Wilderness: Fishhook Removal

• Fishhook Removal
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Fishhook Removal

Fishing is a widespread leisurely activity that rarely results in an emergency. However, trauma from a fishhook piercing the skin is common. Use the following guidelines to remove a fishhook:

• Use pliers or forceps to push the hook gently through the skin, following the curve of the hook.
  
  
• Cut off the barb so that the unbarbed portion of the fishhook can be backed out.
  
  
• Do not close the wound.
  
  
• Follow wound care guidelines.
  
  
• Start antibiotics immediately.

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult a doctor about available medications for the treatment of fishhook wounds. People who experience a fishhook puncture should be immunized for tetanus if more than 5 years have passed since their last inoculation.

For More Information

American Academy of Family Physicians
P.O. Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
(800) 274-2237

Web Links

MedlinePlus, Fishhook removal

American Academy of Family Physicians, Fishhook Removal

Synonyms and Keywords

fishhook removal, hook removal, fishing injury, fishhook wound, fishhook puncture, fishhook piercing

Authors and Editors

Author: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Editors: Ivette Motola, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; James Kimo Takayesu, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital.

Last Editorial Review: 8/10/2005