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Unplanned and unfortunate Wisconsin trip

8K views 20 replies 20 participants last post by  SmalliesNEyes 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
The check had been in the mail for quite some time but it was finally cashed in late May. We lost my father, the man that used to drag me out in the old V hull to fish Lake Mary first thing in the morning when I was 7 years old.
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I had to do an impromptu overnighter in early June at our cottage located in Kenosha Co. to try and locate some of the paperwork from his estate and close out a joint back account. I used some fishing to pass some otherwise somber hours. First the Fox river in the evening. The water was quite high making wading difficult and I lost my footing on several occasions when getting too far from shore. Couldn't risk some of the spots in the current and as a result had some problematic casting angles. Still got a few bites on white crankbaits.
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Got a massive thump on a Shad Rap next to some rocks and immediately saw a big catfish roll. It was a good channel cat made into a real brute by the current. I hoisted one of my better kitties.
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Right after that pic was snapped the fish thrashed knocking me off balance. I lurched forward and my wad of keys, located in my pocket, got pinned between my hip and ribs when I felt and heard an audible *POP*. It was the sound of my rib giving way and cracking. It was jarring enough that I hastily dropped the fish back in the river and shot up to feel my rib cage for any jagged protrusions. It didn't break cleanly but it was plenty painful. I wobbled my way back to my car and called it a day.

The trama of the rib did not set immediately and I got up the next morning to pier fish Mary. The spawn was still wrapping up so I didn't really target bass. Ended up with some walleye and various panfish species.
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The injury was sustained on a Thursday. Didn't really hit me fully until Monday. My entire abdominal area from the rib and wrapping a semi-circle to my spine succumbed to excruciating spasms. It felt like someone had me hooked up to some kind of electric shock machine as my side was clenching like a fist. That day was the most brutal but the six or seven days after that were pretty bad. Three weeks removed from the break and I'm on the mend. Finally was able to get out to run yesterday.

It's somewhat of a miracle my dad lasted as long as he did as since 2007, he battled heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, and a tumor that was benign in his abdomen but could have punctured his stomach at any time. This on the heels of losing my great uncle Flo, a Cubs fan, Old Style man, and fisherman in his own right, and a high school buddy to suicide in the preceding two months. Tonight I have my second cousin's wake to attend bringing the grand total of funeral services I'll have attended in the first half of 2019 to four. Lousy year so far.
 

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#2 ·
Sorry for all your grief. When people that we care about pass away it leaves a hole in our heart. Sometimes it takes years for that hole to somewhat fill back in but it never really fills up totally. I lost my 4 siblings in the span of 19 months. All I'm left with now is memories. Sounds like your dad and you had some good times.

I have always said life goes fast but it takes a long time. Heal up my friend I'm sure you have a lot left to accomplish.
~JOE~
 
#4 ·
one shit storm after another is all i could mutter to myself during a rough 2017. good news is the fish were biting. when i was a teenager i used to fish under the rte 50 bridge in the fox river and would catch much of the same . cats, bass, walleye. all on nightcrawlers on the bottom.
 
#8 ·
I actually got into fishing locally (and soon after started posting here) when I lost my dad to cancer as a way to remember him. We had yearly birthday trips tarpon fishing in Florida that are among my best memories of the big guy. So like me, you'll always take a piece of your previous outings with your dad to the lake now. I'm sure he'd be happy about the man and fisherman you've come to be.

Hang in there. Just like the gruesome rib injury, the pain does subside eventually but luckily we keep our memories. Enjoy those and think of the good times not the difficult ones.
 
#12 ·
Jdog, your Poop seems like a Great GUY so sorry for your loss, along with your other Friends who passed. I so much enjoy your reports from the Area around Lake Mary . One day i would love to fish for Walleyes there . I have been fishing the Lakes all around Mary with good success, just have not pulled the plug on that nice little Lake yet it will be in the rotation soon as we did well there last year , i think the old Man got a 20incher there last year . Hope you feeling better and love any reports just over the border. If you are ever up there let me know i will take you out in my Boat im only 45 minutes away
 
#17 ·
So sorry, JM. Sounds like your dad really battled for some time & hopefully now has found peace & relief. 10 years ago this june I went thru the same general scenario with my dad.

As for the fishing, nice work! Bet the fish on the dupe are glad to find out you were in WI.
 
#18 ·
Sorry you're going through such tough times.

I've been reading your posts for years and really appreciate the fishing knowledge you've shared. It sucks that life has thrown such difficult times your way recently.

I hope things get better for you the rest of the year…and for many to come.
 
#19 ·
Thanks all. I know many of you have gone through it and everyone has dealt with some loss. Fishing is about more than just hooking a fish, it's about healing the soul and connecting with those who taught you to love the outdoors but are no longer with us here.
 
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