Landing Pike Without a Net

[Joe_w1234]

Hello everyone

I just caught my first ever pike (on accident) today, and I didn’t know what to do so I flipped him into the bank, where the line snapped. I was able to grab him by his gill plate, but does anyone have any ideas on how to land a pike without a net? Should I just grab him by the gill plate while he’s still in the water? It seems kinda hard...

[MickD]

If the pike is below about 30 inches you can grab them from over the fish right behind the head.  Hold on tight or you may have a hook and a fish in your hand.  Above about 30, they are too wide to hold onto, so get under the lower jay and grab through the slits there, making sure to stay clear of the teeth, and  the lure.  

 

However, a tool to grab the lower jaw is available and not expensive.  Much safer, especially for newbies.  If you think you may encounter more of them, take a jaw spreader in your pocket or pack.  Cheap and so effective in aiding the removal of the lure.

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/NORMARK-CORP-FISH-GRIPPER-FLOATIN/3178271.uts?productVariantId=6135166&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=BingPLA&WT.z_mc_id1=02231139&rid=20&msclkid=d67a200a5a5c13b5603f7d818153c62f&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CK7fxMf07OQCFdVIgQodTPIHAA&gclsrc=ds

 

There are many more, do a search for "fish jaw grabber"

 

 

[JediAmoeba]

Please use a fish grabber if you don't have a net.  You are going to cut yourself on the teeth or the gill rakers and at some point get a hook in your hand.  

[Scott F]

I've hand landed pike up to 46" safely by grabbing them by the back of the head. If the fish is too big to grab them over the gills, grab them behind the head but let your fingers slide inside the gills. The back of the skull is very hard and you can get a very good grip on them. Lift the fish out of the water, then you can use your other hand and slip your fingers under the jaw. Just don't slide your fingers too far in under the jaw or you'll scrape the sharp gills. When you have a pike by the back of their head, your hand is very safe from getting knicked by any teeth. Use pliers with your free hand to get the lure out.

[slonezp]

If you can't grab them easily by the back of the head, cover their entire head with a wet rag when you grab the back of the head. They cease to fight when they can't see.

 

My grandfather used to put a bullet in their head. I think the rag is a bit more humane.

[jimmyjoe]

2 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

Please use a fish grabber if you don't have a net. 

 

3 hours ago, MickD said:

However, a tool to grab the lower jaw is available and not expensive.

  2 out of 3 is good; I'll make it 3 out of 3. Get a fish grabber.    jj

[MassYak85]

Yea you're playing with fire landing them by the gills. Their gill rakers are basically razor blades. Id get some fish grippers. I like the plastic ones Rapala makes. 

[Dangerfield]

Lost a brand new gantarel jr trying to get proper leverage on my would be PB pike on the wknd, I wish I just netted the d**n thing.

[A-Jay]

This is perhaps one of my more creative versions of landing a Pike without a net - 

Or I guess a big enough net.

A-Jay

 

[Dangerfield]

4 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

This is perhaps one of my more creative versions of landing a Pike without a net - 

Or I guess a big enough net.

A-Jay

Is that a canoe? If so what kind?

[A-Jay]

16 minutes ago, Dangerfield said:

Is that a canoe? If so what kind?

Old Town Predator Squareback 

I've added a few 'Mods' over the years

A-Jay

 

 I do not want to hi-jack this thread ~ PM me for more info if you need to

[J Francho]

I pretty much never use a net for pike.  If they aren't over 40", I don't bother taking them out of the water.  I use a fish grip and 11" pliers.  Grip the lower jaw and lock the grip.  Then grab the pliers, and remove the bait.  I support the fish's belly, while I remove the grip, and let it rest until it's ready to swim off.  You'll feel it tense up, and they'll usually give you splash as they swim away.

[Cam R]

I suggest Grabbing the pike on the back of the head when you’re just landing it like MickD said, always bring a net for pike though especially the bigger ones. Make sure to hold them firmly enough so  A) the fish doesn’t flop out of your hands b. You dont get hooked most importantly

[Joe_w1234]

Thank you for all the great information! This really helps. I don’t plan on catching many more, so I think I will stick to grabbing them by the back of the head if I happen to catch another.