Fish hook impaled in forearm just past the barb.

To remove fish hooks when impaled past the barb, follow these steps:

1. Press firmly on the eye of the hook.
2. At the same time use a cloth, string, or some type of wrap that can be wrapped around the curved portion of the hook.
3. While pressing on the eye, pull with one quick motion on the attached cloth. This is virtually painless. Irrigate the wound and bandage.

 

Fishing is a great sport not void of its own injuries. This young boy acquired a fish hook in an unlikely location. When a fish hook is embedded on the face it is NOT advisable to use the above technique. The pull and jerk method above would cause more pain. This fish hook was removed by anesthetizing the area and slowly maneuvering the hook out of the entrance hole. In the outdoors, if available, one can use ice, liquid Benadryl as an anesthesia before removing the hook. Always remember to clean and irrigate the wound and making sure your tetanus is updated.