Learned my lesson

[BobT]

Sometimes it takes a first-hand lesson to teach an old dog.

Yesterday I landed a nice 34" northern pike. I had thought I played her out enough to be quiet and I figured I could easily remove the hook. She was basically lip hooked so I didn't think I needed to use my plyers. I was in the process of removing the hook from her mouth when she suddenly decided to thrash about. Well, the worst happened and I ended up raking three of my fingers across the inside of her mouth as she slipped out of my hand. Yousa! Tore up the end of my fingers pretty good and I bled like a stuck ....! Naturally, I didn't have anything with me in the form of a first-aid kit, napkin, towel, whatever so all I could do was apply pressure until the bleeding subsided. I eventually was able to return to fishing but no before making a mess out of my fishing rod, boat, and myself.

Today, I will be picking up a first-aid kit specifically for the boat and I think I'll look at something to take with me when I go hunting. It's too often that I or others I know nip themselves with hunting knives while cleaning game.

Just thought I'd pass this along as a reminder.

Bob

[polarsusd81]

Yeah, a couple weeks ago I had my first musky in the boat. I was holding her under the gill plate and she went to thrashing and somehow my fingers slipped up and she got into 3 finger tips. It bled for nearly an hour before I got it to stop. It was worth it though.

[nofishfisherman]

A first aid kit is a MUST HAVE on the boat or anytime you are out fishing. I shore fish along the mississippi river alot and I always carry one in my backpack. Haven't needed it yet but the day I take it out will be the day that I need it.

[zepman]

I have always carried one in my boat but never needed it until this year. Actually twice this year. Had gauze and bandages to stop bleeding much like yourself. Have since went out and replentished some of the items that I've went thru. Sure glad it was there when I needed it.

[Pikeslayer]

FIRST AID Papertowel from dinnerpail,Duct tape from toolpouch under the seat!!

[BobT]

My boat is now officially equiped with a first-aid kit.

Bob

[Mike L]

I take blood thinners for coronary artery disease, so I can't even look at a treble hook without bleeding. You get the idea.

So one thing I added to my first aid kit is a container of veterinary styptic pads, which you can pick up at Petco or wherever. Generally used for stopping the bleeding if ya trim pup's nails a bit too close.

You get the benefit of direct pressure on the wound along with the coagulant drugs. Works great.

[deerhuntr8]

Caught a 49" musky on Forest Lake a couple years ago. While releasing her, I had a hand under her belly and one hand under her jaw with my thumb sticking out. She rolled over with an open mouth and closed down on my thumb. Shredded my thumb pretty good. Bled like crazy. 7 stitches. After I dropped her in the water after the bite I quickly grabber her by the tail to make sure she would swim off under her own power.

The stitches were worth the fish.

[chrisduc]

Don't forget some 30lb fireline to remove hooks from your hands (and other body parts). I have had to do this a number of times and it works great. A first aid kit has also come in very handy and I carry one with me even when I fish with others.

[Goosepride]

I had a 44 inch Jack get my thumb a few years ago...I was afraid to look for fear of losing my thumb...I still have it, but that was a bloody day!