TAKEOFF
THE DEAL
AnGLER AILMEnTS
HOW THREE VETERAN PROS HAVE OVERCOME INJURIES SUFFERED IN TOURNAMENT COMPETITION By Colin Moore
not counting the mental stress that stubborn fish inflict, tournament fishermen are likely to suffer various aches and pains that require medical treatment and perhaps surgery at some point in their careers. Typically, the pain is the result of joint issues such as in the arms or legs. Some anglers hit the trifecta, experiencing a variety of physical problems. We didn’ t have to go far to find examples from the FLW Tour ranks.
angler: Larry Nixon
ailment: various arm injuries cause and effect: Several years ago, Nixon tore a tendon in his right arm while ripping a Rat-L-Trap through hydrilla at Lake Seminole. Worse yet, Nixon later developed carpal tunnel syndrome in his right hand from using his thumb thousands of times to push the spool release button on his baitcasters. It affected his grip on the rod and his ability to set hooks and to fish big crankbaits. Treatment: A surgeon reattached Nixon’ s tendon. Cortisone shots and minor surgery were prescribed for the carpal tunnel syndrome. outcome and prognosis: After the tendon operation, it took Nixon about a year to hit full stride again. Ditto for the carpal tunnel syndrome, and Nixon also made himself learn how to pitch and flip left-handed. He says his right thumb gets“ numb and useless” when the air temperature hits 45 or below, but otherwise serves him well.
PHOTO BY ROB NEWELL
30 flwfiShing. com i february-march 2017