Every angler will eventually get a hook stuck into them. Hooks are sharp and have a way of getting stuck in some meat somewhere. So, what do you do when the Hooker becomes the Hooked?
Over my lifetime of fishing, I have witnessed many hooking accidents. On a trip to Yellowstone Lake, my wife hooked our son Kyle in the upper lip with 2 hooks from a treble hooked Spin a Lure. Kyle got to visit the Lake Hospital where the Dr. used a needle and wire cutters to remove the well hooked young man.
I have removed several hooks from anglers putting on their boots. When they were in their socks, lost hooks found their way into their feet. Sometimes hooks fall into boots and work there way down to the toes.
One of the worst accidents I witnessed was when a saltwater angler caught a large hook in his arm. The large, barbed hook was deep and had to be pushed out to free the barb. This bloody job hurt until the hook point was cut off. I made the rest of the hook into a necklace for the memory.
Anglers routinely hook each other. Back casts can be brutal. That’s why I wear a large, brimmed hat when guiding rookie anglers, especially in a boat.
HOOK TIPS!
Dull hooks are tougher to remove than sharp ones.
Leave line on the hook until you can remove it.
Hook removing forceps can be useful in removing hooks.
Clean the wound after hook removal. Use an antiseptic after.
Any hook in the eye means a trip to the hospital. Leave the hook in place and place a bandage over it.
If you are helping a caster, stay on their non-rod side.
Always wear fishing glasses and hats to prevent hooking accidents.
When fishing with kids, use single hooks and pay attention.
Practice casting with a hookless lure.
Infection can be a problem after a hooked wound. Remember that moisture carries and promotes bacteria, A thorough cleaning with disinfectant is important. Protect/cover the wound to prevent outside germs. Clean and recover repeatedly.
There are plenty of great stories about hooking fish. You don’t need to be one of them.
Montanan Grant
