How to join a path and elimate part of a path

Hi,

Illustrator CS6.

I did the fish body outline. Then I decided I needed to change the path by the head. I want to join the inside line to the body outline and eliminate the path on the head portion. I need the finished outline to e a closed path so I can do a clipping mask. I have tried the "join" cmd but it wants to add a straight line between the bottom and top.

Is there a way to accomplish what I am wanting to do?

Hope I made this understandable:)

Thanks

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.