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.
Texas Gulf Coast
Fishing
