Safe hook removal on esoph/gut hooked Bass

I posted this on another thread but this technique has worked amazingly well for me with Guiding clients the past few years. They are many times anglers don’t react quickly to a bite, or simply, the bass takes the bait coming at the boat etc…especially on Tubes, which bass seem to choke down more often than other soft plastic’s…Most times there is not even any bleeding.
I’d like everyone to give this a try. I use the Rapala long locking HD forceps to do this…it works on any species.

Texas Gut Hook removal method

Just be careful around those gills. This should be in every states reg book showing people how you can do this.

I believe it is every fisherman’s duty to return a fish as healthy, unharmed as possible. I’m sure I am preaching to the IDO choir.

I will always try my best to make sure the fish gets back healthy and with out an extra piercing… but on a side not ever wonder what to do when you need to get a hook out of your self lol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgfpsupmu98

THIS IS FANTASTIC!!! I have been fishing for decades and always worried about deep hooks. Thank you for sharing this.

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I will always try my best to make sure the fish gets back healthy and with out an extra piercing… but on a side not ever wonder what to do when you need to get a hook out of your self lol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgfpsupmu98

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Did that with the fishing line 2 times in one season. Once on me and once on my brother. It is slick, but I suggest wrapping the line around a few times. The line needs to stay down towards the point of entry. Once it slides back up the shaft, it doesn’t work because the hook turns up and the bar catches, just like what happened to him. Its relatively painless too.

I have been doing this for years but it never dawned on me to remove the soft plastic bait first, thanks for sharing.

Good video! Thanks for posting.

Just cut the hook!!! Muskie anglers do this all the time, why can’t bass anglers?

I use a wire cutter. It’s not the ideal tool, but they’re cheap, small enough, and can still snip through a 5/0 hook. It falls right out after that.