By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
If you have fished for any length of time, you have had a lure or bait come flying back at your face. Could have happened when pulling loose from a snag, could have been from a colossal hook set. Whichever, been there, done that.
Even hooked myself in the ear once.
It was my own stupid fault. Yes, “stupid” was the correct word for trying to cast a crankbait with two treble hooks while having it hanging about six feet from the end of the rod.
Do not think a person has many nerves in their ear. Honestly, it did not hurt. I just knew I had a heavy earring hanging from my right ear.
Dad used his pocket knife to remove the hook. Yes, it had buried past the barb. No, I have no other piercings.
I went back to fishing. No, no outstanding fish were caught that day. Wonder why?
Seriously, eye protection is a really good idea for all anglers, all the time. In addition, a good pair of polarized sunglasses will help you catch more fish. I wear mine even when the sun is not shining.
Have a great weekend and “heads up”!