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 ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofMarch 20, 2017

Current as of: March 20, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

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