Protecting gut-hooked fish

Anglers hate to hook bass deep in the gullet because it injures the fish.

Traditionally, the remedy is to cut the line and release the fish. In time, hopefully the hook will rust and the fish will excrete it.

Hours before Thursday's trip, I saw a video on wired2fish.com about how to safely remove deeply embedded hooks. I used it, and it works.

The technique is simple. Insert needle-nose pliers with the jaws closed through the gill flap. This gives direct access to the hook and provides horizontal, rotational leverage on the hook. Gripping from the mouth provides no rotational leverage.

Keeping the plier jaws shut prevents damaging the gills.

With the pliers safely past the gills, open the jaws and grab the hook as close to the bend as possible. Turn the hook eye down toward the fish's belly and gently twist the hook. It will release from the gullet without tearing tissue or distending the stomach. When the hook is free, pull it up out of the mouth and remove the pliers.

The fish will be in good health for release.

Sports on 10/14/2018

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