Hook, line and access

For most people, going fishing is a simple matter: Grab your gear, drive to your favorite lake or stream, walk over to the bank and cast your line.

It's not so simple, though, for anglers with physical or developmental disabilities. Rock-hopping along a Sierra stream is out of the question. Scrambling down an embankment, or sometimes even crossing gravel, grass or uneven ground, can be as daunting as a mountain climb.

Fortunately, the opportunity exists for those with disabilities to get into position to cast that line and try their luck -- and not just on days dedicated to those with special needs.

Because that's so, it's hard to gauge the thrill for people like Carl Brookhyser. The 51-year-old Sacramento man faces mental and physical challenges because of Down syndrome. For him, walking on anything but a smooth surface is perilous.

"My brother and I grew up in Wisconsin, in the little town of Athens near Wausau, and we loved to fish," said Karen Brookhyser of Sacramento, who is Carl's caregiver. "Our grandparents had a vacation cottage on a small lake, and they used to take Carl out fishing in their rowboat all the time."

Karen Brookhyser moved to Sacramento a number of years ago, and Carl followed 2½ years ago when their mother died. While they no longer have close relatives with a rowboat on a lake to take Carl fishing, the Sacramento area does provide a number of opportunities and services that facilitate the enjoyment of the outdoors and fishing for those with disabilities.

Last month, the Brookhysers participated in an outing designed by the Sacramento County Regional Park District's Therapeutic Recreational Services program. It involved an annual fishing outing at Gibson Ranch.

"Carl caught a perch and a small carp, and we had a really fun day," Karen said.

Sacramento's Parks and Recreation Department also provides programs for those with disabilities through a program called Access Leisure. Fishing is but one of the many outdoor activities youngsters enjoy through its Camps and Outdoor Education programs.

Another opportunity, aimed at children with disabilities and their families, is Kids Catch a Smile Day, inspired 17 years ago by Gary Voet. It is held annually the Saturday after Mother's Day for ages 5 to 17 in Rancho Cordova.

But fishing and outdoor programs like these occur on a scheduled basis only a few times per year. What about routine opportunities for those with disabilities?

The good news is that there are a number of fishing spots around Sacramento tailored for those with disabilities.

Joe Ferreira, who coordinates the Fishing in the City program for the state Department of Fish and Game, came to realize years ago how important accessibility is. His program encourages anglers (free equipment and instruction are available) at various times of the year to attend special fishing days at numerous locations.

One day, he toured a number of the lakes and ponds around Sacramento with a person who used a wheelchair.

"It was a real eye-opener," Ferreira said. "I didn't realize that so many things we take for granted are so difficult for the disabled. Even a water fountain has to be designed to allow someone in a wheelchair to use it. Some of the ponds are paved around their edge, but they can be dangerous if they don't have a curb to stop a wheelchair from rolling in.

"The doors and stalls on older bathrooms are sometimes too small for a wheelchair, and you might have to cross grass or gravel to get to them."

The DFG's Fishing in the City Web site includes a map and table that lists angling ponds in the Sacramento area, and identifies facilities with access for the disabled. The ponds are planted with trout in the fall and winter, and catfish during summer. William Land, Laguna, Mather, Hagan and Howe parks are among the sites.

Here are some suggestions for accessible fishing in the region:

• William B. Pond Recreation Area (named for the first Sacramento County Regional Parks director), at the east end of Arden Way in Carmichael, is not on the DFG list but is a wonderful destination for those who have difficulties getting around and would like to go fishing. The pond adjacent to the American River is lush with tules and other aquatic vegetation. Waterfowl serenely paddle around bobbing for food, and the blue of the American River forms a backdrop. The fishing platform protrudes over the water and is reached by a paved path and shallow ramps. The platform extends far enough over the water so that casting is unnecessary. It's a simple matter to drop a baited hook under a bobber and watch bluegill, catfish or, occasionally, larger bass take a nibble.

About the writer:

• Jim Jones is a Fair Oaks freelance writer who specializes in outdoor activities.