Stingrays are a frequent and often unexpected bycatch for anglers. Their unique defense mechanism requires specific handling to ensure both human safety and the animal’s survival. Learning the proper methods for unhooking a stingray is important for anyone who fishes where these animals are present. This guide provides necessary safety instructions and humane release techniques.
Understanding the Threat: Stingray Anatomy and Safety Zones
The primary danger from a stingray comes from the defensive barb, a modified dermal denticle located on the tail, typically near the base or midsection. This spine is serrated and covered in a sheath that contains protein-based venom, which is released into a wound upon impact. The stingray uses this barb as an involuntary reflex when threatened, often whipping its tail powerfully toward the perceived danger.
The venom itself is heat-labile, meaning it breaks down when exposed to heat, which is a significant factor in post-sting first aid. Because the tail can be rapidly maneuvered, the safe handling zone is restricted to the disc-shaped body, completely avoiding the tail. Always treat the entire tail as a danger zone, recognizing that some species may possess more than one barb.
Preparation and Handling Techniques
Preparation for an unexpected stingray catch requires specific tools to minimize handling time and stress on the animal. Long-handled pliers or a dedicated de-hooking tool are necessary for reaching the hook without getting close to the ray’s mouth or tail. Heavy-duty gloves and a durable, wet mat or towel should also be ready to secure the ray.
When a stingray is landed, the safest way to secure it is to keep it wet and on a flat surface. Pin the ray down by placing gentle but firm pressure on the pectoral fins, which form the disc, while avoiding the tail area. Flipping the ray onto its back, a state known as tonic immobility, often calms the animal and exposes the mouth for easier hook removal.
The use of a wet towel over the tail can help manage the barb, but the primary goal is immobilizing the body while keeping the tail away from the handler. Never use your foot to step on the tail, as this can injure the ray and is an unpredictable way to control the defensive whipping motion. Securing the ray quickly ensures the animal’s stress is reduced and the risk of a sting is minimized before hook removal begins.
Step-by-Step Hook Removal Methods
For a hook that is easily accessible in the mouth or lip, use long-handled pliers. Once the stingray is secured and immobilized, firmly grasp the hook shank with the pliers. Back the hook out along the same path it entered, taking care to keep the hook point depressed or the barb crushed to prevent further injury.
When the hook is deeply swallowed or lodged in a difficult location, attempting removal can cause severe trauma to the ray’s internal organs. The most humane practice is to cut the leader as close to the eye of the hook as possible. Hooks made from non-stainless steel will eventually dissolve inside the animal, causing far less damage than a forced removal. This technique requires a pair of sharp, long-reach cutters and a commitment to releasing the ray quickly after the line is snipped.
Regardless of the method chosen, speed is paramount to the ray’s survival, as air exposure is detrimental to its respiratory system. After the hook is removed or the leader is cut, gently slide the ray back into the water, allowing it time to recover. If the ray was flipped, ensure it is returned to its natural orientation before release.
Immediate Care After a Sting
If a sting occurs, the first priority is to exit the water immediately and assess the wound. Remove any visible debris. If the barb is deeply embedded in the chest, abdomen, or neck, do not attempt removal yourself, and seek emergency medical care immediately. For wounds on an extremity, the pain is intense and can be managed by denaturing the venom.
The venom is inactivated by heat, making hot water immersion the standard first aid treatment. Immerse the affected area in hot water, as hot as the injured person can tolerate without scalding, aiming for a temperature between 104°F and 115°F (40°C to 46°C). Soak the wound for 30 to 90 minutes, or until the pain subsides, reheating the water as necessary to maintain the temperature.
Even after pain relief, seeking medical attention is important to check for retained barb fragments, which may not be visible and can lead to complications. A healthcare professional can thoroughly clean the wound, ensure no fragments remain, and determine if a tetanus booster or prophylactic antibiotics are needed to prevent infection.