Fishing Report: Garibaldi Labor Day weekend
Went to Garibaldi Thursday night, excited to fish over the long holiday weekend.
Put the boat in a transient slip Thursday night, and headed out early Friday morning with my wife. Fishing was slow to start, then we found a very strong rip current trolling towards Twin Rocks. I knew there had to be a fish under it! A rod went down, with line peeling off the reel. My wife grabbed it, and I got the net ready. Got the fish to within 20 feet of the boat, and it popped off! I assume it was a large chinook, judging by the initial run, and very aggressive takedown.
The story goes downhill fast from here. I turned with the net, next thing I know I am writhing in pain on the bottom of the boat, my back had strongly disagreed with whatever movement I made with the net. I literally could hardly move, without my back spasming. I tried to keep trolling, but could not do it, had to drive back over the bar, in pain! Saturday morning was no better, I could not move, literally. Left the boat in the water and came back to Portland Saturday morning, to see my chiropractor. Fast forward to today, two weeks later, a visit to the doctor, and several to my chiropractor, back is still sore, but I am planning on heading back down this afternoon, and fishing over the weekend.
In retrospect, I can see how this happened, I had been lifting very heavy crab pots by myself, spent hours in my aluminum boat pounding the waves, carrying heavy tackle bags, etc. It is time to invest in suspension seats, and an electric crab davit. I normally do not wear a wedding ring, but have a ring on my finger now, as a reminder to "be kind" to my back.
Lastly, having friends and health care providers who are willing to go out of their way to help is wonderful. Two of my friends pulled my boat out of the water, and put it on my trailer for me, and the chiropractor saw me on a Saturday, despite the fact he had plans to head to the coast, he delayed his departure to see me. I am very grateful for these type of people!
Hopefully this weekend goes smoother, at least less painful, please!
