Q&A for How to Unhook a Fish

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How do I get a hook out if the fish is hooked in the lip?

Michael Reynolds
Professional Fishing Instructor
Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over five years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

Michael Reynolds

Professional Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

If the fish is hooked in the lip, simply reverse the hook out by using a pair of pliers and force. Usually, a fast twist of the wrist is the most effective way to remove a hook.

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Question

Should I use hooks that have a barb, or is it better to use a triple hook?

Community Answer

It depends on a lot of factors, like how fast the current is, how big the fish are, and even where you are fishing.

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Question

If the fish has a small mouth I can't get the pliers in the mouth and I can't see what to do with the disgorger, do I cut the line? I just worry that it will be uncomfortable for the fish or will lead to its death.

Community Answer

If you caught it to eat it, just cut the line and remove the hook when you gut it. If you catch and release, cut the line and just let the fish go if it's a small hook, but if it's a large hook get some smaller tweezers and fish it out carefully.

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Question

If I am on a pier and cannot reach the water, what do I do?

Community Answer

Consider a landing net, this will let you lower the fish back in. If not, I would recommend fishing in another location so you aren't harming the fish by the pier.

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Question

How can I get a better grip on the fish?

Community Answer

You can get more grip by using special "grip gloves".

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Question

How do you remove a barbed hook from a fish?

Community Answer

Either pull it out the way it came in, or cut it off. Pulling it out will hurt the fish, but preserve your hook for additional uses.

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Question

How do I unhook a fish with teeth if I don't have any pliers or gloves?

Community Answer

It would be best to cut the line and leave the hook, as long as it is small. If you plan on keeping it, just remove the hook while you are gutting the fish.

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Question

What is the best way to unhook a fish?

Charles Matthews

Community Answer

When picking up the fish, wet your hands first, or better yet use a wet flannel to handle it as this will hurt it less. Be somewhat firm but gentle with it, and expect the fish to flinch and flap about as soon as you touch it. To remove the hook, grab it with your tool of choice (straight Kelly forceps and/or a disgorger help a lot with deeply swallowed hooks) and apply pressure lightly in the opposite direction of the point. Once the hook is free, keep the point away from the wall of the fish's mouth/throat and pull it out gently. Try not to feel stressed, if you struggle to do it within a minute or so, put the fish back in the water and allow it to breathe for a bit before resuming.

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