed to be cooped up behind for walls watching Bargain Hunt. Local clubs offer social connection. Fishing gives you confidence, purpose, and a sense of wellbeing.

Losing the ability to fish can hit hard — but that’s not the end of the story. Adaptation is possible. And with a bit of help and the right kit, it’s absolutely doable. The benefits of just being by the water, rod in hand, can’t be overstated. It’s where many feel most like themselves again.

Adaptive Fishing Gear: Tools That Help You Fish Your Way

Not all “adaptive” gear has to be special-order or medical-looking. A lot of travel rods and tools are naturally suited to disabled anglers. These smart bits of kit can make a huge difference without screaming “special needs.” It’s all about removing the barriers, however small.

Rigged and Ready Travel Rods

These are ideal for people who struggle with long rod sections, leaning, or lifting. Rigged and Ready rods break into small sections, making setup much easier. Models like the X-Max CP and S-MID Combo keep your kit light and compact — less to carry, more time fishing. They’re also great for tight spaces and easier storage.

Other Adaptations

Adaptive fishing doesn’t always require specialist gear — sometimes it’s about clever, simple changes. It might be as easy as making the handles on your reels larger for better grip or switching from rod fishing to pole fishing for less physical strain. Instead of dragging kit across a rocky headland, try fishing from a pier with level access and railings. Boat fishing can also be a brilliant alternative, especially on accessible craft like Wheelyboats — getting you right to the action without the walk.

If you’re under community care, it’s worth speaking to your Occupational Therapist — they’re there to help you get back to doing what matters most. And we all know fishing HAS to be part of that.

Adaptive fishing doesn’t always require specialist gear — sometimes it’s about clever, simple changes. It might be as easy as making the handles on your reels larger for better grip or switching from rod fishing to pole fishing for less physical strain. Instead of dragging kit across a rocky headland, try fishing from a pier with level access and railings. If you’re under community care, it’s worth speaking to your Occupational Therapist — they’re there to help you get back to doing what matters most. And we all know fishing HAS to be part of that.

Some methods which help disabled people fish.

• Rod holders for wheelchairs or seating
• Push-button reels (electric or assisted retrieve)
• Pre-tied rigs / flies to tippets for easier setup
• Baiting tools to make baiting hooks simpler and safer
• Knot tools and clip-on aids for tying
• Bait boats for casting without casting
• Wheelyboats – wheelchair-accessible boats

And remember — if you can’t carry your gear, that’s the perfect excuse to bring your children or grandchildren. You’re not just getting a helping hand — you’re teaching the next generation to fish, passing down your stories of growing up with a can rod and a spam sandwich, sitting by the water without a care in the world. These aren’t just fishing trips, they’re shared moments, quality time and life lessons.

A Few Accessible Fisheries to Get You Started

There are some brilliant fisheries around the UK that have made the effort to be more accessible for disabled anglers. Here are just a few.

• Pike View Fishery (Lancashire) – https://pikeviewfishery.co.uk | Tel: 01706 620 797
  Built with accessibility in mind, with purpose-made platforms, toilets, and parking close by.
  
• Rib Valley Angling (Hertfordshire) – https://www.ribvalleyangling.co.uk | Tel: 01438 718 290
  Several lakes have accessible pegs, there are proper disabled facilities, and even an on-site tackle shop.
  
• Trench Farm Fisheries (Shropshire) – https://www.trenchfarmfisheries.com | Tel: 07792 896 024
  A peaceful, well-kept spot with level paths and designated swims for wheelchair users.
  
• Rackerhayes Complex (Devon) – https://newtonabbotfishing.com | Tel: 07771 533 431
  Wide pegs, easy access, and loads of support from the local angling club.
  
• Eden Grange Fishery (County Durham) – https://edengrange.co.uk | Tel: 07747 048 640
  Hard-standing swims and easy wheelchair access make this a great option.

Organisations That Can Help

If you or someone you know needs a bit of support to get back into fishing, these organisations are a great place to start:

• Tackling Minds – https://tacklingminds.org
  They use fishing to support people with mental health challenges, addiction, and social isolation.
  
• Angling Trust – Get Fishing for Wellbeing – https://anglingtrust.net/getfishingforwellbeing
  Offers inclusive fishing programmes that support both physical and mental health.
  
• British Disabled Angling Association (BDAA) – https://bdaa.co.uk
  Provides coaching, resources, and info about access for disabled anglers all over the UK.
  
• Wheelyboat Trust – https://wheelyboats.org
  Makes specially designed boats so wheelchair users can enjoy getting out on the water too.

The British Disabled Angling Association began in 1992 with just a handful of like-minded anglers and has since grown into the leading disability angling charity in Great Britain.

Run by dedicated trustees and advisers, the charity focuses on breaking down barriers by improving access, adapting equipment, and supporting both disabled and non-disabled anglers. Although based in Britain, their expertise has reached as far as South Africa, the USA, and Canada, where they’ve helped create more inclusive fishing environments and inspired similar organisations overseas.

Go Anywhere. Fish Everywhere. Because Ability Shouldn’t Limit Passion.
For a list of disabled friendly fishing spots around the UK please follow link to this list.
If you would like to add a venue to this list then please contact us.