Unhooking a deeply hooked flounder

[tonybolton]

It may well be that some of you already know this little trick or indeed have an equally good method for unhooking a deeply hooked fish, but I learnt this trick about a year ago, and haven't had a chance to try it until recently, and think it is a cracker.

All you need is an old screwdriver (or similar shaped thingy).

This method can be used really effectively (I tried it at the weekend and it worked!) whenever you catch a flounder that is particularly deeply hooked and you just can't get the hook out by normal means.

This might also work for other fish - I don't know - I've only seen it done on flounder.

Right,

Place the screwdriver down the throat of the flounder and allow it to sit next to the shank of the hook, do not wrap the line around the screwdriver.

Next hold the hook snood flush to the handle of the screwdriver and let go of the fish.

Now begin move the fish and the line around the screwdriver in a clock wise direction, after about four or five turn the hook removes itself and the fish plops off.

This sounds like the hook is ripped out, but I have now done this a couple of times and each time the fish has gone back alive and with no blood!

Hopefully the piccie below will make the explanation a little clearer.

[maghouse]

Wow - that sounds really good, had quite a few deep throated flounders & it is a pain to get the hook out.
Hopefully going for a flounder bash Thursday so will try the 'Tony method !

[upnorth1]

Think the match would be over by the time I did that!!! lol

I like to just cut the snood as close as possible, and let nature take it's course....

Could be a good tip for pleasure punters though..

[Lewis 77]

If your fishing for flounders and intend to release them again use Nordic Bend hooks. Even if they do swallow it down a gentle pull will straighten the hook out without much effort.

[upnorth1]

Originally Posted by Lewis 77

If your fishing for flounders and intend to release them again use Nordic Bend hooks. Even if they do swallow it down a gentle pull will straighten the hook out without much effort.

sorry - can't condone that! for the price of a hook do you not find it's just easier to cut the snood??

[Lewis 77]

Originally Posted by upnorth1

sorry - can't condone that! for the price of a hook do you not find it's just easier to cut the snood??

Nordic Bend hooks are designed to straighten out with very little effort. You could tie the hooks in knots if you wanted to - they're that bendy. Have never seen a flatfish die or bleed when using these hooks.

[upnorth1]

I appreciate what you're saying - I think you could safely say that I've probably tried every hook going - but needless to say - we are talking about saving a hook rather than a fish...I've personally watched anglers release flounders - and returned at low water to see a few lying in the mud.
I'm not naive, but I do know that cutting the hook as close as possible is the better way - the hook will rot within a day!
Some matches up here actually BAN the pulling of hooks from fish! get caught doing it, and you risk disqualification!
GREAT IDEA...

[gullyworm]

I usually cut the snood.
My old man used to BLOB for flounders in the Humber.
Worms are threaded up a peace of wool the fish then gets its teeth caught in the wool and is lifted out the water.
Sounds darft but it works.,
Try it in your matches Paul

[upnorth1]

Originally Posted by gullyworm

I usually cut the snood.
My old man used to BLOB for flounders in the Humber.
Worms are threaded up a peace of wool the fish then gets its teeth caught in the wool and is lifted out the water.
Sounds darft but it works.,
Try it in your matches Paul

Done it for eels mate - once caught SEVEN eels on a two hook flapper!!!
Had the two hooks tied as normal and had several lengths of wool staged between the snoods!!!!!!!!! Had over 50 eels in that match, which I won - it was immediately banned!

[upnorth1]

I knew a few years ago, guy's on the south coast were doing it for rocklings in matches - it too was immediately banned!