Hard Water Safe Handeling Tip
 

Hello fellow hard water maniacs. I hope this can help someone out there next ice season. Sorry this post is so late but I also learned this at the end of our ice season.
I used the bent end of my ice spoon to slip under fishes jaw and guide its head up threw the hole without having to use a gaff. Basically serves as a gaff without puncturing or harming the fish for a safe release.
Not trying to create a debate just trying to share a safe handling technique that worked for me. Sorry if this has been posted before.
Be well and catch them up.

Re: Hard Water Safe Handeling Tip
 

I think a gaff would work as well in the jaw, but your idea is a good one in a pinch. I never thought of it so thanks for the idea.

It's when anglers slip the gaff, their fingers, whatever through the gills that makes it an issue.

Re: Hard Water Safe Handeling Tip
 

Jigman usually just grabs our big fish out of the hole with his fingers haha. Jdtuna had a nice grab on my pike too.

Re: Hard Water Safe Handeling Tip
 

Calculated risk well worth the reward... esp when dales 40+" slid outta the hole that day... I just gotta figure out how to not slice my fingers open every time I assist landing a chunky Esox!

Cool tip though... Def a good idea in a pinch.