Stick & Fish — A Portable Fishing Reel Toy for Outdoor Play

In a world dominated by screen-based entertainment, Stick & Fish responds to the challenge of reconnecting children with outdoor environments through imaginative play. The project sought to create a universal, intuitive toy that is lightweight, durable, and adaptable to any found object, such as a stick, while being easy to use across different age groups and skill levels. The design needed to balance functionality, simplicity, and safety, while incorporating a universal fit system and modular components that encourage customization and longevity. It aims to foster resourcefulness and creativity without relying on complex or expensive equipment.

Stick & Fish transforms any stick into a playful fishing rod using a flexible silicone strap system and a 3D printed reel with a simple yet functional mechanism. Designed to be ambidextrous and adaptable, the toy encourages outdoor creativity by letting users improvise their own fishing tool with found materials. Silicone straps secure the reel to a wide range of stick sizes or other objects. Development involved rapid sketching, foam prototyping, 3D printing, and user testing to refine ergonomics and functionality. Stick & Fish’s simplicity turns any outdoor space into a creative playground for playful exploration with minimal impact.

Stick & Fish promotes creativity, outdoor activity, and sustainable play practices by encouraging users to interact directly with their environment. Using a found stick fosters resourcefulness and minimizes material waste. The design offers an accessible, inclusive play experience that appeals across generations, helping to rebuild children's relationships with nature and movement. It contributes positively to physical health, social connection, and mental well-being, demonstrating how thoughtful, low-tech design can create a meaningful impact.

Universal Fit, Portable and Packable, User-Centered Prototyping, Encourages Outdoor Play, Modular Part