It was the very first cast of the year, and I had waited so very long to get out and fish. I was running errands but had a spinning rod in my trunk rigged with a 1/4oz Little Cleo. After getting everything done I stopped at the Southern end of the West End Bridge. This used to be one of the very best spots in the city, good for Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass. Unfortunately the city or state or somebody added a gate over the mouth of Saw Mill Run in order to (presumably) stop stuff from flowing into the river in overflows, and also turned it into a barge parking lot from the looks of it. The bad thing is, this pretty much killed the great fishing that used to be endemic to this spot.
 
I grabbed my rod and headed down to the water, and with my very first cast hooked a hunk of broken off line that was out in the now much shallower water. I managed to pull it all in without breaking my 6# line, and got all the junk line out of the water and in the trash. Looking down I saw that my spoon had fallen into what I thought was a pile of leaves and twigs. I reached for it, only to discover that what I thought was a twig was actually a piece of stiff, unmoving, wire.
 
Here is where things get really, really, weird.
 
I can’t even begin to explain to you how this happened, because I’m not sure myself. I reached for my spoon, grabbing it by the snap swivel, and started to pull.
 
Big mistake.
 
Somehow, as I pulled, the swivel, NOT the hook but the snap swivel, embedded itself in my thumb! I looked closely thinking that I was hooking myself, and was alarmed to see that the hook was hanging free and yes, I did have just the end of the line and the swivel in my hand.
 
In a way that I just cannot describe, nearly the entire swivel buried itself inside my thumb! The only thing showing was the line and the very tip of the snap. I stared at my wound for a moment, shocked and still not understanding how it could have happened. Then, I started pulling it out of my cut, and the blood started to flow. It wasn’t a gusher, but I do have a big red stain on my fishing pants now.
 
After I pulled it out I knew it needed to be cleaned, but of course I’d left my vest and all my antiseptic in my trunk since this was just supposed to be a few, quick casts. Do I dare stick my thumb in my mouth with all the Ohio River water on it, to suck out whatever Ohio River water had been carried underneath my skin? Yup. Not much choice. This is where it kinda got worse.
 
As soon as I started to suck on the wound it was like taking water in my mouth. I didn’t realize how much blood was flowing until spitting on the ground looked like spitting in the sink when I had a tooth pulled by the dentist. Over, and over, again. So what to do at that point? Start casting again of course, holding my road carefully so as not to fill the foam grip with blood.
 
I only took a few more casts and then quit, going back to my car to apply antiseptic lotion, wrap the cut in a napkin, and go on home. All things considered, and since it wasn’t really a “trip” anywhere, and since I didn’t really even have my gear, this doesn’t count as a fishing trip.
 
Officially, I have not yet fished this year, so my unskunked streak continues!  :)

Holy crap that sux man. Hopefully this just means all your bad luck is out of the way now and youll crush em the next time you get out!
 

I went out today and caught a decent smallmouth on the Allegheny River (Northside by Delmonte). The River Walks are great fishing fun

I haven't checked this post in a while...  Sad to hear the hybrid program stopped in 2009.  I used to have a blast with them.  In the late 90s - mid 00s, they were in good numbers.  Rarely would I see/catch any over 24" though, but did see a couple in the 25"-27", 7-8lb range.  I wonder how they plan to keep the gizzard shad in check without them?  It would be nice tossing some purebreds in, and letting them spawn on their own, although they have the potential to take over waterways.

What is it like at the Sharpsburg launch this time of year, busy? About six months behind trying it, may try this weekend.

Hey Snag, 
 
I live around birmingham bridge, and am an avid fisherman, but grew up fishing elsewhere and never really fished the rivers.  I want to start since I am so close to access.  I wondered what kind of setup and bait or lures you use on the mon?  Thanks!

I was fishing the river walk Sunday night listening to Soundgarden playing at Stage AE and got a huge hit from something that instantly took my pole right into the water.  I had no time to react, it was gone in a flash!  I was shocked and amazed and a good bit angry too as that was my best rod and reel.  If anybody happens snag it or catch that fish with my pole still attached to it, let me know!

FishinGuy

Sounds like somebody needs bait runner.

or a larger attention span