Maryland fishing 101

[ChannelCat]

...Chances are you'll be fine, but I avoid intentionally exposing an open cut to the water in the bay, just like I filter stream water before drinking because I really don't want to experience Giardia.

Here's one example of why not to do that. In the grand scheme of things, it's not affecting that many people, but I don't want to be one of them if I can avoid it.

I've had more cuts, bites, spines, and even a few fish hook impalements, but this was my whole point.

I just put a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the boat's first aid kit...

....The bay is full of some really nasty stuff, and if you get spined by a rockfish or white perch in the wrong stretch of water, it could be very debilitating.
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Waterborne/skininfections.htm

 

[mdram]

I've had more cuts, bites, spines, and even a few fish hook impalements, but this was my whole point.

pull it out, slap a band on it, and hold a beer to keep down the swelling

 

[ChannelCat]

pull it out, slap a band on it, and hold a beer to keep down the swelling

It was more like: Pull it out, slap a band on it, and chug a beer to kill the pain.


But seriously, holding a cold beverage on it would have been a good idea, but after pulling the hook, I rubbed an alcohol wipe on it, wrapped ice in a paper towel and held it on the would, put a band aid on it, and continued catching flounder.

 

[mdram]

It was more like: Pull it out, slap a band on it, and chug a beer to kill the pain.


But seriously, holding a cold beverage on it would have been a good idea, but after pulling the hook, I rubbed an alcohol wipe on it, wrapped ice in a paper towel and held it on the would, put a band aid on it, and continued catching flounder.

wife did the same with a 4/0 circle hook
made me take her to the ER, then back to fishing

 

[mdram]

almost forgot
WEAR sunglasses, preferably polarized, i prefer amber

google 'hook in eye' and you will wear them

 

[ChannelCat]

almost forgot
WEAR sunglasses, preferably polarized, i prefer amber

google 'hook in eye' and you will wear them

Polarized are key, as it allows you to see fish so you can best present the bait. The safety thing is a huge bonus, especially with three anglers casting jigs during the awesome pandemonium known as breaking fish and working birds.

 

[shaddydan]

Carry a small bottle of bleach. That will kill anything that goes into an open wound. And as an added bonus, it hurts like hell!

 

[mdram]

Carry a small bottle of bleach. That will kill anything that goes into an open wound. And as an added bonus, it hurts like hell!

gas works too

 

[cpc1027]

Carry a small bottle of bleach. That will kill anything that goes into an open wound. And as an added bonus, it hurts like hell!

I have a hatchet for amputations and a blowtorch to cauterize the stump.

 

[lx1x]

gas works too

Especially while smoking.. /sarc

 

[shaddydan]

I have a hatchet for amputations and a blowtorch to cauterize the stump.

 

[highli99]

I have a hatchet for amputations and a blowtorch to cauterize the stump.

Just use one of the blue fish you catch to amputate the appendage, then cauterize the wound by lighting the bay water on fire and holding your stump over the open flame.

 

[highli99]

I am not a serious fisherman but one of the most enjoyable activities is chartering a boat out of Deal in the fall, bottom fishing for spot / perch, and then using those caught baitfish to live line for Rockfish. All while drinking beers at 7:00 am.

Doesn't get much better than days like that.

 

[rico903]

Carry a small bottle of bleach. That will kill anything that goes into an open wound. And as an added bonus, it hurts like hell!

A 10:1 mixture of bleach to water is sufficient. It's what they use for mold abatement. Still hurts like hell

 

[MikeTF]

 

[rico903]

and you will find brands you like
for me its penn reels and st croix rods

All of my serious fishing friends use these combos. I'm Just trying to get back into fishing after 40 years away. I picked up a St Croix rod in Dicks, flexed the tip and it snapped right off. Bought 2 Ugly Stick combos, light and med actions. Heavy but durable for my clumsy butt. I'll probably get the Penn Fierce II for a surf rod.
Edit, I returned the Ugly Stick combos and just bought the Ugly Stick rods and 2 Shimano reels on sale.

 

[Minuteman]

Great advice, thanks all.

I got home late from work, hoping to make it out soon, maybe as early as tomorrow afternoon, or sometime this long holiday weekend.

 

[jeffie7]

+1 on glasses just the other day I gave a jerk back on a line that was caught in some grass and it went flying straight into my eye. It was one of these.

I can't believe it smacked me just right, it didn't hook anything... I know how lucky I was, it hit hard enough to be felt the next day. From here on, glasses are a must.

On another note, here is a shot from today. failed day for me, had 4 hits and lost everyone. I think my frog lure is too big for whatever was hitting it.

 

[Minuteman]

Sun, eye, or safety glasses; will do, check!

Looks like another great day fishing for you guys. I shot IDPA today and it went long; even though I drank probably 1.5 gallons of water, I'm exhausted, didn't make it fishing today, but this weekend is looking good!

 

[PowPow]

...
- can we just go to any public (park) pond/lake, river, stream and fish now?

Yes... just look for no fishing signs.
Best bet.. look at dnr site for public fishing areas.

This DNR site is not perfect, but it does show a lot of places you can fish with details, limitations, etc.

Public Angler Access Map