One-Handed Fly Reel

I am trying to locate a one-handed fly fishing reel that is similar to a single action reel but has a lever like the automatic reels. The reel is operated by pumping the lever to reel in the line. There is no spring winding involved.

I saw the reel at the Fly Tackle Dealers Show in Denver in the early ?90s, but didn?t get any information about the manufacturer or distributor.

I am involved with setting up a fly fishing program for ?Wounded Warriors? at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, and such a reel would be of great help to those with only one-hand.

Any information about the one-handed reel or any other fly fishing or tying equipment for the disabled or modifications that could be made would be appreciated by me and by the wounded warriors.

John Colburn
AFRH-W 1122
3700 N Capitol St NW
Washington, DC 20011-8400
(202) 545-8776
johnwcolburn@msn.com



[This message has been edited by LadyFisher (edited 03 June 2005).]

John, the reel I think we both remember was being made in S. Africa. I can't find the card I was sure I had from them, but I've sent an email inquiry to another person in S. Africa who I hope knows who it is.

If any of our readers have ideas we'd sure like to hear them!

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LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL

Thanks, LadyFisher.

I'll use it for the wounded warriors regardless of where it comes from. < )(8^))

Hey John,

I found the following add for Vivarelli
fly reels on Dan Baileys site. Could they
be the ones your looking for? [url=http://www.dan-bailey.com/reels_vivarelli.htm:962a3]http://www.dan-bailey.com/reels_vivarelli.htm[/url:962a3]
Warm regards, Jim

Hurrah for Jim Hatch! That is it! I found it in my September 8th, 2003 column, Another Opening Another Show too.

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LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL

Many thanks. They look like what I remember. I'll check with Dan Bailey's and see what kind of a deal can be arranged.

Here is the email for the company:

info@vivarellifranco.com
vivarellifranco@pesca-mosca.it

I'd suggest contacting them directly--they might give you a discount.

Good luck!

Hey John,

Here is another article that may be of
interest. There is also a handicapped
section listed on the left column.

I admire what your doing John and wish
the very best with your project. Please
keep us up to date or let us know if there
is a site where we can check on progress.
Warm regards, Jim

Guys and gals:

Thanks to all of you for your help.

This is a pilot project involving people from FFF and TU in the Washington area. If it's successful, FFF and TU will probably pick it up as a nationwide program since many of these veterans are being send to military and VA hospitals near their homes, and that will be a chance for clubs and individuals to do the same thing as we're doing.

I wrote the article "Take a Wounded Warrior Fishing" that's in this week's Readers' Cast. It gives you some idea of how you can do it. Our program is aimed more at the rehabilitation and therapy, but just taking one or two guys or gals (they get wounded too) for a day of fishing can be very rewarding for you and the veterans.

I'm going to check out all the leads y'all have given me because this program can really roll.

Many thanks to all.

John Colburn

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John Colburn
202-545-8776