Travel - Local angler invents tool to help land ‘the big one’

With the ice melting and open water breaking through around Greater Sudbury, many city residents’ thoughts are turning to the approaching fishing season, local angler and inventor Perry Robichaud said.
But landing a fish beside your boat can be the trickiest part of fishing, Robichaud noted.

The 52-year-old, life-long Val Caron resident and former mechanic has invented what he calls Sure Catch, the Fish Net Tipper, a device which not only increases your chances of landing “the big one,” but could also save your life.

“My invention increases boat safety, independence (for the disabled) and the success ratio of large fish landed,” Robichaud said.

The device is operated by a foot pedal and holds the handle of the fishnet.

“It holds the mouth of the net into the top of the water. With your rod, you guide your fish into the net with both your hands. Then by operating a foot pedal, (the Fish Net Tipper) raises the net out of the water.”

With one hand, anglers can release the net within seconds, allowing the angler to securely grab the net and bring the fish into the boat safely.

“The quick release paddle allows the angler to retrieve the net with the fish in it in one motion,” Robichaud noted.

His idea for the invention stemmed from the number of fishing-related drowning deaths — up to 100 people in Canada and up to 200 in the United States die each year from fishermen falling overboard while trying to land a fish.

The idea has been brewing since as far back as 1983, he said.

“I was motivated to apply for a patent in 2003 when I saw a story about an electric fishing reel for amputees. I thought my invention was the next most logical fishing invention, because it is virtually impossible for any disabled angler to successfully land any large fish alone.”

He said the Fish Net Tipper is very versatile, can accommodate right and left-handed people and has telescopic legs that adjust to the side of the boat.

“Even a fisherman in a canoe can use this,” he noted.

Multiple units can be installed on any boat, he said. The unit is expected to retail between $80 and $120.

“I have authorization from the head office of a major distributor and retail chain with stores here in the city to stock this unit, once I have the units available.”

Robichaud said the invention should be available soon on store shelves.

“I have my friends and co-workers hounding me for the chance to buy it,” he said, with a laugh.

He is not interested in selling it to individuals, but to retailers who will distribute it for him. While at the Toronto Sportsman Show, March 17-21, he said he had interest from fishing celebrities, such as Bob Izumi, and a well-known large Canadian retailer with stores in Greater Sudbury.

“They want it,” he said. However, until a deal is struck, he cannot name that interested party.

He said he had fun pitching the device at the Toronto event.

“When couples would approach my booth, I would say ‘this is the first time a man can put his foot down without getting into trouble.’ The couples were always amused by that and would often leave laughing.”

So far, he has received local interest from Brian Ramakko, owner of Ramakko’s Tackle World in the south end, and Nick Johnson, owner of Johnson Tackle in Lively. While in Toronto at another sportsman’s show recently, Peel Police Marine officers expressed interest as well.

“They are concerned about the number of drownings in their area. They see this as a way to reduce marine tragedies.”

He said he was thankful for the Learning Initiative organization in Greater Sudbury, where he took a course in June 2009, which helped him with his business plan for the unit.

Robichaud has at least six other inventions on the go.

“They are for the cottage, yard and golf course.”

For more information about the Fish Net Tipper, phone 969-9651.