Hi, my name’s Dirk. My disability comes from contracting Polio as a baby, resulting in the loss of all the muscles in my left leg.  Thus I have to wear a full-length calliper to enable me to walk.  I have fished now for over 30 years. I started as most budding anglers of my time on my local Oxford Canal. If any of you have ever fished this water you will know how hard it can be, thus it soon taught you the need for finesse.  I joined my local angling club, which got me hooked on match fishing and still am to this day.  I joined their winter league team and we won it that year. That was the days when you would see nearly 200 individuals fishing these events.  It was the days of cane poles and wicker baskets (am I that old?).  I have fished in many teams since and won matches individually, but that first experience of winning is always something special.  For me it had that added thrill that I had found a sport where I could compete against and beat guys without a disability, something I had never experienced before while growing up with a disability.

My disability restricts me in two ways: firstly the mobility side getting to my peg. This I have overcome by using a pram - it carries all my gear and I can lean on it to rest.  I now have three prams -  two spares just in case. Warning! If any of you are considering using one, be prepared to put up with the baby jokes.  The second is the way in which I sit on my box.  I had always struggled with fishing the long pole because of trying to balance it over one leg, but the acquisition of a pup system several years ago sorted that out.

This brings me to the reason for disabled-angler. It was born through the desire to pass on our experiences of what angling has done for us as disabled people.  Collectively we have found a sport, a hobby, and friendship.  So why not give it a go - it’s definitely a hobby for life. If you want a chat about starting fishing, please feel free to contact us here at disabled-angler.