“How’s your recovery going?” is a question that I have been seeing a lot on my social media accounts, and I am very grateful for everyone checking in on me since my fall in April. Until recently there really wasn’t much to report. I was in a sling, hurting and definitely missing competing on the Elite Series. Now things are slowly getting better, and I have even had the chance to spend a few days on the water.
The recovery
My sling was just recently removed, and I had plenty of bruising and my entire body still hurts. This was a major accident, and it is going to take some time to get back to 100 percent. My shoulder had to be immobilized for six weeks so they could test for more damage, and so far all looks good as there is no major ligament damage but my wrist still hurts without a brace on. I had broken bones in my hand, and this is a little bit of a concern for me long-term since I make my living with a rod and reel in my hands.
It is going to be awhile before I fish the way I want to, and so far I have been pretty much limited to a spinning gear and a Z-Man ZinkerZ on a wacky rig or a Ned Rig. It hurts after fishing for a few hours, and you wouldn’t believe how hard a 2-pound smallmouth fights when you only have one good arm. Even the really little ones have been having their way with me. I am grateful though to be back to fishing and know that it will only get easier as I gain strength and continue to heal.
On my last trip out I was able to start using baitcasting gear and throw a frog and a Yo-Zuri glide bait. The casting part was fairly easy but setting the hook and working the bait correctly is still a little bit of a challenge, but I am getting better every time. I assume it is similar to a baseball pitcher starting to rehab after an injury, and it will take some time to get to full fishing strength.
Bass fishing fan
I’ve always been a fan of professional bass fishing but while sitting on the sidelines with my injuries I have a different perspective. I spent a few days in the boat with buddies while they fished. It was almost like being an Elite Series Marshal, but my mind was racing thinking about how I would approach each piece of cover.
I have also been playing close attention to all of the Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the Elite Series events. They do an excellent job showing the fishing during the event, and I have enjoyed watching some of my buddies who were doing well. It has really helped pass the time and stay close to the Elite Series, but I can’t lie, I would much rather be competing than watching it.
Family time
One silver lining is that I have been able to spend much more time with my wife and daughter than I typically do during the season. Stella turned one and it is amazing how quickly she is changing. When I was traveling to events for weeks at a time, I would come back and feel like she has changed so much. Now, I am able to see it right before my eyes.
Sponsors
I have some of the best sponsors I could ask for, and they have all been great after the fall. I am lucky to have such great support, and I have been busy doing everything I can to help promote them. Over the coming months, I will continue to post videos on my social media accounts with tips on how to fish their products.
Overall, my recovery is going as good as I could have hoped. I have been overwhelmed by all of the support from everyone, and I cannot wait to get back out on the Elite Series.