Handle with Care
by Paul Lebowitz

San Diego bay is a great fishery. Your hooks will find plenty of saltwater bass, but might snag two creatures that can “bite back.”

Sculpin or California Scorpionfish
The sculpin looks a lot like a red or brown-tinged bass, but spikier. Be careful with this fish! The sharp fin-tip spines are poisonous. The poison causes a painful burning sensation that will ruin your day.

Avoid handling sculpin. One way to release a sculpin without touching it is to grab the hook shank with your pliers and turn the fish upside down. The fish should drop right off the hook. Make sure your foot isn’t in the way!

In rare cases sculpin wounds may require medical attention. Call for help if the victim feels dizzy or has trouble breathing. The best first aid for a sculpin sting is to pour hot water over the wound. The heat will neutralize the poison.

Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp rarely attack artificial baits, so you probably won’t see one. If you snag an elongated crustacean, anywhere from a few inches to a foot long, watch out for its front legs. Mantis shrimp strike at lightning speed. A blow from a mantis shrimp carries as much energy as a .22 rifle shot.

If you get one, shake it off your hook with your pliers.

Read more from Paul at www.outdoorscribe.com