Landing Fish Single-Handed?

[TMF89]

I was just thinking, how do you guys reccomend landing big pike/muskies when you're the only one in the boat?

[big musk411]

I have been able to get them into a cradle single handed. Prior to that I didn't have a net and suffered some injuries.

[RK]

Hiya -

I fish alone quite a bit, and have gotten pretty good at handling fish myself over the years. Some of them can be a pain... Usually the smaller wild ones though honestly.

Here's a couple thoughts:

- Have all the release tools you need out and on the deck. Long nose hook-outs, hook cutters (I use Knipex - they're the best there is, period), jaw spreaders (I may go a couple years without using jaw spreaders - I really don't like them. But when you need them, you REALLY need them. So I have them with me...) Pick a spot in the boat where you'll land your fish, and have the tools handy.

- I hand land most of my fish, especially when I'm alone. I'm faster at it, and it's easier to do than wrestling with a net. Plus, if it does take a little longer, the fish is in the water the whole time.

- Don't rush. Just be calm and deliberate.

- I cut a LOT of hooks when I'm alone. If a fish has a face full of trebles, I start by cutting every hook I can see. Cut hooks first, ask questions later. Carry spare hooks.

- If you fish alone a lot, you should REALLY consider pinching down your barbs. I do it all the time now, and there's no noticable difference in the ability to keep fish hooked, and it's amazing how easy they are to release... If YOU ever get hooked when you're by yourself, you'll appreciate barbless hooks even more. Believe me...

Good luck.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[bigdog]

I have always landed big pike by grabing the side of the gill plate, keeping fingers out of the gills and thumb out of the mounth. You have to be careful of the hooks when you do it this way.

[MuskyBrian]

I fish alone quite a bit...I have a nice system down pat...I have already the camera ready on the tripod in the back of the boat all set to go...I know where all my tools are so there's no need for searching. I use the floating stick for the measurement in the water. And then the biggest, I keep my net fully extended and ready for use and I lay it right by my feet...I judge the fight and when I get the fish close enough I reach down and one arm the fish into the net while holding it...hasn't lost me a fish yet

[CommonSense Guy]

A agree with MuskieBrian. Just make sure everything is ready before you start fishing. Especially having your net extended and clear of getting caught on anything. I actually caught my first muskie while fishing alone on Tuesday. Just stay calm and take your time. Once it's in the net you have all the time in the world. I got it on video as well. Fishing by yourself is great because you can go slow and be extremely quiet.