First aid for fishhook injuries includes the following:

• Stop the bleeding . Wash your hands and put pressure on the wound for 15 minutes. If bleeding doesn't stop, keep putting pressure on the wound for another 15 minutes.
• Remove the fishhook. Cut the fishing line, apply ice to numb the area, and determine if the barb is in the skin.
• Clean the cut or puncture wound after the fishhook has been removed. Wash your hands and rinse the wound for 10 to 15 minutes with mild soap and water.
• Evaluate your need for stitches. If the wound is large, deep, or opens with movement, it probably needs stitches.
• Follow guidelines for bandaging the wound. Consider bandaging the wound if you need to protect it from getting dirty or irritated. Clean the wound well before bandaging it to reduce the risk of infection.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Decreased ability to move the limb normally below the site of the fishhook injury develops.
• Numbness and tingling develops below the site of the injury.
• You cannot feel a pulse below the site of the injury.
• Pale, white, blue, or cold skin develops below the site of the injury.
• Symptoms of a skin infection develop, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Symptoms become more frequent or severe.