A wish to fish

Bryce Dinneen created the Wish 4 Fish charity. He is currently fundraising for clients with disabilities to have The Striker, a new fishing apparatus invention by Ray Lowe. Photo/Andrew Warner

Bryce Dinneen's friend Ray Lowe has invented new technology which allows people with limited or no function the ability to fish.

Bryce Dinneen caught his limit of snapper in Coromandel in Aprilthis year. Not bad for anyone, but particularly good for someone in a wheelchair.

Wish 4 Fish founder Bryce had this fantastic day out fishing thanks to the Striker - a mobile fishing reel and stand activated by remote control - which gives a true fishing experience for people with limited or no function.

Bryce's good friend Ray Lowe invented the Striker. Ray has a stainless steel engineering background.The Striker is a Shimano electric reel which supports an apparatus and has three functions - spool release, wind on command and the ability to strike.

It is operated by remote control "Ray has come on board and broken down these barriers with the Striker design, which can be wheeled aboard vessels.

It's amazing. The Striker gives the ultimate fishing experience," Bryce says.

Bryce, 39, became wheelchair bound a decade ago after a swimming accident in Wellington. With plenty of time to reflect as he lay in traction, the Wish 4 Fish idea was forming.

He set up the charitable trust in Tauranga with the help of some trusted volunteers. Wish 4 Fish gives people with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to experience salt water activities.

The trust hires boats and is raising funds to have its own purpose-built boat.

The trust needs four Strikers for its plans.The Striker is being evolved and Ray is working on voice activation for future models.

The equipment will be available to support all clients of Wish 4 Fish charitable trust (Givealittle page - givealittle.co.nz/cause/wish4fishstriker) with a view to making them available for other charities.

FUNDRAISING DINNER
Wish 4 Fish are having a supporters club dinner on Friday, October 13.

They are raising funds for a custom built boat for people with mobility/disability issues so fishing fans can continue to get back out on the water.

Bryce, with trustee support, has been busy organising fundraising events such as fishing competitions, trade show stands, branded products and speaking engagements. The latest event is the supporters club dinner charity fundraiser at Mills Reef Winery on October 13 at 6.30pm.

The tickets are $120 per person and include a three course meal and complimentary drink (cash bar available).

Kingfisher Boats and Powercats/Alloy Cats NZ Ltd and Honda Marine New Zealand have put a boat package together to support the Wish 4 Fish. This package will be going up for auction with the proceeds over the reserve going to The Wish 4 Fish charity.

Call Bryce to order tickets on 021 616 601 or email bryce@wish4fish.co.nz