Fishhook Removal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

If the barb of the hook has not entered the skin, pull the tip of the hook out in the opposite direction it went in. Otherwise, you can use one of the following ways to remove a hook that is superficially (not deeply) embedded just beneath the skin.

Fish line method:

• First, wash your hands with soap and water or use a disinfecting solution. Then wash the skin surrounding the hook.
• Put a loop of fish line or string through the bend of the fishhook so that a quick jerk can be applied and the hook can be pulled out straight backward, directly in line with the shaft of the hook.
• Holding onto the shaft, push the hook slightly downwards and inwards (away from the barb) so as to disengage the barb.
• Holding this pressure constant to keep the barb disengaged, give a quick jerk on the fish line and the hook will pop out.
• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply a loose, sterile dressing. Do not close the wound with tape. Doing so can increase the chance of infection.
• Watch the skin for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, or drainage.

Wire cutting method:

• First, wash your hands with soap and water or disinfecting solution. Then wash the skin surrounding the hook.
• If the tip of the hook lies near the surface of the skin, advance the tip up and through the skin. Then cut it off just behind the barb with wire cutters. Remove the rest of the hook by pulling it back through the way it entered.
• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply a loose sterile dressing and apply antibiotic ointment. Do not close the wound with tape. Doing so can increase the chance of infection.
• Watch skin for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, or drainage.

Do not use any of the two methods above, or any other method, if the hook is stuck deeply in the skin, or in a joint or tendon, or located in or near an eye, eyelid, or artery. Get medical help right away.

A fishhook in the eye is a medical emergency, and you should go to the nearest emergency room right away. The injured person should lie down with the head slightly raised. They should not move the eye, and the eye should be protected from further injury. If possible, place a cup or soft patch over the eye but do not allow it to touch the hook or put pressure on it.