Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Fishhook Injuries

Overview

Media Gallery(1 picture)

Even if you fish carefully, you may get a fishhook in your skin. A fishhook is a curved, sharp tool placed on a lure or line to catch fish. Some fishhooks have a barb near the tip that keeps the fish on the hook. You can also use a barbless fishhook. It may reduce the chance of a fishhook injury.

Fishhook injuries often occur when you remove a slippery, flopping fish from your line. Injury may also occur when you cast a line, when another person casts a line, or if you walk barefoot near fishing gear. The chance of a fishhook injury rises if you aren't familiar with fishing gear.

Most fishhook injuries puncture the skin of the face, scalp, fingers, back, or ears. Remove a fishhook that isn't too deep. It's important to clean the puncture wound well to help prevent infection.

A fishhook can cause other problems if it enters the eye, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones. A fishhook injury is more serious when:

  • A fishhook is in or near an eye.
  • A barb can't be removed using home treatment.
  • Bleeding, Opens dialog is severe, Opens dialog or can't be stopped.
  • The wound is big enough to need stitches.
  • Blood vessels, nerves, tendons, Opens dialog, ligaments, Opens dialog, joints, or bones are injured. Injuries to these areas may cause:
    • Numbness or tingling.
    • Pale, white, blue, or cold skin.
    • Decreased ability to move the area.
  • Signs of infection develop, such as redness, swelling, or pus. A puncture from a fishhook is often dirty from marine bacteria. This increases the chance of a skin infection, Opens dialog.
  • Your tetanus shot isn't current.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.