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Posts: 2089
| I had an interesting conversation with a friend on the phone last night. The growth of the sport is incredible. Fish are getting bigger and we all want one. Ok, here's the scenario: you and your buddy are out fishin' muskies.You have been fishing them a few years and your buddy is new to the sport. One of you hooks a HUGE fish that you scoop with the Big Kahuna. Now what? You're both freaked out about the size and are shaking like leaves on a tree. Meanwhile, the fish has a big bait stuck in it's mouth/face/throat and is thrashing in the net. Will you be prepared mentally and physically to safely(for you and the fish) remove the hooks and or perform SURGERY to save this fish? Do you have the necessary tools to extricate the bait from the fishes mouth or perhaps back out through the gills? There is sooooo much emphasis on baits, rods, reels etc., but will you be prepared when the moment of truth arrives??? Or, will your inexperience/lack of preparation kill the magnificent creature(still only a fish though) .Sorry, but that is the harsh reality. How does one prepare? THINK! Think and talk about what you'll do. Think of the worst possible scenario and think about how you will react. This isn't meant to be a catch/release post.If the intent to release this fish is truly there, you owe it to the fish/ery to put yourself in the best possible position to deal with the Monster.Could be a 45 or it could be a 55. Fish die. That's a fact. Sometimes there's nothing we can do. Been there. I hope this post will foster some good conversation. I don't want it to sound like a "If ya can't run with the big dogs, then get back on the porch" mentality and we can only gain experience by doing it. As the hard water season approaches and the complications of fishing cold weather become reality, THINK about the fish you're after.Will you be prepared?Good luck all. Steve |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | I would assume that I am prepared....
I have 4 different bolt cutters in my boat, 4 different pair of pliers, 3 hook outs like the Tooth Pick, 3 jaw spreaders, a few screw drivers, a couple of channel locks, etc...
There have been plenty of times when I have needed other guys in my boat to help out with getting a fish unpinned, which is why I have multiple pairs of everything.
I think if you only carry one pair of pliers, one cheap pair of bolt cutters, one set of jaw spreaders, etc... you are flirting with disaster.
Carry as many tools as you can think of that might work...then add a few more just for safe measure....because to me, they are more than "just a fish"
Good Topic Steve! |
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Posts: 2089
| Yeah man! Ya beat me to it. Great list and here's a pic of the Hook Pick. This tool alone has saved countless fish in my boat the last 2 seasons. Steve
Edited by Steve Jonesi 10/31/2007 7:19 AM
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Posts: 1316
Location: Madison, WI | Steve,
I fit right into that couple years of fishing scene. I have all the tools needed to release a fish... BUT I'm always very indecisive to grab a fish with a hooks stuck in it's face. Some of the best advice I've received this year is; CUT HOOKS and if at all possible get a hold of the fish before trying to remove hooks. Once you get a hold of the fish you NEVER let go of it. It's still a very scary moment anytime i have reach in the net to grab a fish, I've been hooked once and came REALLY close to being hooked twice this year. Great thread Steve, hopefully this will give guys like me a couple more tips on safely releasing a fish. |
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| Great Post. I agree we owe it to the future of this sport. With all the people out fishing muskies and catching fish the release is so important. I would have to say overall most releases i see are not good. Mishandled, overhandled, too many photos. Mr Jonesi, have you witnessed some pretty bad releases? |
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Posts: 2089
| When you grab that big $%%^^&, make a FIST and hold on!!! Steve |
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Posts: 91
Location: Wausau | Great topic here. I feel I am prepared as far as the tools go, as mentioned above I have multiples of everything. Some for the front of the boat some for the back, if the straight ones don't work give me the ones with the angle head for leverage ect. I think the other thing I would mention about the essentials would be a good pair of leather (or armor) gloves to protect your hands while working on a deep hooked fish. What I know I am not prepared for is the surgery of taking a deep hooked bait out of a fish's mouth through the gills. I have never had to do this or have I watched someone else do this. I am always so worried about keeping the fish's head under water I am a little concerned about how much time it may take to do this. Can someone explain what would be the correct way to take a bait out of a fish and through the gills? |
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Posts: 159
Location: Carney, Mi (in da UP eh!) | Most of your tools in one kit....Available with Knipex cutters also...Kit has floatation value built into it so it will float if dropped overboard..
Edited by UPMuskyr 10/31/2007 8:15 AM
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| Being a Paramedic I tend to be overprepared for these types of situations. In addition to my Knipex cutters I have 1% Lidocaine w/epi and 1% Lidocaine without epi for the fingers, ears, nose and toes. I also have a scalpel, a suture kit with 4-0 Prolene and 5-0 Prolene. A 30 round closure stapler and remover. Many misc, bandages and cleaining meds. I can pretty much preform and major hook removal on the spot with little discomfort to the victim, myself included. So if you are with me you are good for appropriate removal. |
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Posts: 31
Location: Syracuse, New York | I recently put a set of puncture/abrasion resistant gloves in the boat. They have made a huge difference in fish handling, allowing me to be much more direct and confident in the removal of hooks.
Also, I would stress the need for constant communication between partners when handling fish. Don't ever assume someone else is thinking what you are thinking. Tell whoever you are working with what you are planning to do and what you are doing before/as it happens.
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| good topic and one I think could be a quick "mini class" at our Capital City musky school in the spring... I like to think I have netting/unhooking/photo's/measuring down to a science but there are always things that can and do go wrong...
I often see boats on the Madison chain that clearly are not ready should they actually hook a nice fish..you know the guys, they are in boats like runabouts, with probably not so much as a walleye net in the boat casting for muskies cuz they heard they were biting..what are these clowns gonna do if they should actually hook something ???
These are the guys we need to be talking and educating...
Carry at least 2 sets of bolt cutters, like Knipex and a backup pair in case one goes in the drink.
a few sets of pliers, jaw spreaders, and always have a first aid kit on board should you get cut in the process. Wearing musky armour gloves is a good idea too.
You can never be too cautious around a musky with a set of trebles in their mouth...
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Posts: 159
Location: Carney, Mi (in da UP eh!) | Also just entering the market is the "Softy" release kit, has the 11" offset pliers and also available with the "Knipex" cutters...Has the same flotation value of the hard kit so even if it is dropped overboard it will float..
Edited by UPMuskyr 10/31/2007 11:51 AM
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Location: The Yahara Chain | Steve Jonesi - 10/31/2007 7:08 AM
Yeah man! Ya beat me to it. Great list and here's a pic of the Hook Pick.
Neat looking tool...where can I get one? |
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Posts: 198
| Another thing to consider is if your fishing alone. If in a big wind or at night you could have major problems even with mulitiple tools in the boat. When I do fish alone I try and use lures with single hooks or even barbless. Much easier to unhook. Ever try and cut multiple hooks by yourself with a really big fish in the net when it's windy and or at night. Not an easy thing to do and your asking for trouble not to mention the stress put on the fish. I carry mulitiple tools including an 18 inch bolt cutter for cutting hook shanks. A complete set of extra tools is vacuum sealed and put away in case you lose something. I like the hook pic. A friend made something similiar out of a grilling spatula and it works great. |
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Posts: 427
Location: Wausau | Preparation is what set's others above the rest. When I look at successful musky fisherperson, they are prepared way before the hit the water. If, we can plan a trip through catch research, map planning, weather patterns, structure differences, baitfish location and lure presentation, we should be able to plan the release. As Mike said, have the best release tools (spend the $ on a good hook cutter), but I'll add, keep your tools handy and ready to be used. During the fight, talk to your boat partner, help remind them to keep their rod tip down, don't horse the fish, free spool, lead the fish or help guide them with the net if you have the fish. Once the fish is in the bag, keep talking and working together to get the tools and remember to hang onto the net. I always cut my line first to prevent the fish from rolling in the line, then work on the hooks - cutting should not be your third option. Once the fish is under control, have one person ready with the bump board and camera. If we can talk about spots and lures, we can talk about the catch and release situation - educate others.
With the use of plastics, I have notices a lot of fish eating the whole bait, which for those who are prepared is not as big of a concern. What I am worried about, are those that are not ready and don't want to lose their bait by cutting it up or the hooks so they just pull. I have a fear that more fish are injured during the release because of how deep the bait goes. Several times I have been at a bait shop looking at the plastics when someone asks what is a good color. I'll tell them, but also make sure the are educated on the release tactics and prepare them for the lure to be stuck deep. Sadly, I think too many people are not as concerned. |
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Posts: 3149
| thorne bros has a bunch of "hook pics" like the one pictured,, they should make it in a model that floats |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | I also have one made out of a paint roller...it is VERY long and works great...
Every boat if they are throwing double bladed bucktails, Chickens and Dawgs needs one of these things. |
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Posts: 2089
| Great stuff Andy! Steve |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | I am very prepared, buying all that stuff sure isn't as fun as buying baits but it's all well worth it. I noticed a lot of the pictures have string tied to the tools, easy addition to protect your $50 hook cutters. |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | To be good at handling fish you not only need good tools (which I have a bunch of), but experience. I feel there is a great deal of skill involved in handling fish as best as possible. As with most things in life, I like to analyse it afterwards and think if there are anythings I can do better next time.
The first few fish I handled could have been done much better. I didn't have anyone to learn from. I feel the same as Steve and this is why I put a presentation together to teach people how to properly handle fish. I present it to the C & R club about once every year or two. I have also presented it at the Musky Magic Show in New London. I am open to presenting at other clubs or events. Please feel free to contact me.
The original post says after the fish is in the Kahuna. I would like to put it back a step and mention that a good net is very important. A big strong hoop, and a deep rubber coated net are very important. A shallow bag may work good on a bass boat but you need a deep one for a boat with higher sides so you can keep the fish in the water while you work on it.
Another thing to remember is the small muskies are just as important to properly handle. They can be the most fiesty and toughest to get hooks out of without doing harm.
Check out my website for some tips and pictures of the tools I use.
Edited by Jomusky 10/31/2007 9:55 AM
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Posts: 29
| Neat looking tool...where can I get one?
www.hookpick.com
or they sometimes sell them on ebay
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Posts: 8788
| Anybody using barbless hooks? |
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Location: Sun Prairie, WI | Steve J, I concur with others...GREAT topic.
Brad N, great idea for a CCMI meeting.
Steve W...is there a way to keep this at or near the top of the messages so people coming to the site will be more inclined to read it and be a little more educated on this subject? Just a thought
Short story pertaining to the topic...musky fishing in Hayward in Sept this year. Hooked a Northern thru the gills and tried to cut hooks w/CHEAP arsed cutters. I could only get the very tip of the cutters on the hook b/c of how the fish was hooked. No go...didn't even dent the hook. I've used the cutter b4, but not w/just the tip. By some miracle, the hooks came out easily w/no damage to fish, but I was incredibly upset w/myself about cheaping out on cutters and possibly harming a fish just b/c of my stupidity. As soon as I was off the water, I bought Knipex.
Along same lines, recently upped the mouth spreader from 8" to a 10". There's a world of difference between the strength of the 8 and 10. Have used the 8" with no problems, but in this instance, if SOME is good, MORE is better!  |
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | "Another thing to consider is if your fishing alone."
When fishing alone I always have an anchor on the front deck already tied off to the cleat. I work the fish to the front of the boat before netting, and if theres wind or the boat is in close to shallow structure or shore I drop the anchor. Lets me concentrate on dealing with one task, the safe release of the fish, instead of worrying about the boat being blown/floating into trouble. |
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I'm ready. I do forget to take the tools out and set them on the deck some days, but I have everything I need in duplicate at least.
I will admit that as I get older, I am WAY more cautious with the unhooking process. I really don't want to be hooked up to a thrashing Muskie. |
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Posts: 469
Location: Downers Grove, IL | Make sure you have plenty of light power when fishing at night. In addition to head gear, get a mag light from Walmart for 15 bucks and bring extra batteries. All the tools seen above are pretty much useless if you CANT SEE!!
thedude |
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Posts: 5874
| OK, I don't have a hook pic. Somebody that has used them, give a description on when and how to use them. Thanks.
I am prepared for releasing all my fish. I got all the tools, and they are at the ready. I am a hook cutter. I cut almost every hook that is stuck in a fish. Why, because I don't want to get attached to that fish. Beside, most of the time, when I just try to use a pliers, the hooks get all bent up, and are then no good. So I just cut the hooks from the start. I don't ever lift a fish from the net with a bait attached.
As for releasing at night, or in wind, or even in current, that is where I love my AP Terrova. Point away from shallow hazards, or into the wind, or awqy from shore, put it on AP, and you can work relatively worry free. Good lighting is also important at night. |
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| great post, this kind of stuff just doesnt get discussed enough, some of the newer folks simply dont know what a hook pick is, but they sure know what a cowgirl is. i have always said...before you buy 1 single bait....make sure you have good pliers, hookcutters, jaw spreaders and net (some still using the untreated version). i also would like to see more discussion on proper holds and fish handling in general for the newer people as well. i remember muskies 101 had a slideshow that showed how to hold on to a fish correctly....things like that should be permanantly posted on sites like this. great post |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | The hook pick is used for the deep hooked fish. You can easily push the hook back or forward depending on how it is hooked.
This thing is a musky have with Dawgs, double 10 bucktails and Chickens.
I know I have used mine about 100 times this year. |
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Posts: 1291
Location: Hayward, Wisconsin | The "cutters" shown in the two "kits" are worthless on most larger muskie lures hooks. Put them in the garage and get a set or two of Knipex!
Muskie regards,
Larry Ramsell
www.larryramsell.com |
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Posts: 4266
| I fish alone alot, and I know that I'm prepared.
I have all the tools laid out before I start fishing....2 pairs a Knipex, jaw spreaders, long nose Vise grips.....they are a must......and more.
Hooks are cheap, so I started cutting every hook about 5 years ago after a 40 ish fish thrashed in the net after I cut the hooks in her mouth, and she got the uncut hook right above her eye. Now once I net them, I start cutting every hook that I can see making it safer for me and the fish, lastly I cut the line and pull the lure out and then go back in and pull out the pieces of hook from the outside and inside of her mouth.....that is the job for the needlenose Visegrips.
BTW, I keep 2 sets of release tools in the boat and have one on the port side and one starboard so which ever side of the boat that I land the fish, I have the tools right there on hand. Fishing with 2 guys, it's like a surgeon and a nurse. One cuts and the other hands tools. |
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Posts: 47
| You're all a bunch of optimists, I like that. |
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Posts: 199
Location: Nebraska | esoxaddict - 10/31/2007 10:05 AM
Anybody using barbless hooks?
I went to barbless on everything. Yes, I lost a fish this year, but who cares? I can't prove that it was due to the barbless. It really simplifies the release. 1/2 of them come free when the fish hits the net. |
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Posts: 189
Location: Barrington, Il | I think gloves are very important in the unhooking process. I have a pair of the rubber plumbers gloves Musky Hunter used to sell. They give me the confidence to reach in grab a fish before the unhooking process. They also keep your hands dry which is very important in late fall. Knipex are also a must have. Needed to cut hooks last weekend and they did a very quick job. |
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Posts: 68
| I used my buddys knipex and it worked great but so does my 10 dollar bolt cutter I got at the hardware store. I cant beleive how much they get for those things! |
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| Cant beat Knipex. Im an hvac guy and have been using the same pair of sidecutters for the past 15 years. Still work the same as new. They are the first thing I make sure I have when Im packing up to leave a job. |
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Posts: 238
| Im more than prepaired,2 pairs of everything and have delt with just every type of removal known to man including through the gills a few times.Been hooked a few times NOT FUN.But i can honestly say that i enjoy the process of hook removal and pride myself on my abilities to quickly and safely remove hooks,i find this to be one of the fun parts of muskie fishing and enjoy it.That tense feeling you get while working on a fish and that overwellming sense of accomplishment and relief you get when all goes well,i live for that moment.I find that weather it be in my boat or someone elses boat i am always the removal man and just cant get in that net fast enough,like a dirty shirt.
One word of advice to the inexperienced is to not be afraid and have confidence in your abilities to remove the hooks,nervousness leads to mistakes,HAVE CONFIDENCE DONT BE SCARED OF THE FISH!
On another note,how do you guys feel about your fingers going through the lower jaw membrane when you grab that gill plate and make a fist and start working and the fish decides to try and make a death roll but ya dont dare let go!This happens to me every once in a while but i always am concerned for the fish afterwards,do you guys think that this will heal up ok,i asume it will but i always wonder.What do ya think?I know its done to cull bass all the time with no ill effects but bass seem to be tougher than muskies when it comes to handling and delayed mortality.
Also what do you guys think the chances are for the survival of a fish is that has taken lets say a bull dog really deep and is all hooked up in the gill arches and bleeding upon capture,assuming that you removed or cut the hooks out and surgury went smooth.Scenario.Y our holding the fish at boat side trying to revive and initially during and after surgury there was sugnifigant bleeding due to the area of planted hooks but soon into revival the fish appears to stops bleeding and swims away strong.Due you guys think most if not all of these fish survive?Also i was wondering if you guys have had fish not come back for apparenlty no reason at all,the whole process goes extreamly well but the fish just wont come back to life.What gives?This wasnt intended to hijack this thread i just thought it was a perfect platform to address questions that i think alot of us wonder about.
Edited by kawartha kid 10/31/2007 2:21 PM
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| You also need them to get hooks out of the head.
I know... from experience... it hurts for the fish as well...  |
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Actually, no, it doesn't 'hurt for the fish as well', because the fish's brain is less complex and they do not process 'pain' as mammals do. Just a note to keep PETA informed... |
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| i have used the cheapo cutters before and they eventually ware-out, go dull, or break.....they just arent meant to cut that wire that large....the knipex are spendy, but they will last you a long long time and eventually they pay off after you have been through four or five of the cheap ones. bad deal when you need to cut hooks and your cutters are worn  |
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Posts: 469
Location: Downers Grove, IL | I recommend getting the spring loaded Knipex. They make cutting with one hand a lot easier as the other versions seem to stick together after a couple seasons. Keep em lubed up with WD40 too.
td |
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Posts: 136
Location: Chicago | Great topic. There was many times when I fished by myself where I can't rely on people to help me. I try to get as many tools that can help me safely & quickly release a fish, no matter how it's hooked. Here's a pic of some release tools I carry in the boat, anything I should add to the collection?
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Posts: 686
Location: Tomahawk, Wisconsin | Yup good topic bro, I will see you next week, ARE YOU PREPARED?????? |
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Location: Twin Cities | Steve Worrall - 10/31/2007 4:25 AM
Actually, no, it doesn't 'hurt for the fish as well', because the fish's brain is less complex and they do not process 'pain' as mammals do. Just a note to keep PETA informed...
I'm curious, why do they thrash about so bad once hooked then?
RE: Gear. I can't endorse this thread enough. I now keep everyhting I need in the boat, at the beginning of this season I took a hook in the hand getting a fish out of the net and wasn't as prepared as I should've been. Absolutely the LEAST fun thing i've ever done in a boat was pushing the barb back through in another spot, then trying not to kill my friend as he took 3 attempts to cut the hook with a craptastic cutter....two hands, shaking he was squeezing so hard, of course with me knowing every movement he made.
Two results of this. I have all the suggested gear, been very happy to always have it when needed. Second is I fish barbless and have seen no adverse affect. Hooks practically jump out once in the net. Makes life SO much easier.
Edited by JRedig 10/31/2007 5:41 PM
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | It's not because of 'pain', and that's a fact. Do a bit of research on the subject, there's a ton of relevant info out there.
Here's a little to look into:
http://fishscam.com/faqPain.cfm
There are also some research teams that claim the opposite, but from the extensive work I have read and what seems to be mainstream thinking on the subject that seems to be an argument of semantics, not physiology. |
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Posts: 374
Location: Bemidji | Last year I had a 50in fish thrash while it had a set of jawsreaders in its mouth and it put them through its gills, one end was sticking through one set of gills and the other side was sticking through the other set of gills. I couldn't cut the jaw spreaders with the Knipex so I had to reach in its mouth and carefully pull them out. The next day I bought a HUGE pair of bolt cutters that would do the job. I have never had to use them to cut jaw spreaders but I will be prepared if it ever happens in the future. There is no such things as having too many tools in the boat. |
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| i really like having one of these in the boat....
www.hookpick.com
i have been in other people's boats and seen them put to use. they are just awesome
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I used one this summer on a Canada trip; it saved me alot of cuts on the pinkies with all the 30 to 38" pike. Great release tool tomcat. |
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| Steve great topic. I thought that I was prepared until it happened. Luckily I was in your boat and you took over. I learned allot from that experience and am hoping to put it to use on more big fish. Even the couple of smaller fish that I have caught since I have had smoother releases. I think everyone could benifit from watching an experienced guide unhook a huge fish, I know I did.
I hope I am not the reason that you brought this up |
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Posts: 3482
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I have never seen one of these "hook picks" but man...easy to see how it would be used. I have always used the largest baker hook-out and have done well with it, and if it cannot get the hook out, it's cut. I definitely will be adding that tool to my arsenal for next year. How long is the tool anyway? I think the longer the better and if the commercially made ones are not long enough, I'll make my own somehow.
One suggestion that I have not seen here on your tools, though... Go to walmart, target, or any shoe store and buy a few sets of those "curly shoelaces" that are like the old telephone cords. (yes..it will be in the girls footwear section...HEY...YOU CAN GET PINK IF YOU WANT, OR EVEN GLOW IN THE DARK!!)
Attatch two of them together, then tie one end to your tool, the other end to the boat. (especially handy on the jaw spreaders.... nice to get the thing back after it goes "fling" from the fish thrashing with it in) This way, the tools are always attatched, and if dropped, you don't lose your nice set of $50 knipex in the drink.
The things stretch to about 6 feet, and when coiled, they are about 12 inches long. So....no messy strings laying around, the tools are all ready to go at a moment's notice, and for the most part, not inhibiting the use of the tool. I drilled a hole in the handle of my knipex (did a number on the bit doing so) to tie the lanyard to, but it took some time. Well worth it, though...
Steve
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Posts: 1243
Location: Musky Tackle Online, MN | The Hook Pick is definitely a must have tool in the boat. Once you see what they can do, you'll really be impressed. They are about 15" in length, including the handle and the metal rod. It has a lanyard attached already that you can put around your wrist in case you do happen to lose a grip on it. If you ever get a deep hooked musky, this tool can save that fish's life, without question.
Aaron |
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Posts: 1289
Location: WI | I caught a big one while fishing alone in Sept. I'm lucky in that I somehow can keep my cool under pressure and save the freaking out until afterwards. A good, big net is the first important thing IMO. Then comes the long pliers and bolt cutters. I didn't even bother with a photo as my camera was still in the rod locker and I had no way to figure out how to take a pic without stressing the fish more.
I grabbed it, it shook...I held on (despite a now bleeding finger...measure it...measured it again because I didn't believe it...and then let it go. All over in about as long as it took to read this reply. Crazy! I always wondered how I would react, if it would ever even happen. My previous best was a 40 incher and I topped it by 10 inches. |
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Posts: 20
Location: st boni, mn | what cuts the most time of releasing a fish for me is my net. a good rubber coated net can save alot of time and hassle, to many times i have seen or been with fellow fisherman that have a net that when a fish gets in they roll, and they get so tangled up that they spend way to much time getting that fish loose. ive been there and its no fun, the net i have saves me time and frustration when handling fish, it doesnt tangle as much or if all. |
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That hook pick deal looks like a real handy tool, glad I read this post just for seeing that.
One other thing that can make releasing go a whole lot better, is to make sure your boat partner knows where everything is, how to use it, etc. as soon as you get on the water.
Especially important when fishing with a new partner, guy new to fishing etc. Make sure they know to hold the net bag so it doesn't tangled, what to clear when you hook one, etc. etc.
I'm becoming a bigger fan of barbless all time, it makes releasing very easy, especially when alone.
Great topic.
JS
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Posts: 2112
Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water | Steve's "are you prepared?" post should be posted at every boat launch around the greater Green Bay area. There are alot of "instant newbies" that are doing the fish up there an injustice, because they are so poorly equipped, and uneducated in the proper methods of releasing those fish un-harmed. |
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Posts: 199
Location: Sandusky, OH | My friend and his dad helped another musky guy out of a sticky situation last June; the guy was fishing solo and hooked a small, mid-30's fish. Because it wasn't huge, he decided to pick it up rather than net it, and he ended up attached to a Cobb's when he slipped his hand inside the gill plate. Also left his hook cutters at home. My buddie's dad cut him free, but it was far from a clean release (for the fish and the fisherman).
Never take a small fish for granted; they seem to 'freak out' a lot.
Eric |
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Posts: 101
| This is a question I've asked myself a few times. Personally I've never caught anything over 39 inches, but last fall I was able to net, and photo a 48+ a good friend caught. He was pretty experianced, and there were no snags on any part of the catch. I like to think I learned alot fishing with him, and that prepared me for another big fish last weekend. As usual I was the one doing the net job, but this was the first time the angler I was with got anything over 42". The photo wasn't that pretty, the hooks came out quick, and we didn't get a great measurement or girth the fish at all. Our main focus was getting the fish back with the least amount of stress possible. Best we can gather is it was around 47-48, but could have been a little longer.
Last year, if this would have happened in my boat, there would have been total chaos, and the fish most likely would have suffered. But because of knowledge, and experiance watching what to properly do when handling a large fish we were able to release it with no harm done to the fish other than 1 bleeding tooth.
You can read all you want, but time on the water, and watching/experiancing it first hand will teach you alot more than you can ever prepare yourself for.
Now I just have to pray it happens to me someday!
~Dawg |
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Posts: 2089
| Sometimes it takes more than being prepared. True story I'll make short. 10 boats on Garrison Reef last Friday due to the high winds from the NW. I know several people in the area , and get a call asking if we saw that guy catch that monster. Didn't see anything so we kept fishin'. 10 minutes later I get a call about the same thing, but these guys see the fish belly up."It's been belly up for 10 minutes"! We buzz over there and see this PIG in a bad way. After scooping her and working her alongside the boat, we decide it's livewell time. In she goes. Maybe not. Too big. Two of us hold her upright with her head under the stream. After what seemed like an eternity, she made a strong kick. It's almost time. Two of us lift her from the livewell and place her in the water. Takes a minute to get her bearings and she starts kickin'!! I let go and she swims away. We FOLLOW the fish until she heads for the depths. Wow! We then go by the boat that caught the fish and ask how big it was. 53 1/2 X 25. "A 40 pounder". I know, we just revived it and watched her swim away. There were several witnesses to the catch and bumble that followed. Waaaaay too many pictures, dropped in the bottom of the boat and the coup de grace.......a St. Clair torpedo release. Of course she went down initially! Purpose of this story???? Follow your releases and always keep an eye out for the opportunity to help the fishery. This fish was one of the "Big Brown Fish", a Wisconsin strain , and an absolute tanker. She still swims , so go catch her again. We have the whole "revival" on video. Steve
Edited by Steve Jonesi 11/6/2007 7:43 AM
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Great post, Steve, and I hope those guys fortunate enough to have caught that fish now have a better understanding of good CPR practices. It was a great start to release the fish, but the rest of that process definitely needed work. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | I have some great tools (long needle nose pliers, bolt cutters, jaw spreaders, good no puncture gloves, etc.). My question is, do any of you know or have bolt cutters with long handles? I have not had a problem as I have great gloves too but last year I got a monster pike in Canada on a Bulldawg and all but the top hook were buried. I was able to get the first set of treble hooks out and realized right away the back hooks were trouble. I have to stick my hand with bolt cutters inside the mouth to cut two and then I was able to get the last barb free. If I did not have the glove I am not sure that fish would have lived. With that said, I go back to the longer handle bolt cutters. I was able to get one other piece out by going through the gills very carefully.
PS-I do not have that hook pic. Great tool and I will be adding one to the set this winter. Thanks for that one and a great thread Steve! |
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