using f18 and similar lures for catch and release

[smlfishing]

Does anyone have any tricks to keep from getting every hook embedded in the fish when you land it. We use boga grips to lip the fish and the large baker t handle hook remover but it seems like they just shake and then every hook is in them and you have to bring them in the boat and start working on hook removal. We try to keep the line tight so the lure does not drop down.   

[BentRod]

I thought the point was to get the hooks in them so you could land them! My only suggestion for quicker release would be to bend the barbs back and go barbless.

[smlfishing]

Yes I was just looking for an easy way to release them without getting all three hook in them. I was going to try barbless on the back hook and see if that helps.

[tblspoon]

Go to a single hook instead of a treble hook. I do that on the spoons.

[lund2]

I agree with tblspoon. especially if you get into breaking fish. you want to be able to unhook them quickly and get your lure back in the water.

[johnr]

Agreed. Lots of times I will make the back hook single on crankbaits. Most of my spoons now are single hooks too.

Pinched barbs also facilitate easier hook removal from human flesh! And it's bound to happen..

[Gator]

smlfishing, you can change your treble hooks to single hooks and that will give you less trouble. SOME lures have a different action when you do this. Usually, it is a lure that has a belly hook. If that's the case you can use one hook on the tail end of the lure and eliminate the belly hook. Do a google search and you can find the appropriate treble to single hook conversion chart. Tight lines!

[smlfishing]

Lund2 got me to thinking about this from his post Breaking fish and how long it takes us to release some fish. Thanks to everyone this sounds like a great idea that I am going to try this weekend. I have never heard of doing this at all but is exactly the out of the box information this forum provides. John R that last line always goes through my head. So far with lures we use the hook remover and have not had any close calls.. What sends shivers down my back is when my son gets caught in a bush or tree at night and he starts jerking it loose before I can yell at him and you hear a F18 coming through the air but cants see it.

[Gator]

This is the method that I use to get a hook out when the barb is buried. If you have a hook that has pierced a tendon, artery or vein I would recommend a visit to the ER or a M.D.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTUQXpg76xQ

[fly]

May 18, 2016 13:13:05 GMT -5 lund2 said:

I agree with tblspoon. especially if you get into breaking fish. you want to be able to unhook them quickly and get your lure back in the water.

Musky guys carry small bolt cutters and just cut the hooks if need be.

[hillbilly]

Practice. And quality, fine, sharp hooks. They tend to stick and sink in everything, but they are easier to remove as well.