Fishing is a popular summer activity and many times, accidents happen and someone will get a fish hook stuck in their finger or other extremity. More often than not, these injuries are minor and can be treated without requiring an office visit. Depending on how deep the hook is lodged into your skin, all you have to do is take the proper steps in carefully removing it, and treating your wound afterwards.

1. Thoroughly wash your hands, as well as the infected area with the hook with disinfectant soap.
2. Take a piece of wire and loop it around the bend of the fish hook – this will give you a firm grip on the hook.
3. While holding onto the shaft of the hook, push downwards and inwards so that the barb of the hook is disengaged from the tissue.
4. Once you have the wire securely wrapped to the fish hook, apply pressure onto the shaft and give a quick jerk which should release the hook from your finger.

Once the fish hook has been removed;

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
2. Apply a loose, sterile dressing
3. Keep an eye out for infection. Signs of infection include swelling, redness around the area or a discharge.

If you feel any pain or discomfort days after removing the hook, call your doctor and seek medical attention. This is also a friendly reminder that you should always be up to date with your tetanus shots!