The Orkney Image Library
Help us get organised! If we haven't correctly identified which area this picture is best listed under, please select it below and click Done!
Stromness Aug 1982
The late Prof Ronald Miller and young friends. (He has a large fish-hook stuck in his thumb, a mishap that occurred just after the start of the fishing trip and which, lacking any removal implements in his boat, he stoically put up with rather than abort the afternoon's fishing and disappoint the lads.)
I'm told you'd be unlikely to get a similar haul from a few hours inshore fishing in the Bight o Mooseland today.
Picture added on 26 March 2013 at 23:46
When I was in active medical practice, the 'standard' way to remove a well embedded fish-hook was: cut the shank just below the eye, push the hook on until the point breaks through the skin enough to get hold of, then pull the hook out by the sharp end. Trying to pull it back with the barb in place is almost impossible (that's what the barb is for after all) and destructive of flesh. Prof Miller's stoicism is admirable, but it's best to get the thing out as soon as possible, in as near sterile conditions as possible. Ideally the job should be done in medical premises, where a local anaesthetic would probably be offered, but plenty of fishermen must have had little option but to perform the procedure for themselves.
Added by Retired doctor on 27 March 2013
When I had to do this for myself, I wanted as little dirty fish-hook passing through my flesh as possible. As soon as the barb broke through the skin I cut it off and pulled the hook out backwards. (Almost painless.)
In all other respects I agree with Retired doctor's advice.
Coming soon: How to remove your own kidneys.
<< back
In all other respects I agree with Retired doctor's advice.
Coming soon: How to remove your own kidneys.
Added by Ian Hourston on 01 April 2013
Burray
