Gone fishin'

We have a couple of friends here that gave us fishing equipment for our wedding. I liked the idea that I owned a pink fishing pole, but we didn't actually attempt fishing until this weekend. And it was awesome. Peter coached me on casting for a while, and then he turned his attention to building a small fire in our chiminea (wow, mosquitoes really do hate smoke!) In a matter of five minutes, I caught three small catfish. This is what we learned in that short period of time-
1. Catfish are full of cartilage, and it is ridiculously hard to get a hook out of a catfish face.
2. Don't let go of the fishing pole while trying to set a fish free. They might try to swim away with it.
3. Always watch your bucket of bait. Or your dog. Otherwise you will be out of bait.
4. Catfish have sharp barbs in their fins, and their sting causes "Severe pain and inflammation." We found this to be accurate. In addition I learned that they can also make you bleed.
5. We are completely inexperienced and ignorant fishermen.
6. The channel in our backyard is full of fish and we can't wait to try again. Maybe with a little help next time...

Our first victim. And that "what in the world am I doing" face.