If anyone has had a fishhook embedded in their flesh or eye, or seen it, you know what I am talking about.  One of the worst aspects of this occuring is that the victim , be it yourself or someone else, is often in a remote location at sea, on a lake, or up a river....sometimes you are alone .  First Aid can be some time away.

 

Prevention is better than cure.  When rod or handline fishing, take care with snagged hooks which are close to you. If using a rod, grab the line and pull rather than striking back with the rod. It is often better to cut the line and lose some gear, than risk a hurtling lure or hook and sinker flying back in to your face. If you do take the risk of striking back to retrieve snagged hooks and line and the gear come flying towards you, cover your eyes with the inside of your elbow.

 

If working on a boat where line is being shot out the back of a boat and you have a risk of  being hooked, make sure a knife is handy ( a scabbard and knife around your waist is good) to cut the main-line.  Keep close communication with the skipper of the boat in case of a hook up.  If you get snagged, the skipper can reverse and relieve tension on the shot line and prevent a nasty flesh wound. Otherwise remember that you have to cut the seaward side of the shot line if the vessel stays in forward motion.