For a person with a disability, fishing can be a wonderful experience. Being outdoors near the water or on a boat can be very liberating and rewarding. Unfortunately, many fishing locations are not particularly suitable for anglers with disabilities. So it is important to research where to go and what to watch out for. Following are some ideas for Boston area locations.
Boston Harbor Fishing Spots for Handicapped Anglers
Castle Island | South Boston | map | Great fishing pier with spectacular views of Boston harbor. Easy handicapped access via parking lot nearby. |
Deer Island Public Access Area | Winthrop | map | The Deer Island water treatent plant has a wondertful 2.6 miles walkway around the facility with great view of Boston harbor and the outer harbor. The entire trail is all handicap accessible. Fishing is allowed at the shoreline and at a pier at the southern end (map here for map). |
West Link Park | Dorchester | map | Beautiful new park adjacent to the ocean with picnic area and fishing pier. The park features ADA compliant paved paths and is connected to the Harborwalk to Castle island and UMASS. . |
Old Harbor Park | Dorchester | map | Beautiful park with fishing pier with stunning views of Boston and castle island. |
Tudor Wharf | Charlestown | map | Large pier right next to Constitution Marina with great Boston view and harbor access. |
Pier 4 | Charlestown | map | This Park is located next to the Charlestown Navy Yard. The HarborWalk adjacent to Shipyard Park is ADA compliant about 1/2 mile long. Amenities include many benches, a water taxi stop with a sheltered waiting area, a 25-cent public restroom. |
Schraft Center | Charlestown | map | Schraft center is in the middel of the city and the harborwalk providre wonderful access where you can see the harbor in operation. Privat picic tables, boat docks, fishing piers and ample parking. |
Puopolo Park/Langone Park | Downtown Boston, Noth End | map | Part of ther Boston harborwalk these wonderful parks have baseball fields, picnic areas, benches and promenade pier foundation for great fishing. |
Federal Express | South Boston | map | This park overlooks the Falcon cruise terminal and has great walking paths with lush landscaping, lighting, and secluded benches for quiet relaxation. A pier extending out over the Reserved Channel is popular for recreational fishing. |
Boston Area Freshwater Fishing Spots for Handicapped Anglers
Silver Lake | Wilmington | map | Fishing pier, Grove Avenue |
Whitmans Pond | Weymouth | map | Fishing Pier, Middle Street |
Squannacook River | Townsend | map | Shorefishing area, Old Meeting House Road |
Ipswich River | North Reading | map | Shorefishing Area, Central Street |
Lake Pentucket | Haverhill | map | Fishing Platform, Stanley Drive |
Wareham River | Wareham | map | Fishing Pier, Route 6 |
More Information
There are a number of organisations that have experience with this issue, and please check them out before planning a fishing trip (click here).
Following are some general tips that may be helpful for your next outing:
Charter Boats: Most charter boat captains are extremely accommodating about access for anglers with disabilities. However, it is best not to make assumptions about each particular case. Wheelchair access to charter boats, for example, varies because it depends on a number of factors, such as parking, dock design, and boat design. So when chartering a boat for an angler with a disability, please call the office of the charter company before you book and get all the information about their ability to handle the specific disability.
Private Boat: Regular boats can be problematic when it comes to boarding with a wheelchair. Pontoon boats, on the other hand, are ideal for anglers in wheelchairs because they are easier to board and move around in. Many resorts, disabled fishing events, and professional guide services have pontoon boats available.
Fishing from Land: When fishing from land, the best locations have barrier-free access incorporated by design. This includes special fishing piers and shoreline fishing facilities with special access. Most newer structures in this area comply with ADA rules and are a good option.
Safety: Massachusetts requires boaters to have flotation devices for each person on a boat. It is important to wear them at all times. For a person with a wheelchair, it should also be worn when fishing from land, as brakes can accidentally release and wheelchairs can start rolling. Many wheelchairs are very heavy, and some organisations recommend not using the seatbelt on a boat if it is feasible, so a person could float free of the wheelchair.
Licence: Handicapped anglers do not require a licence in Massachusetts.
Equipment: There are a number of companies that produce special equipment for disabled anglers. This includes rod holders for wheelchairs and special fishing reels. Please map HERE for a list of adaptive fishing equipment.