How to Unhook a Fish

We all know that fishing has been a skilled artform passed down from generation to generation. The different techniques and methods of how to correctly hook a fish, wait for the “tug,” and reel the specimen in are all different. Today’s tip is how to properly unhook a fish so that the least amount of pain is inflicted on the fish and you do not become injured during the process.

Step #1: Pull the fish up close to your hands.


Step #2: Reach toward the fish and grab, with one hand, the fish around the pectoral fins (the fins below the gills).

Step #3: If the hook is in its lip or the edge of its mouth, simply pull the hook out. Do not tear the fish's lip if you can prevent doing so, that is cruel. Instead, pull it out the way it went in.

Step #4: If the fish has swallowed the hook the, are two possibilities. If you are going to eat the fish, cook it normally, then chop it up finally, remove the hook and enjoy).If you will not eat the fish, but are throwing it back or keeping for another reason, you may be able to cut away a small piece of flesh and remove the hook. If not, sadly there is probably nothing to do about it and you must let it go like that.

Step #5: Keep a pair of long nosed pliers or scissors when fishing. Use this to enter the fish's mouth. Rotate the hook out the way it came. Always use pliers to dull the barb on your hook. It makes getting the hook out easier, and is much more humane. Also, note that all the professional fishing tournaments don't allow barbed hooks.

Warnings: 
Fish can cut you if you are not careful! Be sure to hold the pectoral fins tightly and don't let the fish jump free.