Fishing with treble hooks can be a highly effective way to increase catch rates, but it also comes with a unique challenge: safely unhooking a fish without causing harm to the fish or yourself. As the popularity of catch-and-release fishing continues to rise, knowing how to unhook a fish from a treble hook is crucial for both novice and experienced anglers. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and techniques, ensuring that you can quickly and safely return your catch to the water.
Why Treble Hooks?
Treble hooks are commonly used in many popular fishing lures, including crankbaits, topwaters, and jerkbaits. Their design, featuring three hook points, increases the chances of hooking a fish, making them a favorite among anglers targeting species like bass, pike, and trout. However, this design also means that unhooking can be tricky, especially when all three hooks are embedded in the fish.
Tools You’ll Need
Before heading out on the water, make sure you have the following tools in your tackle box:
- Needle-nose pliers: Essential for gripping and removing hooks, especially in tight spaces.
- Hook cutters: In case the hook is deeply embedded or difficult to remove, cutting the hook may be the best option.
- Barbless hooks (optional): Consider switching to barbless treble hooks to make the unhooking process easier and less harmful to the fish.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
When you catch a fish, it’s essential to remain calm. Quickly assess how the fish is hooked. If it’s lightly hooked, you may be able to remove the hook easily. If the hook is deeply embedded or if multiple points are lodged in the fish, you’ll need to proceed with more caution.
Step 2: Control the Fish
Gaining control of the fish is crucial to prevent injury to both the fish and yourself. Use a fish gripper or wet your hands and gently cradle the fish to minimize stress and damage to its scales or slime coat. Avoid squeezing the fish too tightly, as this can cause internal injuries.
Step 3: Remove the Hook
- For Lightly Hooked Fish: If the fish is lightly hooked, use your needle-nose pliers to grasp the shank of the hook. Gently push the hook back through the entry point while maintaining control of the fish. If the hook slides out easily, release the fish quickly to minimize stress.
- For Deeply Embedded Hooks: In cases where the hook is deeply embedded, or multiple hook points are involved, you may need to cut the hook. Use your hook cutters to snip the shank or one of the points, then gently back the remaining portion out of the fish. Take your time to avoid causing unnecessary damage.
Step 4: Handle the Fish Properly
After successfully removing the hook, ensure the fish is in good condition before release. Hold the fish in the water to allow it to regain its strength, and release it when it shows signs of strong swimming. If the fish appears injured or unresponsive, spend extra time reviving it before letting it go.
Step 5: Consider Going Barbless
To make the unhooking process easier and reduce harm to fish, many anglers are switching to barbless treble hooks. Barbless hooks can be easier to remove and are less likely to cause serious injury to the fish, making them an excellent choice for catch-and-release fishing.
Successfully unhooking a fish from a treble hook is a skill that every angler should master. With the right tools, techniques, and a calm approach, you can safely remove the hook and ensure that your catch swims away to be caught another day. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, following these steps will help protect both the fish and your fingers during your next fishing adventure.
Image: castaicfishing
