Can Fishing Spiders Bite?

Fishing spiders can bite, but it’s uncommon.

Do Fishing Spiders Bite?

Fishing spiders are generally shy and avoid confrontation, so bites typically occur only when they feel cornered or physically contacted. The situations most likely to trigger a defensive bite include:

Accidental contact during outdoor activities: People often encounter these spiders near docks, boats, sheds, and stacked firewood. A bite can happen if someone reaches into a dark crevice, grabs an object where a spider is hiding, or brushes one against their skin without noticing.
Handling or attempting to move the spider: These spiders are large and fast, and when someone tries to capture or remove one by hand, the sudden pressure or restraint can trigger a defensive bite.
Disturbance around egg sacs: Female fishing spiders guarding egg sacs or young are more defensive than usual. If a person or pet comes too close or accidentally jostles her hiding spot, she may react protectively.
Pets investigating them closely: Dogs and cats may sniff or paw at a fishing spider out of curiosity. If the spider feels trapped or struck, it may bite in self-defense. Pets’ thicker skin and fur generally reduce the risk of significant irritation.
Trapping the spider against the body: Sitting on one, rolling over on one in bed, stepping on one barefoot, or pinning one between clothing and skin can provoke a bite, though this is rare because fishing spiders avoid indoor living.

In all cases, bites are defensive—not predatory—and the spiders retreat at the first chance. Keeping hands out of cluttered hiding spots, shaking out gear left outdoors, and using tools instead of bare hands for removal greatly reduces the risk of accidental bites.

Are Fishing Spiders Venomous?

Yes, fishing spiders are venomous. They belong to the genus Dolomedes and use venom to subdue their prey, which typically includes insects, small fish, and tadpoles. Their venom is designed to immobilize and digest prey rather than to harm larger animals like humans.

For humans, fishing spider bites are extremely rare and generally not medically significant. If a bite does occur, it can cause mild localized pain, redness, and swelling—similar to a bee sting—but serious reactions are uncommon. Unlike some other spiders (e.g., black widows or brown recluses), their venom is not considered dangerous to humans.

Fishing Spider Bites

Fishing spider bites are typically mild, and the risks are far lower than those associated with medically significant spiders like widows or recluses. Their venom is designed to subdue small aquatic or terrestrial prey, not to harm people or pets. Most reactions fall into the category of minor, short-lived irritation. The primary risks include:

Local pain and swelling: The bite often feels sharp—similar to a bee sting—followed by temporary redness, tenderness, and mild swelling around the puncture.
Minor inflammation or itching: Some people experience a warm, itchy area that may last a few hours to a day. This is simply the body’s normal response to the spider’s mild venom.
Low risk of secondary infection: Scratching the bite or failing to clean it can allow bacteria to enter the skin. In these cases, redness may spread, the area may feel warm, or pus can develop. Infection risk comes from bacteria, not the spider itself.
Rare, short-term systemic symptoms: A small number of individuals—often those with heightened sensitivity to insect stings—report fatigue, headache, or nausea after a bite. These symptoms are uncommon and typically resolve quickly.
Minimal risk to pets: Dogs and cats generally experience even milder reactions than people because of their thicker skin. A pet may briefly lick or favor the area, but serious complications are extremely rare.

Fishing spider bites are not generally dangerous for healthy adults, children, or pets, and most cases require nothing more than basic first aid. Serious reactions are exceptionally uncommon.

What Do Fishing Spider Bites Look Like?

A fishing spider bite usually looks mild and uncomplicated, without the severe skin damage associated with more dangerous species. The appearance can vary slightly from person to person, but most bites follow a predictable pattern:

Small red bump at the bite site: The most common presentation is a small, raised, reddish spot. It may resemble a mosquito bite or a mild bee sting reaction.
Two tiny puncture marks (sometimes visible): Because fishing spiders have sizeable fangs, you may occasionally see two very small, closely spaced punctures. These may be hard to spot, especially if swelling begins quickly.
Localized swelling: Slight puffiness around the bite is normal and usually remains limited to a small area. The swelling tends to peak within a few hours and then decline.
Mild redness or warmth: The skin may feel slightly warm and look pink or red. This is your body’s basic response to venom and minor tissue irritation.
Itching or tenderness: Some people experience mild itching, while others report a tender spot that feels similar to a minor sting.
Rare, stronger reactions: A small percentage of individuals—especially those sensitive to insect bites—may develop a larger, welt-like area or extended redness. Even then, it typically remains far less severe than bites from medically important spiders.

A normal fishing spider bite should not create spreading necrosis, large blisters, a bullseye rash, deep ulceration, or streaking redness. Those symptoms point to other conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. In most cases, the bite improves noticeably within 24–48 hours when cleaned and monitored.

What To Do About Fishing Spider Bites

If you get bitten by a fishing spider, the steps are straightforward because serious complications are extremely rare. Immediate and proper care focuses on reducing discomfort and preventing infection:

Clean the bite

Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Gently pat dry with a clean towel.

Apply a cold compress

Use a cold pack or a clean cloth with ice for 10–15 minutes at a time.
This helps reduce swelling, redness, and pain.

Manage pain and inflammation

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used if needed.
Topical antihistamine creams or hydrocortisone 1% can help relieve itching or mild irritation.

Monitor for signs of infection or allergic reaction

Watch for spreading redness, pus, increasing swelling, warmth, or tenderness.
Seek medical care if the bite becomes infected or doesn’t improve in a few days.
Rarely, people may have an allergic reaction (hives, swelling beyond the bite, difficulty breathing). Call 911immediately if this occurs.

Avoid scratching or irritating the site

Scratching can introduce bacteria and worsen irritation.

Seek medical attention if necessary

Severe or prolonged pain, unusual swelling, or systemic symptoms (fever, nausea, or dizziness) warrant evaluation.
Otherwise, most fishing spider bites resolve within 1–2 days with minimal treatment.

Essentially, clean, soothe, and monitor—serious complications are almost nonexistent.