Species: Pacific Staghorn Sculpin (Leptocottus armatus)
Location: Chetco River South Jetty, Brookings-Harbor, OR
Date: September 10, 2009
Rashomon Effect 6-of-6: My Hands
The phone started beeping, and I fumbled for it in the blackness. My hand found it in the dark, but as I flipped it open with my thumb, the split at the base of the thumbnail cried out with the motion.
I knew I should’ve put on hand lotion the night before.
The salt and sand and fish blood weren’t going to do me any favors, but the shower soothed my aches and pains momentarily.
***
Buckling my belt wasn’t pleasant, nor was tying my shoes. Getting my gear ready wasn’t a picnic, either. Why do so many things require using your hands?
***
Finally, I was fishing.
Braided line carves through wet skin. My left hand learned this lesson almost immediately. The weight of the line worked against me, as numerous cuts and slices joined the splits and nicks from the night before.
There was no freshwater on board, so in order to get the blood off, my only recourse was saltwater. Nothing feels better in a wound than saltwater.
Since my hands were so ravaged, I didn’t even want to use them to wipe the vomit from the corners of my mouth, so I used my sleeve. Man, I was disgusting. But I didn’t even care.
***
The boat returned to the marina, and despite the prospect of catching our own bait fish on ultralight tackle, I made a beeline for the bathroom.
Relief washed over my ailing hands with soap and water that might as well have been ecstasy in the moment.
Hands clean, I returned to the marina to chase bait.
***
The tiny fish and tiny hooks from the sabiki didn’t cooperate with my sausage fingers, stiffened lightly from the infection slowly setting in.
Still, we filled a bag with bait in short order and headed to the jetty.
***
After catching several species on the jetty, including my first Pacific Staghorn Sculpin, the laterally-compressed big-headed things that look more alien than fish, I was pretty excited even if they were all relatively small fish. Then my rod bent sharply, and I knew I had something bigger on the line. After a short fight, I pulled the mystery creature up to the edge of jetty and lifted it from the water.
I was dismayed to see it was a Dungeness Crab, but then hope sparked in me as I realized it might be a keeper. Not knowing how to hold crabs, I just grabbed it. It rewarded my stupidity by slicing my already-mangled finger open.
Crawfish pinch, and it can hurt a little, but it doesn’t break the skin. Crabs can carve you up like a hapless Thanksgiving turkey.
The high-pitched screech reeked of masculinity, and I watched in horror as the crustacean from Hell maintained its death grip on my finger. Finally, Ben pried it off, and we released it, realizing it was a female.
I was out of tissues, so I ripped a small strip off fabric off of my tee shirt and tried to cobble together a makeshift bandage, but it was impractical, hindering every crank of the reel and basically making my right hand useless.
We ended on a low note and headed back down the jetty to start the long journey home, where I coated my hands in the only lotion I’ve ever found that actually fixes my hands after long fishing trips: Goldbond Diabetic Hydrating Foot Lotion. It seems strange, but it works.
#SpeciesQuest // #CaughtOvgard
Read the next entry in #SpeciesQuest here: Species #32 — Cabezon.
Awsome article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
7ijk8p
x2jl2v
1x2lj4
Fight For Us Jiu Jitsu
7135 W Ann Rd. #140, Las Vegas, NV 89130
(702) 438-4207
BJJ, Jiu Jitsu, Best BJJ Gym, BJJ Gym, Jiu Jitsu Gym, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jiu Jitsu Las Vegas, Jiu Jitsu Centennial Hills,
Jiu Jitsu Summerlin
rpbu9c
dyg2p2
jq0266
c5jqon
qkmpjd
3e7vso
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
1gcjwr
qgal17
Elevate Your Digital Presence with Digitaleer in Phoenix
**Empowering Your Online Success in Phoenix**
When it comes to navigating the digital landscape in Phoenix,
Digitaleer stands out as a premier digital marketing agency.
Situated at 310 S 4th St #652, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, our team offers a comprehensive suite of online marketing services tailored to meet
the unique needs of businesses in neighborhoods like Adobe Highlands and Arizona Hillcrest.
From SEO optimization to social media management, we specialize in enhancing your digital presence and driving measurable results.
**Exploring the Vibrant City of Phoenix**
Phoenix, founded in 1867, is a thriving metropolis nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
With a population of 1.625 million and over 591,169 households,
it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
Interstate 10, a major highway that spans the country, serves as a vital artery connecting Phoenix to neighboring cities and
states.
**Cost of Digital Solutions and Climate in Phoenix**
Digital solutions in Phoenix can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
On average, businesses may invest anywhere from $1,000 to $10,
000 or more for comprehensive digital marketing services.
As for the climate, Phoenix experiences a hot desert climate with scorching summers reaching highs of 110°F (43°C) and mild winters
with temperatures averaging around 60°F (16°C).
**Discovering Phoenix’s Top Points of Interest**
Explore these must-visit attractions in Phoenix:
– **Arizona Boardwalk:** An entertainment district featuring restaurants,
shops, and attractions like the OdySea Aquarium.
– **Arizona Capitol Museum:** Learn about Arizona’s rich history and political heritage at this
captivating museum.
– **Arizona Falls:** A scenic waterfall and hydroelectric plant nestled in the heart of the city.
– **Arizona Science Center:** A hands-on science museum with
interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages.
– **Butterfly Wonderland:** Immerse yourself in the enchanting world
of butterflies at North America’s largest butterfly conservatory.
**Why Choose Digitaleer for Your Digital Marketing Needs**
Choosing Digitaleer means partnering with a trusted ally dedicated to your online success.
With our expertise in SEO optimization, web development,
and digital advertising, we help businesses in Phoenix stand out in a
competitive digital landscape. Whether you’re looking to increase brand
visibility, drive website traffic, or boost conversions, Digitaleer delivers tailored solutions that drive real
results and help you achieve your business goals.