[boeing461]

Does anybody make a fighting harness for people like me with a very bad back? My lower back is the weak spot. I have always wanted to go on a 10 day plus trip but I'm afraid i'd end up just being a spectator.
The back has been going for years and ended up getting a fusion. It works but gets very painful quickly.
Thanks

 

[Zodiakman]

I Use a Mueller back brace. I have several and got them at Save-on (probably now CVS) It has a double velcro support strap and a lumbar pad. It gives great support for scuba, mt. biking and fishing the bigger stuff...It also works well for when your just pounding around on a boat in 20+ knts of wind...nobody likes that...
I haven't had fusion but I have had two discectomy's so my low back is compromised as well.

(Young people out there-take heed! SAVE YOUR BACKS! NEVER HELP YOUR FRIENDS MOVE!!!!
You and all your other friends put up 10 or so bucks each and tell them hire a proffesional mover and you show up with the beer!)

 

[fishybuzz]

Call Dennis Braid at Braid Products... he'll help you out. You need some type of bucket harness that to can sit back in and keep your back straight.

 

[Uzukuri]

A braid Brute Buster or the Braid Power Play will keep the pressure off your back and put it on your legs. This is a very effective system and I have used it to beat some decent fish. 368lb bluefin being my largest tuna so far, and I'm a little guy @ 5'9 and 165 lbs.
I use a Smittysbelt large gimbal with drop straps and place it on my thighs right above my knees. I wear this whenever I am on deck chunking or trolling. It is comfortable enough and this way, I don't have to fumble with it when a fish takes the bait.
Good luck and do your crunches!

 

[boeing461]

Thanks fellas, both the brace and the fighting harnesses will be huge help.

 

[fishordie]

Mike,

You work for Boeing?? just curious. As far as the Harness goes if you are going 10+ days the only Braid product to use is the Power play line of plate, belt and drop straps. Call Braid products and they will give you the low down on their ultimate size gear. Make sure you read the set up instructions from front to back. Too many folks set up their harnesses incorrectly. It makes a huge difference.

Jamie

 

[tinfoil2]

A braid Brute Buster or the Braid Power Play will keep the pressure off your back and put it on your legs. This is a very effective system and I have used it to beat some decent fish. 368lb bluefin being my largest tuna so far, and I'm a little guy @ 5'9 and 165 lbs.
I use a Smittysbelt large gimbal with drop straps and place it on my thighs right above my knees. I wear this whenever I am on deck chunking or trolling. It is comfortable enough and this way, I don't have to fumble with it when a fish takes the bait.
Good luck and do your crunches!

The butt harness's are the way to go, if your in the Newport Beach are, come see me or any one at the store . I'm there Tues and Wed.


Anglers Center.com
419 Old Newport Blvd 949-642-6662.



Ed

 

[boeing461]

Jamie,
I retired from Boeing Long Beach commercial Maintenance dept. as an Electrician after 28 years. I was on a 905 (W.C.) because of my back at the time. They laid me off. I got permanent disability and full retirement. They saved the healthy ones and dumped us old farts with problems.
Just like one guy said, "you youngins better save your backs because even a fishing trip is agonizing pain but ya gotta do what ya love.
I stopped fishing for years because of work and the fear of lay off since 1989. People, do it all while your young.

 

[fishordie]

Yo Mike,

I agree with you except for one part. I have lived my 53 years believing the best time to live life is right now, whenever now occurs. Age was never the factor. Like most of you I have had good and bad times. Things I certainly would not like to repeat but do not wish to delete as they just made the good times sweeter. I too have had my body rebuilt more times than I care to elaborate on but I have always figured out how to do what I desired. Did I mention Arthritis??

So your question about how to make things easier on certain parts of the body is particularly applicable to many of us. In addition to back braces and harnesses the single greatest thing you can do to relieve the pains associated with big fish is just to breath and relax while on the fish. Tensing up, like so many folks do, is the kiss of death for those of us with aches and pains of any kind.

If you look at David's (Wahoodad) write up and pics of his last trip on the Excel,you will see some very experienced folks, who are probably older than either of us, who show just how relaxed you should be while on a fish. Those guys were just enjoying every minute, their body language showed they were having a blast, their faces were relaxed and smiling. They were looking around and just smelling the roses. Those are attitudes all fishermen can look at and learn from. Quite different from the guy who is all serious, overly focused and tense as he pushes his way down the rail, Cranks like a maniac until he cannot crank any more and generally cannot remember much of the fight. At the end, that guy is tired and hurts like heck. Okay, a long winded way of saying relax as much as possible, keep good thoughts in your head and just enjoy the sensation of fighting a wonderful opponent. Look around and enjoy the scenery while on that fish. BREATH AND RELAX and you will be surprised at how much less you will ache.

I worked with many of the Boeing divisions so I thought perhaps I might have met you.

Best Of luck on whatever trip you choose and whatever methodology you choose.

 

[wahoodad]

There is almost no threat of back injury using a Braid harness and pad properly set up. Dennis would most likely spend the time to teach you, or a quality tackle shop can as well.
Now is the time to fish long range.

 

[HD]

Long Range Board Thread