Here’s a fun video in which Ben Sittig, a.k.a. Huge Fly Fisherman, deals with a situation every angler encounters at one time or another: a barbed hook is buried in someone’s skin. We’ve covered this topic several times before (see below), but it’s always great to get a refresher course, and there’s a perverse thrill in seeing someone purposely jam a hook into his butt.
As you’ll see, this removal technique, done properly, is quick and painless. Avoid this situation if you can, by going barbless and becoming a better caster, but master this skill for the inevitable time when you’re given the opportunity to be the hero (or at least make up for sticking your fishing buddy/spouse/guide/etc.).
If you enjoyed this, here are some of our other lessons on this subject:
How to Remove a Hook from a Human, with Jazz and Fly Fishing
How to Remove a Fish Hook from Your Skin
How to Remove a Fly Stuck in Your Skin (This one gets style points for a guy hammering a hook into himself.)
Another Good Hook Removal Demonstration

As you’ll see, this removal technique, done properly, is quick and painful.
Should’t that be painless 🙂
Ah yes, nice catch! Thanks.
Ben – looks like you’ve done that a lot! (so have I and it’s as easy as it looks)
I prefer to do a retrograde with a 18g needle. Working in healthcare I do it all the time! And yes I keep on in my sling pack! Quick and PAINLESS!