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Advance-and-Cut Method of Fishhook Removal

If medical help is not available to remove a fishhook, this method is an option. If removal of the fishhook is too painful, seek medical care.

Step A

Alternate method of fish hook removal, step A
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slide 1 of 4, Step A,

Determine that the fishhook is deeply embedded and cannot be removed by the string-pull method. Use ice or cold water to numb the area.

Step B

Step B: Push the hook through the skin
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slide 2 of 4, Step B,

Push the hook the rest of the way through the skin so the barb comes out through the skin.

Step C

Step C: Cut off the barb
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slide 3 of 4, Step C,

Carefully cut off the barb. (Wire cutters work.)

Step D

Step D: Remove the hook
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slide 4 of 4, Step D,

Remove the rest of the hook by pulling it back out from where it entered the skin.

Be sure to clean the wound to prevent infection.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofNovember 20, 2017

Current as of: November 20, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine