Hook Remover Options

hook removerWhen it comes to hooks, sometimes it’s harder to get the hooks out of a fish than it is to get them in. With catch and release practices, removing hooks quickly and with minimal damage is important, and can be a big factor in whether or not the fish survives after being caught. Where hook removal is concerned, standard long-nose pliers will often do the job, but there are now much more tools on the market designed for the job, and today we’ll take a look at a few.

Bass Pro Shops’ Squeeze-Out Hook Remover is a great option for getting hooks out quickly. I have one and I love it! This model is built around a seven-inch tube with a spring-loaded squeeze-grip handle. Also, a small gripping arm loops over the hook and then as you squeeze, the hook is pulled into a slot in the end of the tube, trapping it in place. This design allows you to grip the hook tightly with minimal effort, and the small tube easily slides down the throat of a fish, while still allowing you to see what you’re doing. Best of all, at just over $9, it’s an affordable option for any budget.

Also from Bass Pro Shops is the company’s 5 ½ – inch forceps, which are ideal if you use small hooks or target panfish. These stainless steel surgical tools allow you to grip small hooks tightly and twist them out quickly, feature locking jaws, and can be carried simply by pinching tight to a flap on your shirt or fishing vest. They’re just under $7, too, which makes them an affordable addition to any tackle box.

For larger, toothier fish like pike or bluefish, the Angler Tec Fish Hook Extractor is ideal. Available in 8.5 and 14.5-inch models, Angler Tec’s extractor can reach way down into the throat of a deeply hooked fish without putting your fingers at risk. It’s also stainless steel to hold up against erosion, and features a spring-loaded gripping arm that traps the hook into a slot in the end of the tube.

The Offshore Angler Hook Remover is a classic wire fish flipper model, which is a favorite of saltwater anglers. To use it, you simply slide the wire loop over your running line, hold the line tight, and slide the remover down to contact the hook. Pressure turns the hook over, and you shake the fish off, often without even having to touch it. At just $7.99, you can’t afford not to have one on board.

Hooks are designed to hold tight when a fish is on, which can make them extremely difficult to dislodge from a fish’s mouth once caught. Today’s hook remover options will make the job much easier, so be sure to check them out when you’re stocking up for this season!