Safely holding pike?

[Peter Waller]

Just done a spot of surfing! Came across a site that suggested that holding a pike head upwards, e.g. supported only by the gills and jaw as is fashionable, is not good for pike. The given reason being that the pike's heart would have to work overtime to pump blood up to the pike's head, especially at a time when the fish is probably knackered from being landed. Is this fanciful theory or probable fact? It certainly makes sense. Any ideas?

[paul.saunders]

Hi Peter there is some photos in the UKF part of A.T this week and they are lifting pike up by the gills and jaw. admittedly never gone out for pike as it's a very well looking at photos on how to unhook them and reading how to catch them but i would rather be shown how to handle a pike properly as i feel they need respect

[Andrew Burgess]

Just one question I would like to ask all the people who have criticised this standard and safe way of holding a pike. How would you suggest we hold them? Far more dangerous than this suggested extra work load on the heart is the very real risk of dropping the fish or direct damaged done to the heart if supported under the throat. Also how else would it be suggested that we hold them for unhooking? Do the people who come with these things actullay fish for pike? One last thing is there any evidence of this supposed harm to pike?

[Peter Waller]

Time for a spot of research Andrew? I'm on the fence on this one. I just need convincing!

[awaaar]

I only lift the head out of the net to unhook them, then they go straight back in...as I only fish with lures I have never had a problem with unhooking, takes a matter of seconds....surely this ain't gonna do'em any harm?

[chevin]

I remember a mate of mine holding a pike mouth upwards so that he could look into it to see where his hooks were. As he did so, the pike lunged and snapped. Its timing was perfect and it got a real good hold on his chin. He was running around with this pike looking like a long green and bronze beard. It looked quite funny as it was, but when you saw his rod and reel dragging along the bank as well it was kind of bordering on hilarious. At the end of it all, the pike seemed to be quite unaffected by its adventure, so it's an idea worth bearing in mind if you want to give your mates a laugh they will remember for years!

[maxmurphy]

had to laugh at chevins post that apeals to my sense of humour, but on the question of wether pike are affected by being held upwards I supose to some people ( none anglers ) it can look cruel but the question I have is, has anyone ever heard of a pike dying from this method of unhooking and if so this method would surely have been questioned long ago???????????

[Peter Waller]

According to U.S. posters on www.esoxhunter.com research has been done in America that shows that in larger pike damage is done to internal organs by the downward pressure and that the vertebrae are also at risk. Makes sense. By the way, excellent 'Esox Hunter' baseball caps available from there. I'm well pleased with mine, right poser!!

 

[ 20. November 2004, 10:06 PM: Message edited by: Peter Waller ]

[Nugg]

I would have expressed the same concerns too Peter.

I'll keep my eyes open for a bream hunter cap for you.

Poser!!!!!!

[Andrew Burgess]

So how should we hold them then?

 

[ 20. November 2004, 11:03 PM: Message edited by: Andrew Burgess ]