smlbass

Thanks for the comment on the pic! I actually took that with my cell phone. I was surprised how well it looked, as gross as it is.

Ok, I think I have had enough responses to tell the method I used. Since the hook was only slightly under the skin, I pushed the point through the skin. I then cut the hook as close to the joint of the trebles, which was the most painful part. When the hook was cut, the shockwave from the hook breaking free went straight to the bone. I then sanitized the area with hydrogen peroxide. I made small incisions with a VERY SHARP knife beside the hook point until I could work the barb through the skin. After the barb came through I could just pull the hook out without any pain or tissue damage. I did use liberal amounts of peroxide to cleanse the area. I have had no soreness from the hookset or the removal. The wound is healing very well and it's very small scabs where I made the incisions. I must be obsessed with bass fishing, I got the hook in my arm at 1PM, weigh in was at 2, then I went grocery shopping and then came home and unhooked the boat! All before removing the hook from my arm. Then add tonight to the list when during the tournament a severe thunderstorm warning was issued, three possible tornado touchdowns, and I kept fishing! I must be crazy or obsessed with catching the bucket mouth.

Considering I didn't want to wait for it to rust out and the fact I hit it on everything possible between loading the boat and getting home, I couldn't wait to get this darn thing out! I hit it four times just loading the boat! ;D

not sure why this is in SE section, I thought it was under the General Section. Sorry guys and gals! I did feel something during removal, but it could have been A LOT worse as far as discomfort goes.

I did get this out, but how would you have removed this, without consulting a doctor? Before telling my tale, I wanted to see what everyone else thought. I could feel the barb under the skin, so it wasn't very deep.

I just realized that the original post was on May 20 so the trip has already occurred. Did you make it out and what was the outcome? If you didn't go, hope you enjoyed the area!

Since I am sort of local to the New River and read the outdoors section of the local paper, this link may help. http://www.roanoke.com/outdoors/wb/155375 The local outdoor report went fishing on the New River in that area of Virginia and included a video. Enjoy!

Whenever I go to the local baitshop, the bait monkey wins EVERY TIME! I can never go in an come out with what I wanted...I always seem to find something I can't live without.

Welcome aboard. This is the best resource on the net for bass fishing hands down!

Welcome to the board!

I have a couple pair of polarized sunglasses, Strike King Polarized from Wal-Mart and Oakley Flak Jacket w/ Black Iridium Polarized Lenses. The difference between the cheap glasses from Wal-Mart and the Oakley glasses is night and day. There is honestly no comparison, but then again I am comparing a $15 pair to a MUCH more expensive pair. I bought the Oakley's after my fishing partner was seeing fish that I couldn't see due to the limited polarization on the cheaper glasses. I have noticed a big difference in the two sunglasses when driving in rain and bluebird skies. The Strike Kings from Wal-Mart are good sunglasses for bluebird skies when driving, but the Oakley's are SO much better in rain and also on the water. As always, YMMV, but I did a side-by-side comparison of every pair in the case before purchasing the expensive pair. I am sure I drove the salesman crazy doing it! When spending that kind of money on sunglasses, I want to make darn sure I am happy with the purchase.

Hey FBL, Good to see our home water is well represented! Maybe we can get on the water sometime and enjoy our great fishery.

Welcome to the forums! I know I have learned a ton here and I am sure you will also!

Welcome home and thanks for your service to the Great US of A.

I catch 90% of my fish with a shaky head worm. For the worm, I use anything that is watermelon colored. The most successful worm I have used is the Zoom Watermelon Candy Finesse worm on the 3/16 oz shaky head Picasso jig head. As for technique, I will cast and let the lure settle and reel in the slack. After the slack is taken up, I will shake the rod tip in a couple short, quick motions and wind up the slack again. I will let it sit for about a couple seconds before shaking the rod tip again and repeat. When I do this I can feel the jig coming up off the bottom bumping to structure and falling back again. It will take a bit of practice to get the "feel" of a bite and when to set the hook versus when the jig is bumping up against the structure. I hope I have helped. Good luck with learning and getting to love the shaky head. With a bit of practice, it can quickly become the go-to presentation when the bass seem to be not be hitting anything else.

You guys have made me feel so welcome so fast. I do appreciate it!

I have been reading through the forums for a while and finally got around to joining. I would have to agree that this is the ULTIMATE RESOURCE for bass fishing on the internet. I have received so much information and learned so much from this site, I had to start posting and getting involved! Thanks for this GREAT RESOURCE!