Getting good pic's of pike or muskies

[Uncle Grump]

OK - first off - the biggest pike I've gotten is about 6-7# and haven't caught a muskie yet.

That having been said, and having looked at the pics of the fish on Dave Swenson's pages, how on earth do you get a decent pic of a good size pike or muskie w/o killing it - or exhausting it to the point that it might not survive if it was released?

Thanks

UG

PS: Dave - nice looking pics/fish.

[RuKiddingMe]

Here's how I do it.

Make sure you have a big enough net for these big toothy critters.

When you get the fish to the boat, put it in the net and leave the net in the water.

Remove or cut the hooks from the fish while the net and fish are still in the water.

Next have the person you are fishing with get the camera ready and all set to go.

Grab and hold the fish with the gill plate hold and be sure to support the lower half of it's body. Holding the fish vertically by the gill plate can cause internal damage.

Hoist the fish up for a few snap shots and gently place it back in the water.

The main idea is to keep the fish and it's head in the water until all is set for a few pics. The less time you have the fish out of water the better. Imagine holding your breath for the amount of time the fish is out of water and you'll understand what the fish is going through.

Good Luck

RU

[Fish-n-Freak]

Good tips RU

The only thing I would add is to try and keep the fight as short as possible. That is part of why we use the tackle that we do. And why they make the nets as large and fish friendly as they do.
Get them in the net as fast as you can, and then keep them in the water just like posted above.
I do a lot of solo fishing, and many of my fish never leave the water, nobody there to take my picture. Some will come in the boat for a quick measure, but most are measured with a floating ruler and released.

Good luck getting your first.

Steve

[TomWehler]

Rip face, short fight, make sure you have total control, SMILE!!!!

T.

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