FYI Bat Rays Have barbs 11/18

[SevengillTheVC]

Hey guys hit my AO yesterday hunting some Sevengills. Weather was great for mid-November and the surf and salad was perfect. I land a cast at least 50 yds past the breakers and am feeling good. And everyone was in high spirits with dolphins giving us a hell of a show 200yds off the beach. I was throwing my perch rod when I see my friend bendo. I run over to him and he has a respectable 40lb-50lbs ray. Grab it and start hauling it to the beach, then (stupidly) I put the ray in front of me and felt a sharp pain in my right calf that made me collapse. I immediately knew I got tagged, and looked and the 1" stab wound gushing blood. Excruciating pain radiated up my leg but I was able to fight it pretty well. I couldn't help but keep laughing at myself, in the 8 years of mud marlining I have never gotten close to being shanked, today was my lucky day. All captured on GoPro by my friend which was very enlightening to watch the mistake play out and be able to pin point it. Poured fresh water over the wound, put several alcohol pads through it and packed it and wrapped it tight. Then the miserable 800yd walk through sand to the car, it was by far one of the most painful things I have experienced. No fish porn for this one, just a hard lesson I was given. Complacency got the better of me yesterday, so with all these big brownfin showing up remember to be cautious, and remember to always have first aid with you while fishing. It feels much better today, and is already healing.

[sasquatch]

 Took one in the ankle. Through my boot. Got an ambulance ride and missed two weeks of work. Still numb 2 years later.  Tom got one in the leg and had a gnarly infection. If you don't get it checked out by a Dr. Keep a close eye on it. First sign of infection and get yourself to the Dr. The pain is the least of your worry.

[raychavez91]

Ouch! I thank god in 10 years of fishing on and off for rays I've never bin stung...yet  lol

[SevengillTheVC]

Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one. Guess it's bound to happen sooner or later. I have been diligently cleaning it every 6 hours or so and replacing the dressing. Keeping a close eye on it, bat ray aint worth a leg.

[sasquatch]

Thanks, good to know I'm not the only one. Guess it's bound to happen sooner or later. I have been diligently cleaning it every 6 hours or so and replacing the dressing. Keeping a close eye on it, bat ray aint worth a leg.

Hope you stay on the mend.

[Latimeria]

Dude, hopefully you are cleaning the inside also.  Don't mess with it as I tried to power through until my fever went crazy and my Dr said I was a day or two from not waking up.  Take it seriously and hope it heals up.

I got away with it for decades, but just the slightest lowering of my guard and BAM!

Heal up boss and keep a close eye on it.  Mine went 3" into my thigh just missing my femoral artery and Sciatic Nerve.  Hopefully yours made for a better warning than a future issue.

[MASSfisher]

Definitely take care of it man....don't let that thing get infected. I've been super lucky so far but have seen a lot of guys act pretty careless around big bat rays. Not saying that you were careless though, sometimes we just get unlucky. Good luck!

[vdisney]

Damn, guess it can happen to anyone.  Sorry dude, like everyone says..............take care of it.  I'm gonna have Denny read this post, Verne

[WheresMyBeer]

 

Sorry bro. Heal fast!

Saw the crime scene from Steve's stab. Witnessed TOMs first hand. Was even grazed on my finger during a release (wasn't a stab but a slice).

Playing with knives!

Keep safe!

[SevengillTheVC]

So I deemed that the video would be no threat to post here. So here it is. The wound is swollen and warm so I will be going to the doctors today. It is a good video to show the pain and the mistake that led to it. Let me know if it's not working and enjoy.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204283646429619

[Latimeria]

That just brought back some painful memories.  Super glad you are going into the Dr's to get it checked out.  Infection is the scariest part.

I know my experience has raised my guard exponentially when handling them now.

<shiver>

[sasquatch]

Maybe I'll post some gore pics when I get a chance. Its happy hour tonight though.

[j.rasta]

Dayum bredren that looks like it hurt like a muthaf@ckah ! Hope u heal up quickly bro!

[WheresMyBeer]

Dude! ... the Vid !! 

[sasquatch]

Just a couple shots. Got me through the boot.