By eHow Health Editor

If you do much fishing, sooner or later you're apt to hook something other than a fish - like your hand, back or thigh. Learn the right way to remove a fishhook to reduce pain and limit damage to your skin.

Step 1:
Put ice or cold water on area to numb it.

Step 2:
Wiggle the hook gently. If the hook point is in just past the barb, and the hook moves easily without causing pain or bleeding, push the fishhook forward until the barbed end comes out of the skin.

Step 3:
Cut off barbed end.

Step 4:
Pull the rest of the hook back out through the original hole.

Step 5:
Clean wound with soap and water, and betadine if available.

Step 6:
Apply bandage if the wound is bleeding.