What a lovely walk, pines, hemlock, oaks and all of those fragrant smells of the forest that can intoxicate. Such was that day when I chose to fish this wooded stream. I really love days when I can fish and the only things I encounter are natural, and wild. The area in which this stream flows is a some what popular hike for some folks but at this time of year not many use it.
The stream is lined with laurel in some places and in other areas it's pretty open.
It did not take long for the brookies to find my offering. This male fought like Mike Tyson as I was bringing him in. Tough guy who had some impressive scarring along his sides.
Connecticut was once a big farming state. Much of the land is now back where it belongs...woods, woods and more woods. Along the stream there are remnants of old farms and lots of barbed wire. Most times I see it and avoid it. This day it was not in my sight. I stepped off the bank and into a deep hole. As my body slipped I fell back and my hand and fingers found the barbed wire. I composed myself and then realized I had been injured.
There were two fingers that were ripped open and the bleeding was profuse. My option was to get back to the car where I could tend to the wound. So as I walked the finger kept bleeding. The walk was not to long and soon I was at the car. I had all that was necessary to treat and bandage to wound.
I went back and continued fishing.
I'm happy to say that a week later and the fingers are doing well.
Yikes - I'm glad you are ok Alan! Those old farm items hidden in the forest can be trouble for sure. I'm happy you got to go back and hit the stream.
ReplyDeleteWill
Hibernation
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Will you know how bad these things can be. Your an outdoors man and a trail rider. Luckily everything turned out well.
That barbed wire can be some nasty stuff. I've had plenty of my own encounters with it. Like you, I always keep a first aid kit in the truck.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I generally look hard for this stuff, but was surprised for sure. Simple first aid saved the day.
Alan I'm glad your healing. I'm a professional upright bassist on weekends so it doesn't take to much of a nick on a finger to create a big problem for me. Given the hazards of fly fishing I keep a small Coleman first aid kit in the back of my vest. It looks like an Altoids tin with just the basics, a few bandages, antibiotic suave and some Advil/Tylenol. Just enough to save me from what can be a long walk back to my jeep.
ReplyDeleteDean F
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Dean I'm now trying to figure where to put my kit. I have a small sling pack but with some shuffling I will get it in.
G'Day Alan,
ReplyDeleteWe are all relieved that that you didn't recieve serious injury after your encounter with that old barbed wire. It can be vicious as can that natural "barbed wire"--blackberry stalks. I've had a few nasty rips from those while fishing or hunting. Like DeanF. I also carry a small first aid kit on my outdoors activities--Bandaids, antiseptic cream, a few painkillers and Stingoze cream that takes away the itchiness of insect bites and plant scratches. Always glad to have these on hand when something nasty happens.
As always, lovely looking little stream and brookies.
Kind Regards,
Steve.
PS I finally got out on a stream for the first time in 2020. Shoulder and wrist pain has had me hobbled since before the start of the new year. It's kind of coming good but I can only say that I'm betterer but not better. Caught and released a pretty little wild rainbow trout from the Stevenson River at Maryville as well as getting quite a few hits as well. Came home feeling a bit achy and sore but an afternoon on the stream was good for my soul and spirits. I'll see if the photo is worth sending you in a PM--the light was poor and I haven't put it on the computer to see it in detail.
Steve.
Steve
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Steve I agree with you on blackberry thorns, I have a scar or two to remind me. As you and Dean have stated some pain killers are also a great item to carry.
Job well done on getting that wild rainbow. A few more outings and your shoulder will be fine. I would love to see that trout.
That is such a beautiful piece of water, thanks for showing it. I've never carried a first aid kit in all these years; I'm going to put one together now. Left over farm debris can be pure evil, glad you managed to get back on the stream.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike that stream is a pleasure to fish, so open.
The first aid kit is valuable, hope you will never need it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteGlad you was able to continue fishing, even with some cuts. Did you have a first aid kit in the car. I carry a kit in my boat and a small one with me when I 'm wading. Outstanding steam you was wading--thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I had all that was necessary to treat the wound in the car. Luckily it was a short walk back. But I'm going to put a kit together to carry with me.
Alan, when hunting, fishing or just wandering in the woods I always have a zip lock bag with paper towels and duct tape
ReplyDeleteYou can do some pretty serious first aid with duct tape!
Unknown
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I agree with you on the versatility of duct tape. When I hunt I carry a small rucksack and it has ample medical supplies. Duct tape makes for good emergency rod repair.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteOuch.....! I hope those jabs are up to date!?!?
Glad to see your back on the water now after some field first aid!
Hoping to get out this weekend myself, one last grayling trip before the season closes until June. Not long to wait until I can get back out mind you, the trout season opens on the 22nd March and I have booked a day of work on the 23rd as a reserve!
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Alistair
Anonymous
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Alistair all's well with the wound. Perhaps the trout water helped speed up recovery.
It is always good to take a little insurance this time of year. The weather can be unpredictable as you well know. I hope your trout opener is a success.
You can tell a UK pike angler fron the lacerated hands come autumn and winter. It's mostly from the gill rakers rather than the sharp teeth.
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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That fish is one awesome fighter. A super predator that is a force to be reckoned with. On my end the closest I've come to a pike is his little brother the chain pickerel.
Our pike go to about 45lb though I've only managed to find them to 25lb. Glad you're back on the mend.
DeleteBureboyblog, 45lbs, wow that a heavy fish. 25lbs is nothing to take lightly...steel leaders and stout hooks needed.
DeleteAlan, just goes to show you can't keep a good man down. I'm glad you had the sense to have a first-aid kit. I'm inspired to put a kit together now. At least it wasn't your casting hand!
ReplyDeleteMatt Harding
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"The fishing must go on"...A first aid kit is a good thing to have. It doesn't have to be elaborate, just a few simple necessary items. Luckily it was a finger not often used.