Guys my buddy kid had brain surgery and he has lost use of one arm. I took him fishing saturday and he caught his first fish, but he had to hand mom the rod so she could reel it in. I have done a search and these electric reels start out at 300.00 does anyone know of some used ones forsale?? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Dave

The only ones I know of are the Electra Mate and Whisenhunt(sp) and I am pretty sure they are both trolling style electrics. Do you have a style/type of reel in mind...may help to narrow the choices? I have seen one spinning electric but can't remember the company.

If you have a reel in mind contact the manufacturer or a retailer that sells them and I bet you good get one donated to the boy, just a thought.

Perhaps you're looking at it backwards. Consider a rod mount (buy them anywhere) to clamp to a dock railing, boat edge or something (?) to hold the rod at about the 10:00 position so he can reel with his good hand. Just have a long handled net on hand to scoop the fish. Maybe there is some type of mount made for deep sea fishing that could work even better.

If you're panfishing and it's not too deep, consider a cane/fiberglass pole. I'd think a person could leverage the butt of the rod against their body to pull the rod up with one hand. I love catching fish on cane poles. Lotsa fun.

Regardless, good luck with your search.

Dave,
Would one of the old automatic fly reels work? If the tip is light enough he could pump the fish and bring in line everytime the tip drops with his good hand. Just thinking outside the box, don't know if it's viable for what you need.

Electromate makes portable[fannypack battery] spinning reels that has a switch mounted on the rod. I called them about buying one for a customer but I was told I would have to go through one of their "Stocking Dealer's" such as Bass Pro. Bass Pro's catalog has the spin listed at $349.00 ,the reel is not included, needs a Penn4500ss or 5500ss. Jesse

Hi I once saw a picture of a war veteran fishing with only one arm. He had made himself a rodholder to be placed on the belly out of a wide leatherbelt and some pvc-pipe. He was able to cast with one hand then place the rod in the pipe and start reeling in. I believe he was using a conventoinal reel to be able to cast with one hand. Hope this helps.
-Kim-