You felt a tug… it wasn’t little but, one you knew held the promise of a great catch. You were patient, kept the line tight, you let the fish run while you slowly reeled it in and then… you saw it. You brought it on board and knew it was a catch worth documenting with a nice photo. While attempting to remove the fish from the hook, your hand slipped and you got hooked by the fishing hook.

Fish hook accidents happen and injuries can occur 

• when you remove a slippery, flopping fish from your line. 
• when you or someone else casts a line
• if you walk barefoot near fishing gear

Most fish hook injuries puncture the skin of the face, scalp, fingers, back, or ears. 

You can remove a fish hook on your own if it isn’t too deep. Be sure to clean the puncture wound well to help prevent infection.

When should you seek care for a fishhook injury?

If a fish hook enters the eye or is close to it, it is best to go to the nearest emergency room immediately. 

A fish hook wound can cause serious infection. Seek medical help at your nearest urgent care clinic if

• The fish hook is deep, in the muscle or bone
• You can’t remove the barb
• Bleeding is severe or can’t be stopped.
• The wound is big enough to need stitches.
• If the wound starts to show signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. 
• Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago