SDSU Students Build Adaptive Fishing Device for Veterans
The Design Day poster board from Team FISH
San Diego State University’s (SDSU) annual Senior Design Day on May 7, 2025 is a showcase of innovation where engineering students present capstone projects that tackle real-world challenges. This year, one standout project is especially close to QL Plus’s mission: Team FISH (Fishing Innovations for Service Heroes) developed a wheelchair-accessible fishing rod launcher for disabled veterans.
Led by mechanical engineering senior Sonia Maldonado, Team FISH designed a custom rod holder with a push-button casting mechanism powered by an electric motor and clutch. The adaptable design allows adjustments for different levels of strength and dexterity, empowering veterans to enjoy fishing with greater ease and independence.
The project is one of nearly 90 being presented at Design Day, where students apply technical knowledge and creativity to address challenges ranging from conservation to space exploration. For QL Plus, this collaboration highlights the incredible potential of student engineers to improve the quality of life for those who have served.
