2020 to 2021 on the Sidelines

There just wasn’t much fun for me during this New Years holiday season. First, I came down with some kind of sinus/bronchitis funk before New Years eve and secondly I’ve been suffering through another torn rotator cuff. For me, making the transition from 2020 to 2021 is very similar to making the transition from 2010-2011 and 2016 -2017. Those were the New Years transitions that I had a torn rotator cuff and it looks like I’m going to need another repair on an already repaired right shoulder soon. I’m pretty sure I know how I did the damage and that was from making the transition to the Ultrex trolling motor from the Fortrex. I know it sounds weird but I noticed that the Ultrex was just a bit heavier and unfortunately I generally use my right arm to deploy and retract the trolling motor. The reason I use my right arm is because I’m left handed and I usually have my rod in my left hand so it’s out of force of habit. A few weeks back I started experiencing some minor separations in my right repaired shoulder and it just went down hill from there. It’s finally gotten to the point of burning pain anytime my arm isn’t supported so it’s just about impossible as well as very uncomfortable to fish right now. I’m in the process of getting a MRI and finding a Ortho surgeon that takes my insurance so going forward, I have a shoulder brace and I may try and fish a little here and there if possible.

With all that being said, my buddy Mike took me out for a couple hours this week and we were able to catch a few fish and I got my first few bass for 2021. The first was a feisty 2lber on a shaky head in a 40 feet deep ditch and the second was a small deep ditch bass on a spoon. We caught a few more on the jig and a little swimbait and most of our fish were deep fish this week. Hopefully I can get back out on the lake next week with my shoulder brace and I can find a few more fish. This is the time of year it can be tough, slow and cold but there are also opportunities for some very big fish and hopefully I can find some soon.

20 thoughts on “2020 to 2021 on the Sidelines

  1. Sorry to hear about your shoulder Mr Jim! I had a SLAP tear repair on my right shoulder a couple of years ago, put me out for 6 months until I was back to full duty. I understand the aggravation!!
    I hope you recover quickly and get on the back on the water. If you need to get out you’re welcome anytime with me on my boat. I’m no expert like yourself but I manage to scrounge around and pick up some here and there.

  2. Jim, i switched from an Ultrex to a Lowrance Ghost. It takes about a 1/3 of the efford to raise it up and no effort to lower it. It has been great for my body…

  3. Hey Jim, since I’m the gate keeper to our cove, LOL,I’ve noticed you have not been out much. I’m really sorry to hear that you are down and out. I just figured you had boat issues. While you are on the mend, I’d be happy to take you fishing anytime. Hit me on mobile, I’ll swing by! Good luck and Prayers on getting better quickly!

  4. Sorry about your shoulder. I know how debilitating that pain can be. Your posts are great—and we’ll be following your blog. Hope you find a good doctor and can enjoy getting out when you’re feeling up to it.

  5. Damn man, Hate to hear about that. I’m we’ll versed in that shoulder pain. Knocked my replacement out of joint and it ain’t fun.
    What the hell, if it warms up a little I’ll Take you out in my sled if you don’t mind riding in the can!
    Praying for full and fast recovery. Great doctors at Longstreet in Gainesville!

  6. Very sorry to hear about your shoulder. I am left handed and had to have mine done a year ago July. Not fun and the rehab is a real pain. Is not perfect now but works well. Would not want to have it done again. Best of luck to you.

  7. Jim,
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge of fishing and Lake Lanier. Wishing you a speedy recovery with that shoulder.

    Sincerely, Eddie Cole

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