Two Proven Methods of
Fish Hook Removal

You really need to know about fish hook removal, as it's very easy to get a hook embedded in your finger, even if there's no fish involved.

But if it's deeply embedded, you're unlikely to be able to remove it on your own - you'll need help. So these methods are for removing a hook either from someone else's flesh, or having them get one out of yours.

If it's the latter, be brave ...

The risk of needing either of these fish hook removal methods is much reduced by protecting the hook points whenever it's practical ...

Use corks or polystyrene foam for single and double hooks, and proprietary plastic protectors for small treble hooks.

Alternatively a short piece of plastic tube can be pushed over the point and barb.

If, despite these precautions, you or a fellow angler is unlucky enough to get impaled on a hook, one of the following fish hook removal methods will get it out:~

The 'Push and Cut' Method of Fish Hook Removal

First, clean around the point of entry with antiseptic ointment. If the hook has gone in in such a way that the point is close to the skin, you should consider the 'push and cut' method:~

Push the hook through so that the point and the barb exit the skin
Cut off the point below the barb with a pair of pliers
Withdraw the hook in the direction from whence it came

The 'Snatch Method' of Fish Hook Removal

A disadvantage of the 'Push and Cut' method is that it's quite painful and creates a further wound. A less painful alternative, and the one to use where the hook point has not gone in so far is the 'snatch method':~

Loop a length of line of not less than 20lb breaking strain around the bend of the hook.

Get a firm grip on the line, by wrapping it around your hand

With your other hand, press the eye of the hook down towards the surface of the skin and back toward the hook's bend, as if trying to back the hook out along the path of entry. This will disengage the barb from the flesh, and align the embedded part for removal

While pressing on the hook eye, give the line a short, sharp pull parallel to the skin and in line with the hook, to snap the hook back out of the wound.

Be particularly careful when removing a multi-hooked lure

I met a French sailboat skipper in Martinique who, while attempting to remove a treble hook from the hand of his crewmate, managed to impale his own finger on a second treble on the same lure. Being in mid-Atlantic at the time, the prospect of sharing each other's intimate moments for 1,500 miles was a depressing prospect.

Next time, he told me, he would either remove, cut off the points, or tape up all other hooks before attempting first aid. Good thinking!

Whichever method you use, always wash the wound thoroughly, apply antiseptic ointment and a simple dressing.

Check that your tetanus shots are up to date, and if not, attend to it at the earliest opportunity.

And one final piece of advice ...

Always wear some form of eye protection - spectacles or sunglasses at least - when using the snatch method. A hook in your eye would be seriously bad news...

More About Hooks & Swivels...

Circle Hooks Look Like They're Not Intended To Catch Anything At All!

The main feature of circle hooks is their inward-angled point. This makes them the hooks of choice for Catch-and-Release programmes and ideal for use with the drop-back trolling technique
Fishing Swivels are Either Essential Line Items, or Just Weak Links

Fishing swivels that don’t rotate easily when under load are a liability. They're nothing more than weak links in your line, and you’d be better off without them
Which Types of Fishing Hooks Should We Have in Our Tackle Boxes?

The types of fishing hooks that we have to choose from include J hooks, C hooks (circle hooks) and Z hooks, along with doubles and trebles. Here’s how they should be used to best effect
Fishing Hook Sizes from 32 to 20/0 – Making Sense Of The Numbers

How can a size 6 fish hook be smaller than a size 2, and a 6/0 larger than a 2/0? But there is a system of Fishing Hook Sizes, and this is how it works
Tying Fishing Hooks With The Wrong Knots Won't Help Your Catch Rate!

Which knots to use for tying fishing hooks to your line depends on the angle of the hook eye and the type of line you want to attach it to. For each of these situations, here's the knot to use

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