Safe Handling Tips for Pike & Muskies

[UglyStick]

With everyone getting ice fever lately and so many wanting to target pike (and possibly musky) I figured it was time for a refresher on how to properly handle these toothy critters. Unfortunately, these fish are easy targets for most anglers through the ice when they would have little success targeting them in open water. I've already seen some pics on here that make me cringe...

The below information is just a few of the concepts any angler should practice when hunting these fish.

First, if you are fishing in pike or musky waters, make sure you drill a large enough hole - at least 8" diameter so the fish can fit through and doesn't get all scraped up.

Use proper gear - braided line (60 - 80lb) and a steel or strong (like 80lb +) fluoro leader to be able to get the fish landed fairly quickly. Fighting these fish to complete exhaustion can often be a death sentence, even in the winter, especially since it is near impossible to revive them the way one can in open water. Add to the fact the freezing temperatures and any other injuries incurred during landing / unhooking and even if it swims off, there is a good chance the fish will die later. Get the fish in as quickly as possible and not get bitten off.

Landing - Since one cannot use a net like in open water, hand landing is required. Learn the correct technique to grab the fish by the jaw via the edge of the gill plate near the tip of the jaw without putting your fingers in the gills. Never, EVER, grab the fish by the eye sockets as this definitely causes damage to the fish. Minimize out of the water time and NEVER lay the fish on the ice. Both of these will "flash freeze" the fish and result in damage anywhere from hurting it's protective slime layer to killing it. The best solution is to leave the fish in the water in the hole while unhooking it and only remove it for a few seconds for a quick picture if desired. Also be sure to have the proper tools such as long needle-nose pliers (for hook removal), jaw spreaders, and small compound bolt cutters, such as Knipex, for cutting hooks if deeply embedded or hooked near sensitive areas like the eyes, gills, etc. It is better to cut a hook than either injure the fish trying to remove a hook or keeping the fish out of water for an extended period of time. If hooks are cut, be sure to remove as many pieces as possible while trying to limit tissue damage. If you do use a lip grip tool, please only use it while the fish is completely in the water except for the head so the water is supporting the fish - never use it to lift the fish. Also, please no gaffs, or anything else that can pierce the fish.

Handling - Never lift a pike or musky vertically by its jaw. This has the potential of causing severe injury to the fish especially if it's a big one. When lifting the fish for a photo or any other reason, always wet your hands first and lift the fish horizontally using your other hand to support it under its belly in a horizontal manner. A quick Google of “muskie handling technique” will provide some good articles and video examples.

Good luck fishing and please make sure to help protect our resources in the process.