San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Every few years we get a few new fishermen on here that could use this knowledge.

Half of the patterns we use to catch Bass involve the bait getting swallowed. A hook is caught in the gut of the bass, making it hard to remove. If you just pull it straight out you’re killing the fish. There’s a video that shows you how to remove it very easily, saving the basses life, and getting your hook back.

With a little practice, it’s very easy

I learned that from a guide in Upstate NY a few years ago. It works great and is about as easy as shown too.

Great info!

Awesome info!

this is a great video as far as showing what it looks like inside the fish's mouth; how to grab and turn the hook. But a pair curved forceps makes the process like butter, and even works on much smaller fish....waaaaay smaller fish.

three bucks on amazon for a set of 5 1/2 inch forceps. $6 for the 10 1/2 inch jumbo size from Harbor Freight.

With the tiny ones from amazon, you can go in through the gill, turn the hook on a 4 inch surf perch....or a 5 inch lmb that ate your finessy dropshot bait. The curved jaws on the forceps make it easier to grab the hook...and when closed the forceps are about a quarter inch wide...compared to that big pig's knuckle sized pliers shown in the video.

My buddies and I always called that move “surgery”

Awesome clip! Ive been trying to figure out a better way to do this.

Most of the time I find it easiest to turn the hook point up to expose it if it’s not already. I just smash the barb and back it out like a needle. Almost no damage or bleeding. I’ll sacrifice the hook