Fishing reel attachment turns an ordinary cordless drill into a motor

Fishing requires patience, particularly when a lure has to be retrieved from hundreds of meters underwater without a fish attached. Japanese company Blue Board thinks this particular chore deserves a power tool. Its Blue Seekers Power Dock Unit, now available through a Makuake crowdfunding campaign, replaces the handle assembly on compatible manual fishing reels, allowing anglers to connect an ordinary cordless drill and motorize the retrieval process.

The clever part is its automatic switching mechanism. When the drill is operating, the reel's handle remains stationary. Anglers can return to manual operation without changing modes, keeping the actual fishing experience largely unchanged. The fish, presumably, will appreciate that they're still being caught the old-fashioned way.

During sea trials with a 150g jig, Blue Seekers recorded a peak retrieval speed equivalent to 202 meters per minute. That translates to approximately 30 seconds for 100 meters, although the manufacturer clarifies that this is a calculation based on its fastest measured interval, not a guaranteed sustained speed.

The accessory uses a standard 1/4-inch hexagonal connection and supports selected Shimano and Daiwa reels. A torque-adjustable drill is required, while impact drivers are explicitly prohibited. Users must also protect the drill from water and disconnect it before the fishing leader reaches the reel.

The Power Dock Unit starts at ¥39,532 (approximately $255) through Makuake, compared with a planned retail price of ¥47,630. The campaign closes November 29, with deliveries scheduled between January and March 2027.

As with any crowdfunding project, delivery and real-world performance remain uncertain. And while the accessory might save anglers considerable effort, they'll still have to find the fish themselves.