10-02-2010, 02:47 AM
When you are removing hooks from any fish, grab your line and slide your fingers down until you grab the lure, jig, etc. firmly with two fingers and then you will be able to prevent the hooks from flailing around and hooking you.
Trout usually start thrashing the second you touch them so refer to the first paragraph because taking hold of your lure first is a good idea. A landing net is best for trout because if you do suddenly let them go when they squirm they remain in the net. Also, a net allows you to land the fish more quickly which takes away from the physical stress they get from fighting.
Cradle the fish gently underneath and you will have an easier time getting them to calm down. Lipping trout, especially the larger ones with the sharp teeth, is hard on the fish and painful for you. Squeezing them only makes them squirm more and can injure them.
When you are using lures for trout, especially anything with treble hooks, flatten the barbs. You might have a few fish jump and throw the hooks but if you can keep line tension on them you can keep the lure in their jaw and it is a lot easier on you and the fish when you remove the hooks.
If the lure is taken deep in the mouth then carry a pair of forceps to remove the hooks. They won't injure the fish like sticking a chunky pair of pliers down their throat will and the fact that they are so nimble inside the fish's mouth makes it easy to see what you are doing.
When you let the fish go, lower it gently in the water and move it back and forth to push water through it's gills and then, when it is able to swim off easily, let it go.
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Trout usually start thrashing the second you touch them so refer to the first paragraph because taking hold of your lure first is a good idea. A landing net is best for trout because if you do suddenly let them go when they squirm they remain in the net. Also, a net allows you to land the fish more quickly which takes away from the physical stress they get from fighting.
Cradle the fish gently underneath and you will have an easier time getting them to calm down. Lipping trout, especially the larger ones with the sharp teeth, is hard on the fish and painful for you. Squeezing them only makes them squirm more and can injure them.
When you are using lures for trout, especially anything with treble hooks, flatten the barbs. You might have a few fish jump and throw the hooks but if you can keep line tension on them you can keep the lure in their jaw and it is a lot easier on you and the fish when you remove the hooks.
If the lure is taken deep in the mouth then carry a pair of forceps to remove the hooks. They won't injure the fish like sticking a chunky pair of pliers down their throat will and the fact that they are so nimble inside the fish's mouth makes it easy to see what you are doing.
When you let the fish go, lower it gently in the water and move it back and forth to push water through it's gills and then, when it is able to swim off easily, let it go.
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