Everyone has had a fish hook embedded in their body at one time or another. The natural tendency is to simply rip it out painfully. However, there is an easier way that every student must master. After completion of this class, the student should be able to remove a hook with just a minimum amount of pain.
The diagram below demonstrates just how easy it is to remove a hook. Here are some important tips that will make it easy and believe me it is easier than it looks. First have the person with the hook in their hand press down on the hook eye and toward the hook until it is tight against the skin. This is the most important step and often not done correctly as Duane demonstrates (unwillingly) in the second video below.
Notice in the diagram below that by placing the pressure toward the hook, as well as downward, causes the barb to be slanted downward. This effort will help the barb to retrace the path made by the hook's entrance in the skin.
Next, JERK HARD! Don't just give it a light tug as that will cause additional pain. Remember how it is to remove the baby teeth from children; a firm tug is better than one or more soft tugs.
This first video shows the simple correct procedure to remove the embedded hook.
This video demonstrates that even a Rapalla hook can be removed and it also demonstrates what not to do.
Please do not get a hook stuck in your hand to practice, but try to remember this simple technique for the next time you have a problem with a hook.
For more details about fish hook removal go to American Family Physican.
Check out the anatomy of a hook in the Rods and Reels class.