Accurate Fishing culture is to help keep people fishing and meet those fishing needs through product design. We continue to push to see what the next idea can do to help anglers catch more fish.
When we were asked by good friend Andy Ruiz of the Los Angeles Fire Department about trying to get a handicapped angler fishing, the twins David and Douglas Nilsen said, "How can we help?".
Pete Dern, former Captain of the Fresno Fire Department, had a life-changing accident while trying to put out a fire in a residential neighborhood that led to him falling through a roof. Pete was engulfed in flames for over 90 seconds before getting out of the situation with his life.
He had 2nd and 3rd-degree burns over 70% of his body and was in the hospital for 164 days recovering from burn injuries due to the accident. Pete, a fisherman at heart, started feeling the need to get out on the water, and his friend Andy Ruiz knew a way to make his dream come true.
Andy put together a meeting with the guys at Accurate Fishing as well as some true friends of the Fire family coming out of the Greenspan company that help others with problems including fire incidents.
All participants met at Accurate Fishing for a brainstorming session that included Pete. We were able to modify an existing rod and reel to fit nicely within his torso and his arm, which we called the rudder. The design helped Pete keep the rod stabilized, and the modified handle on the reel made it possible for Pete to effectively wind and fight fish. The final result, Pete fished with his fellow Firemen in the most recent Firemen Fish off between Fire stations within Southern California. The Fireman Fish Off tournament has been running for many years, and the main focus is to raise money for less fortunate burn victims. They have helped both fellow firemen and other victims that has had this type of life-changing accident. For us here at Accurate Fishing, we are always open to listening and seeing how we can help. For Pete Dern, he is fishing again and enjoying a passion that will give him enjoyment from here on out. With the commitment from people who can help, those in need can keep fishing for years to come. The passion is contagious, so let’s do our part to help it grow.