Sculpin... - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

PapaDave · 07-07-2023, 09:39 AM

So this is an FYI for those who don't already know...

This last weekend I caught a decent sculpin, kept it and stuck it in the bait tank (wasn't using bait that day). Upon loading the kayak on the trailer I decided to put the thing in the ice chest. Being somewhat over confident I tried doing this with my hand, and it being still alive, protested, stabbing me in the joint of my thumb. Not a little pin prick, I got stabbed good. That was extremely painful.

Fortunately my buddy's wife looked for ways to mitigate the pain and found something that actually worked. Basically, stick the stung area in hot water, not scalding, but as warm as you can stand, for about 15-30 minutes depending on your tolerance. It worked, in about 15 minutes the pain died down to a point where I didn't feel I was going to pass out. Evidently the heat breaks down the toxins, diminishing their effect.

There was still some pain but not nearly as bad and a couple of Advil's, well three, helped as well. My thumb is a bit swollen and stiff today, but it's fine.

Thought this might come in handy for some.

Mahigeer · 07-07-2023, 10:33 AM

Thanks for sharing.

I also hear pee is an alternative if hot water is not available.

JohnMckroidJr · 07-07-2023, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

Thanks for sharing.

I also hear pee is an alternative if hot water is not available.

Yep, I have pissed on it to alleviate the pain. It helped.

MITCHELL · 07-07-2023, 08:14 PM

Caught hundreds night fishing Sandiego Bay on anchor.
I used to use big tin snips to cut ✂️ all the spines off before cleaning. I sure I been stuck a couple of times.
I can remember hoop netting lobster from a paddle kayak and got stuck removing a small sculpin. I just had to tough it out, kept fishing eventually the burn subsided.
But for a guy who gets blue nails making a living really no big deal. I have hurt my self worse with 1 1/2 in galvanized nails nailing through double sheet metal.
When you can't find your punch.

PapaDave · 07-10-2023, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

Thanks for sharing.

I also hear pee is an alternative if hot water is not available.

Yeah, my buddy offered to pee on it for me, maybe it's just me, but I declined.

07-07-2023, 09:39 AM	#1
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,455	Sculpin... So this is an FYI for those who don't already know... This last weekend I caught a decent sculpin, kept it and stuck it in the bait tank (wasn't using bait that day). Upon loading the kayak on the trailer I decided to put the thing in the ice chest. Being somewhat over confident I tried doing this with my hand, and it being still alive, protested, stabbing me in the joint of my thumb. Not a little pin prick, I got stabbed good. That was extremely painful. Fortunately my buddy's wife looked for ways to mitigate the pain and found something that actually worked. Basically, stick the stung area in hot water, not scalding, but as warm as you can stand, for about 15-30 minutes depending on your tolerance. It worked, in about 15 minutes the pain died down to a point where I didn't feel I was going to pass out. Evidently the heat breaks down the toxins, diminishing their effect. There was still some pain but not nearly as bad and a couple of Advil's, well three, helped as well. My thumb is a bit swollen and stiff today, but it's fine. Thought this might come in handy for some. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...

07-07-2023, 08:14 PM	#4
MITCHELL Sea Hunter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Where ever I may roam where I lay my head I call home. Posts: 2,251	That is one fish that will never decline.... Caught hundreds night fishing Sandiego Bay on anchor. I used to use big tin snips to cut ✂️ all the spines off before cleaning. I sure I been stuck a couple of times. I can remember hoop netting lobster from a paddle kayak and got stuck removing a small sculpin. I just had to tough it out, kept fishing eventually the burn subsided. But for a guy who gets blue nails making a living really no big deal. I have hurt my self worse with 1 1/2 in galvanized nails nailing through double sheet metal. When you can't find your punch. __________________ Duke Mitchell

07-07-2023, 10:33 AM	#2
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,862	Thanks for sharing. I also hear pee is an alternative if hot water is not available.