FRED’S ANGLING AID LANDS HIM A GOLD AWARD

Judges at the British Invention Show thought Fred Meilak's angling aid was a ‘reely' good idea and it earned him a Gold Award.

Like many anglers Fred has suffered numerous cuts and burns from using his thumb to control the spool when casting and came up with the Multiplier Fishing Reel Spool Controller to prevent this.

His invention is ingenious in its simplicity. The device made from a plastic and nylon compound snaps onto the butt of the rod and a lever that protrudes over the spool is pressed by the thumb and acts as the brake.

The device not only protects the thumb but also provides anglers with a better grip said Fred who is an avid sea fisherman.

Fred from New Quay has been helped and supported byf the Wales Innovators Network (WIN) which is funded and run by the Welsh Assembly Government.

He joined thirteen other inventors from Wales  to promote his simple but effective thumb guard at the British Invention Show – and every Welsh exhibit won an award.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, congratulated the inventors on their success.

” They have done outstandingly well – and as they say – everyone is a winner. Their success and the high profile surrounding this exhibition will certainly help them in their bid to commercialise their innovative products and I know the Wales Innovators Network will continue to work and support them and help them maximise all commercial opportunities.”

Fred now hopes his invention will catch the eye of potential manufacturers and is looking for licensing, marketing and distribution opportunities.

Sixty two year old Fred  explained that thumb injuries tend to be an occupational hazard when using a multiplier reel.

“The multiplier reel is a free spinner- so when you cast, the spool starts spinning and the line plays out -  but once the lead hits the water you have to stop the spool. The only effective way to do this is to press down on the spool with your thumb.

“The cast can be quite fierce and the spool spins incredibly fast which can cause a nasty burn if you use your thumb as a brake. There's nothing on the market to protect your thumb despite the fact that millions of people fish and suffer from these injuries regularly.”

His device has been patented with a funding contribution being provided  by WIN to support the initial costs, Fred hopes to catch the interest of fellow anglers.

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