How to Get a Hook out of a Fish's Throat

Last Updated: February 20, 2023

Let's face it. No matter how good a fisherman you are, hooks are bound to get stuck in the fish, especially if they get swallowed. But don't fret, you may not have to cut your line at all!

Steps

1
Identify how far down the fish's throat the hook is. Determine if you need pliers (preferably needle-nose) or just a steady hand.^{[1]
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2
Wiggle the hook gently if the fish did not swallow it. Use caution in this method. Getting the barb of the hook stuck will make things a lot more difficult. Instead, "snap" the barb with a pair of pliers to allow smoother retrieval of the hook. Snapping the barb means to crush it down towards the main hook so it cannot get caught on the fish. if this does not work, do not leave the hook in and cut your line.^{[2]
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3
Learn that if the fish has swallowed the hook, you will need pliers. Fish have a diaphragm in the back of their throat which opens briefly and closes immediately while eating.^{[3]
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4
Go into the fish's mouth and grab the sharp end of the hook with the pliers. Make sure you have slack on the line, as the hook needs to move freely.
5
Pull the hook outwards of the fish's mouth where the hook curves and try to get the hook out of the throat. This may be tricky and can take some time. You should end up with the hook out of the mouth, yet with fishing line almost weaved through the fishes throat.^{[4]
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6
Cut the line and pull the hook out, and set the fish free. This way, you do not lose your hook, you just need to tie your line back with a Blood Knot.^{[5]
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