Gut hook removal

[Jrob78]

I know this has been posted before but with spring right around the corner I thought we could all use a refresher. Please review and learn this method, you will release a few more fish unharmed and will feel so much better about it. There is absolutely no need to ever cut your line and let a fish go with a giant worm hook in its throat!!!

http://fishingsuccess.net/Pages/Gut%20Hook.html

I always use my needle nose instead of my fingers but basically the exact same method as illustrated. Go in behind the last gill plates and grab the hook. It will be easy to tell which direction it needs to turn. Flip the hook straight over and the point will almost always pop out with zero resistance. Reach back in through the mouth and pull out the hook. It really is that simple. Never cut your line on a gut hooked bass, it just isn't necessary. Despite what you've been told that fish probably isn't going to survive long enough for the hook to rust out.