Fishhook removal

Considerations:
Except for fishhooks lodged in a victim's eye or located near an artery, the main advantage in getting medical help is that the fishhook can be removed under a local anesthetic.

Causes:
  • fishing accident



Symptoms:



Do not:

  • DO NOT attempt to remove fishhooks that are lodged in the eye or near an artery.
  • DO NOT close the fishhook punctures with tape and apply antibiotic ointment, because sealing off the wound can increase the chance of infection.



Call Your Healthcare Provider if:

  • the fishhook is in the eye or located near an artery.



First Aid:

  • If the barb of the hook has not entered the skin, pull the tip of the hook out in the opposite direction it went in. Otherwise, use one of the following methods for removal:

WIRE CUTTING METHOD
1. Wash your hands with soap.

2. If the tip of the hook lies near the surface of the skin, push the hook on through the skin, cut it off just behind the barb with wire cutters, and remove it by pulling it back through the way it entered.

3. Wash the wound well with mild soap and running water.

4. Bandage the wound with a sterile dressing.

FISH LINE METHOD
1. Wash your hands with soap.

2. Put a loop of fish line through the bend of the fishhook so that a quick jerk can be applied and the hook can be pulled out directly in line with the shaft of the hook.

3. Holding onto the shaft, push the hook slightly in and away from the barb so as to disengage the barb.

4. Holding this pressure constant to keep the barb disengaged, give a quick jerk on the fish line and the hook will pop out.

5. Wash the wound with mild soap and running water and apply a sterile dressing.

Prevention:

  • Keep a safe distance between you and another person who is fishing (in particular, casting).
  • Keep a pair of electrician's pliers with a wire-cutting blade in your fishing tackle box.
  • Be up to date on tetanus immunization (vaccine) . A booster should be given every 10 years, to be safe.