this is a new one on me

[Peter Waller]

What you say is quite right Alan. But a small jack can be another matter. For the sake of a tenner, mine was less than five, it might just mean a very small pike being unhooked more easily.

[Anderoo]

I've never had the need for a tool to open a pike's mouth, but Peter's right about tiny pike being a pain, especially with two trebles and a finger or two inside a small mouth/gill flap. Jacks are very lively and slippery, and I would expect them to come to harm with something like this in their mouth - but I haven't used one, so I could be wrong. You can always just use your forceps to ease a small pike's mouth open, and then a bit of pressure on the trace should keep it open long enough to remove the hooks.

[andyml]

It is actually slightly flexible and can be opened carefully and in a controlled manner. I would only use it with small jacks. I carry mine, just as I do side-cutters, just in case. Argyll sees it as fragile, but it is more than adequate for new season jacks which can be the absolute devil to unhook. Perhaps I have more experience with one and two season old pike! Not to be confused with the old spring loaded jaw breakers.

forget forceps guys...try a baker hook out...forceps just don't grip firmly enough

 

rgds <')Andy<

[jeepster]

forget forceps guys...try a baker hook out...forceps just don't grip firmly enough

 

rgds <')Andy<

 

 

well thanks for your replies everyone, i knew we wouldn't all agree

 

i already have a baker hook out andy, i never ever use it, as i can't keep it clipped to me like forceps, and it doesn't seem worth the extra pocket space to carry it with me