Thread: Stung twice by a hardhead, what do I do?

I managed to get stung twice by the same hardhead. Has anyone had any experience with them? I have heard nasty things from being stung by those puppies. Should I see the quack, forget about it, get my papers in order or what would you suggest?

Was it a deep puncture and has it swollen? I imagine that everyone's reaction is different. If there's a chance of deep-wound contamination (like the tip broke off) then get to the ER. Did the puncture go into a joint or was it just superficial? It's a call only you can make. You don't have to get your affairs in order just yet. Hopefully.

Cry some and it will pass,have read to rub its slime on the poke but I never have tried that,worst pain to my hand I have ever had,I use pliers now and they can keep the hook if it is to stuck to bad

Apply antiseptic and heat in liberal proportions.
The pain eases (for me) after about an hour or two.
Fortunately never had a deep one though. I would probably go to see a doctor for that...

Keep an eye on it (assuming you have already used copious antiseptic and soap). It is winter and bacteria count is lower so you may be fine, but if it starts acting up get to a doctor promptly.

I've been stuck several times without a problem, but I have a friend who got stuck deeply years ago and the problem is still with him.

Main thing, to repeat myself, if it starts acting up (redness, swelling, pus, increasing pain, etc) get to a doctor promptly.

Yep what they said.

Well, I thank you fellows, your advice is much appreciated. I started by cutting the cats off at the boat rail but soon decided that that action was going to be a little tough on my hook supply. You couldn't cast away from them, they were all over the place and once in a while, you would pick up a red, trout or black drum. So I decided to use a long nose pliers, and that was when he bit me. The two wounds bled profusely and burned like the devil for a couple or three hours. I had put some germ-X on it. I put some alcohol on them when I got back to the condo and drank a few beers and this morning they appear to be fine, but I will keep an eye on them. Thanks again, guys.

Glad it's getting better. Those things hurt a lot.

You aint livin till you get a couple in your cast net. Its like digging through a hornets nest.

Originally Posted by flyguy

I managed to get stung twice by the same hardhead. Has anyone had any experience with them? I have heard nasty things from being stung by those puppies. Should I see the quack, forget about it, get my papers in order or what would you suggest?

I got stabbed in the thigh by a small hardhead. Hurt, and I had a bad night of sleep, but was better the next day. If you're not better the next day, I'd see a doc.