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Imagine walking along the beach, watching the tidal surge,
planning when you want to fish and WHAP! Or you are carefully threading
your way to the stream and you notice another fly angler just ahead of you,
already on the stream. You stop to watch for a moment, just checking out
the area and to see how he is doing and WHAP!
WHAP?
Better known as you have just been hooked! No, it isn't a fly you
cast - and most of the time it won't be. And does it hurt? Think about the
speed the fly is traveling, just short of the speed of
sound. A 22 cal. bullet wouldn't hurt any more than the fly.
A errant fly cast ended up in my dad's scalp several years ago. That one took a trip to the
local hospital. That is even more serious.
We had an article here on FAOL about a year ago on hook removal, but since so many new
folks have found this website since then, it deserves repeating. Here are step-by-step drawings with
instructions on how it is done:
EASY HOOK REMOVAL
1. If the hook is stuck just under the skin, cut the leader (without pulling on it.)
2. Then run a line (heavy leader or fly line) through the hook bend with enough length
to get a good grip on the ends.
3. Push the hook eye down against the skin.
4. Pull the hook out with a firm, fast motion.
NOT-SO-EASY HOOK REMOVAL
You can sometimes remove hooks that have penetrated to the point that they are beginning to
poke back out.
- Cut the leader.
- Continuing in the direction the hook is already heading, push so that the barb is
clear of the skin.
- Use a side cutting pliers to cut off the point and barb.
- Back the hook out the same way it went it.
CAUTION! Don't remove hooks from eyes, the neck, throat or head! Get to a doctor
as soon as possible.
AFTERWARD: Once the hook is removed, rinse the injured area with alcohol, peroxide,
Listerine or good whiskey. Cover with a sterile pad. Consult a doctor when you are able.
- Got it? If not, here it is again in photo form from Clive Schaupmeyer's column,
On-stream Hook Removal. I
sincerely hope you never need
it. Even more, if you do need it, I hope you know how! One other safety matter, you should
have a tetnus shot every five years, you never know where someone else's hook has been.
~ LadyFisher
Hook removal text and artwork courtesy of
Frank Amato Publications, from Everyone's Illustrated
Guide to Trout on a Fly.
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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