If you’re an angler, you’re going to get hooked at some point. We’re not talking about getting even more addicted to being out on the water either. It may not have happened yet and it may not be tomorrow, but at some point you’ll find yourself with a hook in your hand, leg or arm and you’ll think that you have to stop fishing – you don’t. You can get the hook out and go about your day, as long as it’s not in your face or somewhere else on your head, then you need medical help.
Here’s how to get it out and keep casting, catching and having a better time than you could have doing anything else using the line-pull method.
Step 1
Snip the lure or hook free of the main fishing line to get rid of any tension. If possible, detach a treble hook from its lure and clip away any of the hook points that are not stuck in your person. Next, cut a 15-inch strand of line off your reel and tie the ends together to create a loop. This is what you’ll use to remove the hook.
Step 2
Double the loop of fishing line, then pass it under the bend in the hook close to your skin. The line should be resting against the hook bend. Push down on the eye of the hook. This raises the point–better aligning it with the hole it made when entering. Now take a deep breath, because next comes the moment of truth.
Step 3
In one quick, sharp tug, yank the line straight back. (This step is often better executed by a fishing partner.) As with a Band-Aid, the faster you pull the less it hurts, often popping right out without causing pain. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure until it stops. Use antiseptic ointment and bandage before you get back to fishing.
There you have it! Three simple steps to get you out of a hairy situation and back to fishing like nothing ever happened t throw off your day.
Content courtesy of Field and Stream.
