I started having recurring attacks of tendonitis, an arthritis-related condition, in my feet. This has caused me to curtail many of my outdoor activities, but, except during particularly bad flare-ups, I have always been able to fish. Arthritis affects everyone differently, but I believe that anyone willing to shop around for equipment and clothing suited to their special needs, then use common sense and follow their doctor's advice, can find a great deal of pleasure in man's oldest sport. I also never forgot bringing my best wireless headphones for working out while going fishing.
What needs to be Prepared?
If you're going to fish, you're probably going to get wet, but you don't have to be cold. There are many exotic fabrics on the market, but wool is hard to beat for keeping you warm even when it's wet.- Rubber boots can protect you from water but are notorious for making your feet sweat, and cold sweat is just as miserable as cold water. Try wearing two or more pairs of socks, with wool next to your skin and cotton for the outer layer. The cotton will draw most of the moisture away from your feet and keep them surprisingly warm.
- Leather gloves are worthless when wet, but most sporting goods stores stock wool hunting gloves. Some have nylon index fingers to allow more flexibility, but I prefer solid wool because the nylon lets in the cold. I've worn these gloves in some miserable weather and have found them warm enough for all but the coldest days.
- If you're a hardy soul and want to fish when there's a real nip in the air, you should invest in one of the solid-fuel pocket warmers. The fuel sticks burn for six to eight hours. They're safe, odorless and just like wrapping your hands around a hot cup of coffee.
- To keep the rest of you warm, remember to dress in layers, thin clothes next to your body and thicker layers on the outside. And always take too many clothes. It's easy to take some off if you get too hot, but you can't wear what you left at home.
- If you have trouble manipulating your hands or arms, I suggest you find a sporting goods store with knowledgeable salespeople and tell them exactly what kind of fishing you plan to do and what your limitations are. I personally don't like many of the new reels that are more like computers than fishing tools. I prefer the simpler, closed-face spinning reels. They are inexpensive, simple to operate, and can be bought with oversized handles that make reeling in a heavy fish much easier.
- For surf and pier fishing, I prefer a good open-face spinning reel. They are a bit more complicated to handle, but their inherently more powerful design makes them a solid choice if you're going after fish weighing over three or four pounds.
Step by Step to be a Better Fisherman
The type of bait or lure you should use depends on your mobility. Many lures are meant to be fished with a quick retrieve, which is difficult to master. Plastic worms are very popular and extremely effective. The technique is slow and requires more patience than dexterity. Again, talk with a knowledgeable salesperson. Ask questions, and if you don't get the answers you need, take your business elsewhere.
And above all else, have fun with your fishing. One of the most successful fishermen I ever knew was a 5-year-old boy with nothing but a cane pole and a small bass hanging from his hook. He had a big old gander pecking at his heels and was about as generally happy as a poor boy can be.