Fishing is a fun and inclusive activity for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Tennessee offers a range of resources and support services for people with disabilities who want to go fishing.
Accessible Fishing Locations
Tennessee has many accessible fishing locations designed to make fishing accessible for everyone. These locations include wheelchair-friendly fishing piers, fishing platforms, fishing docks, and accessible boat launches. These fishing locations offer accommodations such as wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and barrier-free access to fishing areas.
- J. Percy Priest Lake in Nashville offers accessible fishing piers and restrooms (source: https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Water-Activities/J-Percy-Priest-Lake.aspx)
Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville has a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier (source: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake)
Adapted Fishing Equipment
Tennessee offers a variety of adapted fishing equipment for individuals with disabilities who want to go fishing. This equipment includes mobility devices for fishing, such as power chairs and electric scooters, and specialized fishing gear, such as fishing rods and reels designed for individuals with limited dexterity.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) offers a loaner program for adapted fishing equipment, including power chairs, electric scooters, and fishing rods and reels for individuals with limited dexterity (source: https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/fishing-opportunities-for-people-with-disabilities.html)
Accessible Fishing Guides
Tennessee has many fishing guides and services that assist and support individuals with disabilities who want to go fishing. These guides and services can provide adapted equipment, transportation, and assistance with fishing techniques and strategies. They are trained to work with individuals with different disabilities and can help make fishing an enjoyable experience for everyone.
- 615 Fishing Charters in Nashville offers accessible fishing charters with an experienced guide and adapted equipment (source: https://615fishingcharters.com/)
Tennessee State Parks' Accessible Recreation Program provides trained staff who can assist individuals with disabilities with fishing techniques and strategies (source: https://tnstateparks.com/about/accessible-recreation)
Fishing Programs for Individuals with Disabilities
Tennessee offers many fishing programs for individuals with disabilities, including fishing opportunities for veterans and accessible fishing tournaments. These programs allow individuals with disabilities to connect with others who share their interests and enjoy the outdoors.
- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) hosts the annual Tennessee Wheelin' Sportsmen Fishing Rodeo for individuals with disabilities, which includes accessible fishing opportunities and adapted equipment (source: https://www.tn.gov/twra/tennessee-wheelin-sportsmen.html)
The Adaptive Recreation and Exercise (ARE) program at the Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital in Nashville offers a variety of adaptive sports and recreation opportunities, including fishing (source: https://www.vumc.org/stallworth-rehabilitation-hospital/adaptive-recreation-and-exercise-are)
Accessible Lodging for Fishing
Finding accessible lodging for fishing trips is important to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Tennessee offers a variety of accessible lodging options, such as hotels, cabins, and campsites, designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Some of these accommodations include accessible amenities for fishing, such as accessible fishing docks and fishing trails.
- The Inn at Opryland in Nashville offers accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers and visual alarms for the hearing impaired (source: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/)
Natchez Trace State Park in Wildersville offers accessible cabins and campsites with accessible amenities for fishing, including accessible fishing docks (source: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/natchez-trace)
Accessible Transportation for Fishing Trips
Getting to fishing locations can be a challenge for individuals with disabilities, but Tennessee offers accessible transportation options for fishing trips. These options include accessible vans, buses, and taxis that can accommodate mobility devices and provide a safe and comfortable ride to fishing locations.
- AccessRide in Nashville offers accessible transportation services for individuals with disabilities, including transportation to fishing locations (source: https://www.nashville.gov/Accessibility-Office/Services/AccessRide.aspx)
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) offers grants for accessible transportation providers to purchase and maintain accessible vehicles (source: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/multimodal-transportation-resources/ada-compliance/ada-compliance-for-transit-providers/ada-coordinated-public-transit-human-services-transportation-plan--/ada-5310-grants.html)
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