Like many anglers Fred Meilak has suffered numerous cuts and
burns from using his thumb to control the spool when casting – but he’s
come up with a ‘reely’ good idea to prevent this.

Fred has, with the help and support of the Wales
Innovators Network (WIN) which is funded and run by the Welsh Assembly
Government, come up with the Multiplier Fishing Reel Spool
Controller.

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.

He is heading to London later this month to join hundreds of other
inventors from around the world to promote his simple but effective
thumb guard at the British Invention Show.

He
will be exhibiting on the WIN stand and hopes his invention will catch
the eye of potential manufacturers and is looking for licensing,
marketing and distribution opportunities.

Sixty
two year old Fred, who lives in New Quay, explained that thumb injuries
tend to be an occupational hazard when using a multiplier reel.

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Multiplier Fishing Reel
Spool Controller“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.

Ieuan Wyn
Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the Wales
Innovators Network is a unique initiative providing professional advice
and support for individuals across Wales to help them develop their
concepts into commercial products.

“Innovation
is the lifeblood of a healthy economy and WIN plays an important role
in actively encouraging and promoting inventors, innovators and
entrepreneurs.

“Over the past year 350
individuals have been helped with the development of their ideas and
Wales has done exceptionally well over the past few years winning a
raft of top awards at the key exhibitions in Europe.”

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