How do I unhook a fish that's swallowed the hook?

Question

My dad and fiance always do it for me, but if I'm fishing alone, I can't do it by myself. Even with pliers, I don't know how to successfully remove it. Keep in mind I want to harm the fish as little as possible.

But when you insert the pliers, what do you do then? Twist? Pull?

I reel it in as fast as possible, but some of these fish fight so hard, and often times with smaller fish I'll use a bobber, and the fish aren't strong enough to pull the bobber under so they'll sit there for a bit before I realize I have anything. Especially those bluegills.

Answer 1

I know this seems mean but it is a proven fact that you do harm the fish more when you try to dig the hook out. You damage the fish more with all that poking and prodding and also if the hook comes out and you rip its throat it will die. Its a proven study that when the fish swallows the hook, which is caused by the fisherman/or woman not setting the hook quick enough when you get a bite, you need to cut the line as far down to the hook as you can. After you cut the line let the fish go with the hook still in its throat, the hook will rust and eventually come out on its own in about 3 to 4 days. It has a better chance of survival on its own than you pulling the hook out and killing the fish. Hope this helps, and dont forget when you get a bite be sure and set the hook as soon as you possibly can.

Answer 2

If it swallows it deep just cut the line and re hook. Just keep trying with pliers and twist and pull but not at the same time. Try to set your hook a little earlier this time. It sounds like you may be waiting a little too long, or use smaller hooks.

Answer 3

find the hook with the pliers, push the hook down the throat a tiny bit, untill the barb comes free, then jently/carefully take it from the mouth. if its too tricky, cut the line & free the fish, the hook will work its way out by itself over time.

Answer 4

kgsm is absolutely right.

I am a very experienced catch and release angler. That is the best way to do it.

Also, to minimise damage to yourself and the fish, file down the barbs or crush them with pliers before you fish. If you are a skilled angler you will loose very little fish even with the barbs gone.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Use a hook disgorger to take the hook out its the easies way to unhook and fish without harming

Answer 6

if you don't have needle nose pliers,cut the line,the hook will eventually disolve in the fish,no harm done!!

Answer 7

Wiggle your hook a little so it can make a hole big enough so that the top side of the hook can get free & don't worry you want hurt it.
(dag if you don't sound like my sister) .
good luck fishing

Answer 8

you have to use a needle nose pliers and dig into it's throat. Gross I know but I'm a fisher-woman.

Answer 9

There is some useful tips here.