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removing a fish hook

overview

do not try to remove a fish hook (seek medical care instead) if any of the following are true:

  • the fish hook is in or near an eye.
  • the fish hook is in a joint, in a bone, or deep in a muscle.
  • you are concerned that removing the fish hook may damage nearby blood vessels or nerves.
  • the person who is injured is not calm and cannot help.
  • you are afraid to remove the fish hook.

if the fish hook is not near an eye, joint, bone, or deep muscle, and you are confident you can remove it, try these steps.

  1. first, cut any fishing line, fish, bait, or lure from the fish hook.

    this is best done with sharp, side-cutting pliers.

  2. use ice or cold water for 2 to 3 minutes to numb the area.
  3. if the barb of the fish hook has not entered the skin, pull the tip of the hook back out.
  4. if the barb is embedded in the skin, first try the string-pull method.
  5. if medical help is not available and the fish hook is deeply embedded in the skin, try the advance-and-cut method.

    if medical help is available, have a deeply embedded fish hook removed by a doctor or nurse.

related information

credits

current as of: july 10, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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