ONEIDA COUNTY, Wis— With fishing season underway, plenty of people are taking to lakes and rivers across the state. One area where fishing is most popular is in Northwoods towns like Minocqua and Eagle River. Not surprisingly, the local hospital Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff is no stranger to fishing related accidents. 

“We see a little bit of everything, never know what’s going to walk in the door,” says emergency room physician Dr. Alison Marciniak. 

Dr. Marciniak and staff say they usually see over 100 fishing related cases per year. Most involve hooks or lures getting unintentionally caught in a human rather than a musky or bass. 

“I’ve seen them everywhere, a lot of ears, head from casting, stepped on,” Dr. Marciniak says.

The injuries have become so common, the hospital has a special board in the ER devoted to the lures and hooks they have removed from unfortunate anglers. They call it the People Catchers Club and it contains a wide variety of fishing items taken out of victims. 

While the injuries sustained are rarely serious, they can often bruise egos. However, hospital staff says when patients see they are not alone it often lightens the mood. 

“Its a humbling board,” says ER Nurse Jessie Heise. “I think everyone who gets a fish hook stops to take a picture with board." 

While the board provides a touch of humor, Dr. Marciniak also hopes it serves as a reminder to be careful when fishing. She says being aware of your surroundings before you cast can make a big difference in avoiding accidents. ​