How to Unhook a Pike - fishing for northern pike esox lucius predator teeth fish

A short instructional video I shot a few years ago, showing the correct method to hold and unhook a pike. This is the safest and kindest way for the fish and the safest way for the angler. You don't need an unhooking glove, just some confidence and practice. Please do not fish for pike on your own until you have learned the skills necessary to safely handle them. Try to go with an experienced pike angler at least a couple of times so they can show you the ropes.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how
• to
• unhook
• pike
• un
• hook
• fish
• teeth
• predator
• fishing
• angling
• safely
• forceps
• unhooking
• mat

[boab242424]

I actually cant get to grips with putting my hand into the pikes throat .The first time I put my hand in I hit the teeth at the front and now I am a bit nervous about it.

[justfishuk]

@boab242424 There is no point catching a pike if you can't handle it properly once it's on the bank. It does take confidence and skill to get right but it's not that difficult with a little practice. Please try to find someone locally who knows what they're doing with pike. When you see it in action being done properly, you'll be more confident to try yourself. If you must, then buy a "Lindy fish handling glove". They're not that fish-friendly, but more-so than a hook left inside a fish.

[montymagic1987]

hey i was at a lake and i got a pike on my spinner hook and i feel like a fool cause i didn't have a net or forceps and i could not get the fish up n out of water so i just let him sit in front of me in the water and then he got off the hook himself and swam away was i lucky this happened? there such a good fish to angle great fighters but i don't know anyone that can show me how to do it so will i just keep trying to do it by myself? i don't want to hurt any fish, all catch and release for me!

[justfishuk]

@montymagic1987 Yes, you were definitely lucky! This can sometimes happen with barbless hooks if a pike is hooked in the lip(s) as they are quite bony. However, if the hook goes inside the mouth (as it usually does, especially if a big fish takes a small lure), then you will have to remove it yourself. The way above is safest for you and the fish. Get yourself a landing net, some good forceps and long-nose pliers and then practice. You'll soon be releasing 'em quicker than you can catch 'em!

[justfishuk]

@montymagic1987 Search for this video "Fish Handling and Release Techniques from a boat", it might be some use to you, as it shows hand-landing a pike and unhooking lures when boat fishing.

Please for the sake of the pike invest in a good, large-mesh landing net and some quality unhooking tools. You shouldn't need to spend much over £40 for everything and they'll last you for years (and hopefully plenty of fish) to come.

[justfishuk]

@0o0oCaRsEyo0o0 - Take a look at the Pike Anglers Club pike handling code here: You may find it beneficial to join and/or contact the PAC, who may be able to put you in contact with an experienced piker in your area to go fishing with

[MrMasterchief78]

so nice to see someone who can actually handle a pike. tight lines

[TobzyMusic]

Every time i catch pike it jumps around crazily? But when i watch some of these videos they just sit still without the fisher having a viewable grip on the fish ??

[montymagic1987]

@justfishuk he he... cheers fella. i thought that im gona get net n forceps soon. thanks guys for the reply

[lexmark136]

ahh but the gills are sharp, and i'm scared!!!

[stephen1803]

Nice to see a good fishing video on youtube that doesnt involve a chav throwing a fish all around the bank. Great advice.