How to Remove a Fishing Hook From Your Finger

Accidents involving fish hooks take place everywhere people fish. Sometimes the wind can grab the line as someone casts and veer it off-course, catching an innocent bystander in the back or face as it does. Or, someone will walk barefoot on a fishing beach or where tackle is stored, sustaining a fish hook injury in their foot or toe. Removing a stuck hook from a fish's mouth is sometimes all it takes to get that same hook stuck in the finger on its way out of the fish's mouth. There are several different methods of removing a fish hook stuck in a finger.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Antibiotic ointment
• Iodine
• Salt water
• String
• Fishing line

Instructions

1. Apply ice to the wound to numb the area. Tie a piece of string to the fish hook if the hook is not embedded too far into the skin. Press the end of the hook where the fishing line goes, flat to the skin very hard. Take the string you have tied to the hook and pull really hard. The hook should come out all in one piece. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding, if any. Cleanse the wound thoroughly by immersing in warm salt water or dousing with iodine solution. Apply antibiotic ointment if you have any in your medicine cabinet.

2. Method two involves tying fishing line to the hook, and following Step 1. A third method involves applying ice to the wounded area and pushing the barbed end of the fishing hook through your skin, taking a pair of wire pliers and snipping off the barb, then feeding the rest of the hook back through the skin and out at the puncture site.

3. Careful cleansing must be done to the finger after hook removal as marine bacteria may cause infection. Irrigate thoroughly under warm soapy running water, apply antibiotic ointment and check when you last had your tetanus booster. As with any puncture wound, tetanus is a real threat and you should get the shot to be on the safe side.

Tips & Warnings

• Always carry a first aid kit in your car to be ready for minor emergencies

• Assess the need for stitches if your wound is deep or gapes open or simply won't stop bleeding. Bleeding is a good thing as it carries away bacteria as it runs out of the wound, but excessive bleeding needs immediate medical attention. Remember to try elevating your arm to alleviate the bleeding.

• Fish hooks caught near main arteries or in the eye or eyelid, genetalia, breast, neck or other sensitive area should be treated at the emergency room as soon as possible.

• Tetanus boosters should be given if not current.