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  • Getting Hooked

    Hooking oneself happens to most anglers sooner or later. Some stories are quite funny after the fact, and make for great jokes. But, when hooks are handled in a careless manner, the danger is real, and there is always the potential of serious injury to eye, body and limb. Modern fish hooks are very sharp. In fact, so sharp, that little, if any, pressure is required to penetrate the hard mouth of a fish, or for that matter, any part of the angler’s body. Furthermore, being hooked is a painful and stressful experience.

    To minimize the chances of getting hooked, consider the following.

    * Keep hooks, lures and tackle boxes away from everyone’s reach - especially children.

    * Wear glasses to protect your eyes while fishing.

    * Don’t fish in bare feet.

    * Be sure the casting area is clear, particularly behind you.

    * Don’t allow bare hooks and lures to tangle or swing freely. Securely attach the hook to the hook holder near the fore-grip of the rod handle or to another convenient place on the rod or reel.

    * Place rigged fishing outfits in rod holders or storage compartments. Never allow them to lie on the deck when not in use.

    * Should a cast cause a lure to hang up, don’t try to yank or pull it loose. This can cause the hook or lure to fly toward you like a missile. It’s best to work back to the hang up and attempt to unhook it by hand.

    * Net, gaff or hand lip fish, don’t try to flip them into the boat.

    * Give yourself plenty of slack line while attempting to gain control of your catch. Hold it tightly, either by the mouth (if it doesn’t have teeth), or behind the gills. Then attempt to remove the hook.

    * Expect your catch to wiggle and flip at any time, so keep a tight grip.

    * Needle nose pliers might be required to remove deeply embedded hooks.

    * In the event you get hooked or hook someone else, remain calm. Clip off the line attached to the hook or lure before seeking professional help.

    * It’s best to allow a doctor to remove the hook, not another fisherman.

    Tips from Capt. Gus: Sometimes it’s not the hook that wounds you, but the sharp fins, spines or teeth of your catch. In either case, a tetanus shot might be required.