Hi everyone. I have been absent for a long while now, and just popped in to
check out a few bassing posts.

This one reminded me of my self hooking achievements which I thought I would
also contribute.

A couple of years ago I hooked a 4 pound largemouth on a rapala minnow from
the shore.

As I lip landed it, it gave one last thrash and proceeded to drive a hook
(three trebbles on this rapala) through my right middle finger nail, past
the barb. I had this struggling fish firmly hooked to to my bait and my bait
firmly hooked to my finger, and only my left hand to help out! I am right
handed too, which is why I was hooked in my right hand.

Like you I unhooked the fish and released him first, but was left with the
bait still through my nail, past the barb.

I was an hour from the nearest emergency room, and I did not want to miss
out on the evening bite, so I grabbed my pliers, painfully realigned the
hook so the barb was the same way that it entered, closed my eyes and
prepared for more pain.

Holding the pliers still, I went for broke and just pulled in roughly the
same direction that the hook entered. I remember, after the pain had
subsided, that I was surprised at how hard I had to pull to get my finger
free. The amount of blood also surprised me.

I will always use Gamakatsu hooks these days. The ease with which that hook
went through my nail is testament to how sharp they are. It amazes me that a
bass can inhail a crank and spit it out without hooking up sometimes.

For a month I had a hole in my nail that hooked absolutely everything that
was remotely material related. When it finally grew out I was so happy.

Anyway. Back to lurk mode.

Ciao.