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The Gill-Plate Grab: Catch & Release Pike Without a Net
This simple tip will help protect the fish, and your fingers
Handling a big pike or muskie means you have to control its head to prevent wild thrashing. A gill-plate grab is the easiest way and will keep your fingers away from the fish’s sharp teeth: (1) Curl all four fingers of your right hand into a U shape, then slip them under the fish’s right-side gill plate. Your fingers should be touching the inside surface of that covering—not the gills themselves. Your right thumb, meanwhile, is extended forward, parallel to the fish’s head. (2) Squeeze your fingers toward your thumb, thereby getting a firm grip. (3) Now you can safely unhook the fish and hoist it for a photo. Always support the fish’s body horizontally.
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Comments (7)
great way to deal with a fish but like the article says make sure you support the fish and dont hold them up just with one habd as is can damage the fish's spine
I know that this method of holding a pike seems to be popular on alot of the outdoor shows, but I've always thought that a lip grip tool is easier on the fish. Anytime you have to put your hand in near the gills, there is a chance for damage to them.
If you decide this is how you take fish off the hook then there are two important things to keep in mind. 1) Keep your fingers flexed so they don't straighten out ...if they do and they end up going too deep you'll end up doing damage to not only the fish but also end up with some cheese-grated hands. 2) Have a first aid kit on board because eventually (as long as you catch enough fish) you will end up with trebles in your hand.
Might be easier to net/cradle the fish while keeping it in the water and get the hooks out with pliers before grabbing. Kinda depends on hook placement too I guess.
On a separate note...what are the thoughts on lip grip tools? I have always thought they apply too much pressure and hurt the fish more than anything. I've seen too many people holding a fish for a picture with a lip grip tool and the fish flops and the bottom lip ends up ripped. The fish swims off and obviously dies later due to not being able to secure a meal or has to end up on the dinner plate.
Believe it or not, I've found that holding a pike upside down has a remarkable calming affect. I think it disorients them. I know it makes hook removal more difficult, but when I've got a fish with a lot of fight left in him already in the boat I'd rather not risk getting attached to the same treble.
You're making me want to go fishing but my boat is in 2 feet of snow. I usually use a leather or fish glove and grab the pike like the illustration and then using long pliers/hook grabbers get a good hold on the hook and remove in one motion for least injury. Most of my pike lures have only one treble and barbless but if its hooked bad I use a wrap type net to keep it still. I have seen too many big pike injured with lip grabs etc. you have to do all you can to ensure the fish is not mortally injured as much as you can.
Very effective when done correctly.
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You're making me want to go fishing but my boat is in 2 feet of snow. I usually use a leather or fish glove and grab the pike like the illustration and then using long pliers/hook grabbers get a good hold on the hook and remove in one motion for least injury. Most of my pike lures have only one treble and barbless but if its hooked bad I use a wrap type net to keep it still. I have seen too many big pike injured with lip grabs etc. you have to do all you can to ensure the fish is not mortally injured as much as you can.
great way to deal with a fish but like the article says make sure you support the fish and dont hold them up just with one habd as is can damage the fish's spine
I know that this method of holding a pike seems to be popular on alot of the outdoor shows, but I've always thought that a lip grip tool is easier on the fish. Anytime you have to put your hand in near the gills, there is a chance for damage to them.
If you decide this is how you take fish off the hook then there are two important things to keep in mind. 1) Keep your fingers flexed so they don't straighten out ...if they do and they end up going too deep you'll end up doing damage to not only the fish but also end up with some cheese-grated hands. 2) Have a first aid kit on board because eventually (as long as you catch enough fish) you will end up with trebles in your hand.
Might be easier to net/cradle the fish while keeping it in the water and get the hooks out with pliers before grabbing. Kinda depends on hook placement too I guess.
On a separate note...what are the thoughts on lip grip tools? I have always thought they apply too much pressure and hurt the fish more than anything. I've seen too many people holding a fish for a picture with a lip grip tool and the fish flops and the bottom lip ends up ripped. The fish swims off and obviously dies later due to not being able to secure a meal or has to end up on the dinner plate.
Believe it or not, I've found that holding a pike upside down has a remarkable calming affect. I think it disorients them. I know it makes hook removal more difficult, but when I've got a fish with a lot of fight left in him already in the boat I'd rather not risk getting attached to the same treble.
Very effective when done correctly.
Post a Comment