Hi, I'm Fred Lawson, this exclusive, original and highly informative magazines token cripple.
This column is going to cover sea angling from a disabled anglers point of view, written by a disabled sea angler with the intention of: -

1. Sharing my experiences as a disabled sea angler fishing from a wheelchair.
   
2. Passing on tips and general information which may be of some help in getting a wheelchair using sea angler down there at the sea and fishing.
   
3. Encouraging disabled sea anglers to hold a stiff middle finger up to those who say we can't and shout "Yes we can, yes we do, so swivel on this!"

Foot in mouth quotes
The opening quote for this month was made by Dave, proprietor of the local Tackle shop and who's idea this magazine was so it's only right that he should get it first…….
"Hey Fred, I've had an idea for a rod whipping machine you'd like, you work it with your foot…..OOPS!"

While I've got him cornered here's another gem from our Dave, made when I went one rainy day into his shop, which he'd just had carpeted out…
"Wipe your feet Fred, that's a new carpet!"

Now one from an able bodied angler that I was fishing next to one night….
"You'd cast further if you stood up mate" (Prat!)

Ever helpful Jaybee came up with this one…
"Why don't you have a team of Chihuahua's to pull you along the beach?" (I'm worried about Jaybee)

And a last one from my Mrs….
"Don't come running to me when you've got frozen solid fishing!"

Fred's Handy hints
One of my pet hates is someone telling me that I "Must do it this way" and by now you will probably be able to guess my reaction to such a statement, but I'm always open to ideas and suggestions that might make life easier. I hope you are…

If you are an active wheelchair user then you will, I have no doubt, been in the embarrassing position of having looped the thing and gone over backwards at some time.
Not such a problem, a bruise or two if your lucky, the odd scratch on the chair and a red face.
Now do the same thing with a pair of expensive beach rods strapped on the back and it becomes a disaster which will not only spoil your day but the bank balance as well.
Try and pack the gear so the balance of the chair is as little upset as possible by storing it under the seat sling in either a pukka bag made for the purpose such as a "black box" or a bag you've adapted yourself. Then carry the rods in a decent holdall, in front where damage will be minimised when disaster strikes, you may even be able to chuck them out of the way on the way over as I've been lucky enough to do.
Finally, if you take a dog fishing then train it to nick other peoples sandwiches instead of yours.