How to Remove a Fish Hook

Ouch! If you fish often, there may likely come a time in your angling career when you have to remove a fish hook from yourself or from another angler. That said, it’s a good idea to know how to do it the right way. If the barb is protruding through the skin, snip the barb off with wire cutters first and then carefully back the hook out. When a hook is superficially embedded in the surface of the skin, a simple way to remove it is by using the “string” or “fishing line” technique.

1. Cleanse the hook and puncture wound with povidone-iodine or antibiotic solution.
2. Remove the lure from the fish hook if one is attached.
3. Using a piece of 50 lb braid line (heavy line), double the line and loop it around the hook.
4. Hold onto both ends of the double line, wrapping them around your fingers for a solid grip.
5. With your other hand, press down and back on the eye of the hook.
6. With the line parallel to the surface of the skin, quickly pull the string away from the hook’s eye.
7. The hook should pop out in a fairly painless manner.

These steps can be used outdoors when the situation occurs because no special equipment is required; however, they are not recommended if the hook is embedded in an area of the skin that is likely to move when the line is pulled. The pulling movement can cause the vector of force to change and the barb may not properly release. If the hook is near the eye area, seek professional medical attention. Before taking your next fishing trip, review a list of fishing safety tips in order to prevent accidents or injuries.