BigBendFishing.Net

Hello! New to the group and this is my first post. Looking for handicap type docks or boat ramps that I could put a buddy of mine in my boat. Anybody know of anything like this in the big bend area?? Preferably something that could pick him up and set him in the boat. Thanks for any help.


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There are not any ramps specifically designed to help with the handicapped that I know of in this area. Each year, the NFGFC helps with an even called "Hands Helping Anglers" where the handicapped are taken out for a day of fishing. I've had wheelchair bound clients and completely blind clients on my boat. Each time we've just done the best we could.

Shield's Marina has a floating dock that is low to the water, which seems to be the easiest spot to load wheel chair bound clients. We sort of did a transfer from the wheel chair, to a large cooler, swing the clients legs over the gunnel and move the wheel chair into the boat, then transfer back to the wheel chair.

- Steve Stinson

One more thing I should add is that the folks at Shield's are very helpful with situations like this. The client I took for several years at Hands Helping Anglers ended up purchasing his own boat, which he now stores at their marina. They put it in the water for him and assist loading and unloading when he wants to go out.

- Steve Stinson

Thanks Steve. I did talk to Shields Marina yesterday and they were very helpful. The floating dock would be perfect. I was just worried about loading or unloading on a low tide and a fixed dock would make it difficult. I think thats the route I'll go.


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