Leaving hooks in fish???

[senkoskipper]

So today my buddy and I were fishing and we caught some huge bass but the problem was that the hook would be stuck in their throat. I killed 1 by trying to take the hook out. I didnt want anymore to die so i just cut the line and left the hook in there. Is this ok? I hear people at work tell me its fine cuz the hook will rust out in 4 or 5 days. What do you guys do ?

[Deitz Dittrich]

If the hook can come out easily I would take the hhook out.. a good hook cutter helps for this. If it doesnt come out leave it in.. cut the line as close to the hook as possible. I am not so sure it will rust out in 4-5 days.. but hopefully eventually!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Theres a really good topic in the open water forum about leaving/not leaving hooks in fish. Its called 'Deeply hooked fish', lots of good information in it.

[Lunker]

Whether or not the hook will rust out quickly, I think leaving it in the fish is the only way to do it if the hook is in there deep enough that you can't get it out. If your only options are 1. remove the hook but kill the fish or 2. leave the hook in and hope for the best. I think number two is the most ethical if you are going to release the fish.

[ZOKU]

*nod*

I agree. Leave it in if you've got no other choice and are definitely releasing the fish... I just think the fish has a better shot versus killing it right off the bat. *shrug*

[PlatinumHuskies]

Cutting your line and leaving the hook in his throat is the way to go. That hook doesn't rust out in 4-5 days, it actually passes through his body in 4-5 days. Just like when you all eat rocks for dinner, it all comes out someplace, same with mr. Bass

[blakjack23]

Do fish actually have stomach acids that will eat away the hook? I've never caught a bass that could cr*p out a 5/0 Gamakatsu!!!

Personally, I've always cut the line to be on the safe side. I agree, better take a chance then kill it right away.

[ZOKU]

Quote:

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I've never caught a bass that could cr*p out a 5/0 Gamakatsu!!!

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If/when you do - please post a pic.

[Captain B.R.K]

Really Good post on this, just click HERE

I was out last night and got a bass hooked just into it's throat and used the method that is listed inside the link. Was amazed on how that worked!

BUT when it comes to the fishes life vs. saving a 20 cent hook, please think about the fish first!

[senkoskipper]

Quote:

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Do fish actually have stomach acids that will eat away the hook? I've never caught a bass that could cr*p out a 5/0 Gamakatsu!!!

Personally, I've always cut the line to be on the safe side. I agree, better take a chance then kill it right away.

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Yes i want to know how a bass is going to pass or spit out a gamagatsu hook. Released two 4lb. one 5lb and a 6lb bass all 4 bass i had to leave the hook in. Im gonna use those teachniques next time to try and get the hook out. Id hate to see those 4+ lb fish die. Thanks.

[rosspj59]

Senkoskipper, are the bass your catching swallowing the hook while using senkos or are you using live bait? Just wondering if this is common fishing plastics or not.

[blakjack23]

I just started fishing t-rig plastics this year. I've probably had 5 fish that had the hook in their gut already. Maybe its because I'm just starting to learn the feel for when they have it. I am probably giving them too much time with it.

[Banger]

I think that leaving the hook in the fish is OK. I have caught numerous fish that have hooks still in their mouths. I don't think that all the fish live but their chances are better by cutting the line.

[senkoskipper]

Quote:

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Senkoskipper, are the bass your catching swallowing the hook while using senkos or are you using live bait? Just wondering if this is common fishing plastics or not.

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i was using soft plastics. like my name senkoskipper But i did notice one thing. When i catch a small bass, they are hooked in the lip. But the big ones seem to just inhale the whole thing.

[bluefleck]

The fish will die !!! There are ways to get the hook out or you could just use barbless also .. Put it this way if someone put a hook in your throat , how do you think it would feel when you go to eat something ???? The biggest hook I use is a 4/0 with a 7 inch worm . I never have had a hook that a couldn't remove ..

[PlatinumHuskies]

Bluefleck - the fish will not die as you say if you keep the hook in it's throat, hooks eventually come out somehow.

[Captain B.R.K]

Quote:

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I just started fishing t-rig plastics this year. I've probably had 5 fish that had the hook in their gut already. Maybe its because I'm just starting to learn the feel for when they have it. I am probably giving them too much time with it.

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YES, giving the fish to much time before setting the hook causes the hook to be deep throat w/ bass. I too have had the same problem (being new at bass fishing as well) and NOW I typically set the hook on everything that I think is a fish.

THOUGH there will be times the fish may deep throat it's self with an aggressive swipe at the hook.

To expensive and tough on our resources, if you know what I mean, to be cutting hooks and hoping the fish lives successfully.

[blakjack23]

Check this out....some very interesting pics I saw on another fishing site. I guess a fish can dump out a hook!

It looks like the barb caught it on the way out though...

[senkoskipper]

Hey blackjack is that a ranger boat you got? if so when you gonna take me fishing!!!

[delmuts]

wow! i've caught bass with plastic worms hanging out of them, but not a hook!

[dan2957]

I keep wire cutters with me in my boat. When possible I cut the hook in half, then just slip the cut end out. Most of the time this works but sometimes the hook is just too deep. You need to have long handled cutters.

MN B.A.S.S Federation put out a paper this year which stated that you must leave the hook in the fish, leave about 18 inches of line attached to it.

[angelus403]

Quote:

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Do fish actually have stomach acids that will eat away the hook? I've never caught a bass that could cr*p out a 5/0 Gamakatsu!!!

Personally, I've always cut the line to be on the safe side. I agree, better take a chance then kill it right away.

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my ex wife says yes

[smmurphy]

I always worry about leaving the hook in when I'm jigging. I hate the thought of those lead heads getting into loons or other water fowl.

[blakjack23]

SenkoSkipper,

Unfortunately thats not my Ranger. I got those pics from a different HSOforum, I have no idea who that guy is.

I have a BassTracker Pro Team 185...she gets the job done.