Thanks!
I stopped by Gander Mtn yesterday, and the guy in the fishing section assured me that "This Set" would cut through any hooks, and it was only $15. It includes a side cutter, as well as a needle-nose. I tried it on some hard wire, and it did cut through, though it took considerably more effort than the "real" hook cutter ($50 plus shipping) that I used a week ago.
Andre, I think I'll let it fester another couple of days, I think it's almost ready to pop out by itself...
Seriously, though, my need for it is presumptive, rather than post-mortem. I do a lot of volunteer work with my local Forest Preserve District, and recently had the experience of rescuing a great blue heron that got tangled in somebody's abandoned muskie lure. It had one hook in its leg, one in its wing, and one in its beak. The hook cutter we used was borrowed from a couple of passing anglers, but I think I want to keep a pair in my first aid kit. Like the first aid kit, you hope you never have to use it, but when you need it, it's nice to have it handy.
The bird survived the ordeal, as best we can tell. The pictures are a bit grisly, so I won't post them.
