Dear Dr. Aaron,

I’m glad I can type this, my handwriting is illegible. Fishing is my thing, watching fishing shows on YouTube, or out in the boat casting is where I want to be. In my efforts to be ready to land monsters this spring, I was practicing casting in the front yard. My neighbors dog Amos is very friendly and was watching as I sent a big hookless plastic bait out to the street over and over again. Amos unexpectedly chased the bait and to my amazement grabbed it. I kinda panicked, Amos took off like a shot and my rod and reel with him. I gave chase yelling for him to stop. Amos would let me get close and take off again. Frustrated but unwilling to give up my gear, I tried to trick him, I was so intent on getting my gear I missed the clothesline or rather found the clothesline. My back is wrecked!! Ice or heat? It is always confusing…

Clotheslined in Osage Beach

P.S. Amos left my gear on my porch

Dear Clotheslined,

The key is to ice for 20 minutes, causing the vessels to narrow, and then heat for 15 minutes, causing the vessels to dilate. Repeat until you can come see me. All things can be contact sports, maybe keep some Amos treats handy to keep from becoming the baited.

Always here for you,

Dr. Aaron

P.S. fishing is almost as fun as deer hunting