Fishing First Aid

Hook Removal

    The most common accident during fishing season involves hooks. The second most common hazard facing anglers is getting too much sun. Both are easily avoided. Sunscreen and a hat will handle the sun and a first aid kit with a little knowledge of how to use it will take care of the hook problems.

    The most important tool any angler should always have with him/her for removing a hook is a sharp pair of wire cutting pliers.

Here are a few methods for removing hooks.

    When a hook's point and barb are protruding out the skin, it's easier to cut off the barb and back the hook out of the wound. This is when those sharp wire cutters come in handy.

    The snatch method of hook removal is simple and effective, and it's the best method to remove a hook that's deeply imbedded in the skin and when the barb is buried.

    This method is quick, simple and relatively painless, as long as you get it on the first try. The secret to a first time success is yanking the loop of line, which is wrapped around the embedded hook, rather hard so the hook comes out on the first try. The reason you should get it out on the first try is obvious, the patient might not stick around for a second try.

    To perform the snatch method when the barb is imbedded, all that's needed is a short length of fishing line, at least 10 pound test, approximately 2 feet long.

• Remove hook from lure.
• Double the fishing line and loop it around the hook,
  as close to the skin's surface as possible.
• Hold onto both ends of the doubled line, wrapping
  them around your hand for a firm grip and holding
  the line parallel to the skin's surface in line with
  the hook.
• With your other hand, press the eye of the hook
  down onto the surface of the skin and back toward
  the hook's bend, as if trying to back the hook out
  of the wound.
• While pressing on the hook eye, yank the line
  sharply, parallel to the skin and in line with the
  hook, to snap the hook back out of the wound.
• Apply antibiotic ointment, bandage wound and
  check to make sure tetanus shots are current.

First Aid Kit

    A basic onboard first aid kit for anglers should contain sunscreen, small bottle of hydrogen peroxide, alcohol wipes. bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic ointment and aspirin. Another essential should be a brand new pair of needle-nosed and wire cutting pliers, sealed in a seal-lock plastic baggy. All Anglers, especially those using worms, should always have their tetanus shot up to date.