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Unhooking Pike
Unhooking pike is an important part of fishing and it must be don properly for the well-being of the pike and your own safety. There is nothing worse than a trip to the hospital for a couple of stitches or a nice prize pike going belly up.
First of all there are a few
things you will need.
A unhooking mat, this is a padded mat
for the pike to lie on while you unhook the fish. this is so if the fish jumps
or flaps about there will be less harm to it.
The next thing are a good pair of forceps. I have 3 in 6" 8" and 10" long. The larger the Pike the bigger the mouth and the the forceps needed. Sometimes it is easer to go in threw the gill cover.
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Well hear it is the pike lade on its side |
Open the gill cover with your finger |
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Slide your finger in genteelly along the middle to the front of the mouth being careful not to catch it on the gill rackers. |
using your finger as a leaver open the mouth. know you can get your forceps to unhook the fish. |
It is important to get the fish back to the water as soon as possible. Long gone are the days where they used to stick a gaff in it and through it to one side. It is up to you to take responsibility for each fish you catch and the water you are fishing.
Some people use gloves to unhook pike to stop from being cut. I tried gloves once but as I pulled my hand out the glove was stuck to the gill rackers and this can damage them. the worst that can happen is you get your finger scratched. each to there own.
It is important to note that if you are going to fish for pike fore the first time it is better to with someone who is experienced in unhooking pike to show you how its done.
