Hard Water Safe Handeling Tip

[Cape Cod]

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.