Trouble getting hook out

[armesjr]

When i am fishing with tubes, a lot of the fish i catch tend to be hooked in the entrance to the stomach.  This is never really a problem with any other lures i fish with just mainly the tubes.  What i have found is due to the barb on the hook that it is extremly difficult/impossible to get the hook out, without seriously hurting the fish.  I always carry a leatherman with me, and have tried using needle nose pliers also to no avail. I have also tried flattening the barb on the hook, and that doesnt work either.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the hook out, because currently i have just been leaving them in.  

[Deuceu72]

If you cannot get the hook out without hurting the fish, cut your line as close to the bait as possible and let em go, then retie a new bait and your good to go.

[moloch16]

I agree leaving the hook in is the best approach.  Eventually it will rust away.

[flyphisher #]

Thats why I always carry a good pair of forceps in my tackle bag, contrary to the beliefs of fishing buddies they are good for more than a roach clip ;D ....Been lucky and havent had to cut the line in a tournament but once or twice, i can remember.

Flyfishing for trout with small nymphs and dry flies, forceps are a must unless you really like lossing flies...that why i know this....

[RoLo]

I'm certainly no expert on rapid hook-removal (wish I was), but I keep trying to do better.

Most of the time the hook can be removed quite easily, but there are times when I get serious pangs of conscience.

There are two methods for avoiding or for handling life-threatening hook-ups.

> The obvious is to use "barbless" hooks or "flatten" the barb with a pliers, prior to fishing

> For life-threatening hookups, I carry a pair of diagonal wire-cutters.

Just snip the hook-shank right behind the barb, and push it through the hole.

Sometimes I may have to snip the hook-shank in a couple places, but it saves a lot of time and abuse on the fish.

Generally speaking, it's not okay to leave the hook in the fish.

In saltwater, the hook will oxidize much sooner than in freshwater, provided that is, the angler isn't using stainless-steel hooks.

In freshwater, it's always better to remove the hook.

Roger

[Siebert Outdoors]

Do not leave the hook in the fish.

There is a page on the forum here that shows you how to remove a hook that is deep.

In simple terms reach your fingers through the gills and turn the round bend up by pointing the eyelet down. THis will expose the round part and just pull it straight out with a pair of pliers. Very simple to do, very clean and I have yet to hurt a fish doing this. Just make sure you dont damage they gills.

I found it.  Works awsome

http://www.in-fisherman.com/magazine/articles/if2806_HookRemoval/index.html

[Guest avid]

I agree leaving the hook in is the best approach.  Eventually it will rust away.

This is a common misconception. Modern worm/tube hooks will take forever to rust away.  Dislodging it through the gill plate instead of trying to pull it back is the best way.

The diagram linked is better than any words.  

It'll amaze you when you actually do it.

[frogtog]

You are letting the fish have the bait to long! You need to set the hook faster when you feel the bite and this will cure that problem.

[PondBoss]

I do something similar but completely different from what that diagram shows.  If your hook has come out on the other side somewhere this definitely works way better than that diagram.  All you do is cut your line and continue to thread the hook around.  Just simply grab it by the point with your pliers and gently pull the hook through until the eye comes out.  Let the fish go and retie, simple as that.

[Catt]

Y'all ever use one of these for hook removal  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

The tool above works great, it allows you to follow the shank down to the curve of the hook and remove it by pulling on the curve, thusly bringing the hook out curve first so the point can't get caught.  

Rapala makes a pair of pliers that have a split ring tool on the tip, these also work very well because the "beak" on these pliers allows the same approach as the tool above.

Backing up what Avid said, even in saltwater, hooks take a very long time to "rust" out.  Plus, having a rusty hook embedded in your flesh is a sure bet for an infection.