Why am I gut hooking so many fish?

[fishinfantatic]

How do you get rid of the barbs? It seems like the strength of the hook would be affected by just mashing it down..?

[J Francho]

It isn't going to ruin the hook. Use a pair of pliers or hemostats. I mash the barbs on my trout hooks now, for easy release, and tiny #10 hooks still hold up to double digit steelhead no problem.

[Hyrule Bass]

best method by far ive seen to remove gut hooked fish, works every time for me. one of the best things i ever learned on this site. good thing to because the next 3 bass i caught after learning this were hooked in the gullet. also had to use the method 3-4 times this past saturday...

http://www.in-fisherman.com/print/3560

[Evan Lip Ripper]

Probably you are having a lot of slack or letting it take the bait until you will for sure catch it.

[NHBull]

Had to deal with 3 today........

 

I use light wire hook.

With wire cutter, cut the shank.

With pliers crimp the barb

Though the gill rotate the hook out.

 

Cutting the shank really helps