Things You'll Need:
- Leather gloves
- Needlenose or hook removal pliers
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Step 1
Grasp the fish firmly with a gloved hand behind the gills. If it is a large fish, you could tuck it underneath one arm, or have your fishing buddy hold it.
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Step 2
Grasp the eye of the hook with your fingers, and push the hook towards the back of the mouth to release the tip from the fish’s flesh. Once the hook is released from the fish’s flesh, gently remove the entire hook from the fish’s mouth, being careful not to touch any other part of the fish’s mouth with the tip of hook or any barbs on the hook.
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Step 3
If the hook seems to be stuck or won’t remove easily with your hands, use needle nose or hook removing pliers to push or pull the hook out. Don't twist the hook from side to side, but use a steady motion and a firm grip on the fish.
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Step 4
Place the fish either in your storage area for dinner or mounting later, or release back into the water. It is best to hold the fish for a few seconds before releasing to allow water to flow over their gills.
