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February 10, 2012
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Fishhook Removal

Medical Author:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Ivette Motola, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James Kimo Takayesu, MD

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.

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Fishhook Removal

Fishhook Injuries »

Topic Overview

Even if you fish carefully, you may get a fishhook in your skin. Fishhook injuries often occur when you remove a slippery, flopping fish from your line. Injury may also occur when you are casting a line, from another person casting a line, or if you walk barefoot near fishing gear. The chance of a fishhook injury increases if you are not familiar with fishing gear.

Most fishhook injuries puncture the skin of the face, scalp, fingers, back, or ears. Home treatment can help you remove a fishhook that is not too deep. It is important to clean the puncture wound well to help prevent infection.

A fishhook can cause other problems if it enters the eye, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones. A fishhook injury is more serious when:

  • A fishhook is in or near an eye. Be sure to know first aid for a fishhook in or near the eye.
  • A barb cannot be removed using home treatment.
  • Bleeding is severe or cannot be stopped.
  • The wou...

Read the Fishhook Injuries article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Foreign Body Removal, Wound »

Soft tissue foreign bodies are frequently a result of penetrating or abrasive trauma and can result in substantial patient discomfort, deformity, complications involving localized and systemic infection, and further trauma during removal.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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