Quote:
Originally Posted by NorthJerzyG
Last, yes, their gills are fragile. However, gently sliding your hand into the gill plate and possibly brushing up against the gills won't damage them. It's damaged gills that kill the fish, not just slightly touching the gills..........
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True, pike are heartier than some people think. I've caught pike with all kinds of battle wounds, including a fat healthy 36" fish that had 2 of its gills completely severed and hanging out of the gill plate. Imagine how much blood she lost when the injury occurred and she survived. That being said, if you are catch and release fishing one of your goals should be to get the fish back in the water with as little damage and stress as possible.
