Fish Hook Injury

Removing embedded hooks safely, or knowing when not to

Step by Step

Small shallow hooks can often be removed by the push and cut method: push the barb forward through the skin until it emerges, cut off the barb or the eye of the hook with pliers, and slide the rest of the hook back out the way it came. Clean the wound, cover it, and check that tetanus protection is current with a health professional. Do not attempt removal if the hook is near an eye, in a joint, deeply embedded, or has barbs in a tendon: instead pad around it, leave it in place, and seek medical care. Give nothing heroic: sea water and spit are not cleaners. Watch for infection over the following days, especially red streaks or spreading swelling.