In recent columns, I discussed the basic fishing tools necessary for cable-tool or spudder operation. I recommend contractors have all the tools I discussed recently in their tool inventory. As I have also written, in many locations contractors can rent fishing tools if needed. Still, for work in remote locations, owning all these is probably a better policy.

In this column, I discuss a more difficult — though still rather common — fishing problem. Here, we have a string of tools stuck in the hole that still has the drilling cable attached and yet cannot be pulled out. This can occur when the drill string does not include jars. As I have said, some drillers would not drill a foot without jars in the drill string. I, for one, only used jars when necessary. (I even know of one drill rig and tool manufacturer that recommended not, I repeat not, using drilling jars when driving casing.) Yes, on occasion, I got my string stuck but I always got it out. But, if the string is really stuck tight, you need to cut the drilling line at the socket and remove the tools with a combination socket.