i'm thinking of investing in a release tool, but would appreciate any comments on the merits of using one. for example, are they preferable to usual method (if you have to take fish out of water wet handsetc...) and can they be relied on in most circumstances or does it depend on where the hook is embedded? lastly - any reccs. as to make etc? I've looked on fleabay and found stonefly and caimore release forceps so far.
thanks
maggie

I'm probably not the best one to comment having never used one but they look a bit gimicky to me. I don't know anyone who owns one. I've seen them used to release large fish on the tele progs and they seem to rely on the fish being weighty and dangling over the side of a boat. Not quite the same thing I know but the thought is there.

Methinks you would be better off with a good pair of forceps. They would deal with any situation no matter where the hook is.

Chris

thanks chris - i'm not sure if they're gimmicky either. i do have a decent pair of forceps - was just thinking along the lines of keeping the fish in water and not handling at all if it's not one for the pot
maggie

I have problems bending down over the water to release fish, my son converted my catchum release tool by fixing it on the end of a walking stick, I wouldn't be without it, no problems, I can sit in my chair and release away, if it wasn't for that I would have to have someone with me while fishing, It's a great aid, wouldn't be without it.........
The fish don't even leave the water, off they swim happily

Hi Maggie

Barbless Hooks
Someone once told me the most important release tool for a trout is a barbless hook. Were're not allowed to use anthing else on my fishery. When you bring a fish in let it calm down in water it's easy to extract the hook from outside its mouth with fingures or forecepts without touching the fish. If the hook is inside the trout's mouth it is still easy to extract it with forecepts.You will have to put your rod down pick up the leader and lift the fish up partially out of water follow the line to the hook eye and get hold of it. A gentle push down usually does the trick to remove it.
I don't know of any tool that would cover every situation of unhooking trout.

Unhooking advice will vary depending on bank or boat fishing and size of fish involved.

Alban

All though they are expensive the Ketchum works well and is worth the money.Not like you have to buy them every season.
The stone fly with its changable heads that drop off is a cheaply made nightmare.( how unusual for Stone fly).
Some one last year who mostly fished Nymphs used a 50p plastic one from a coarse fishing shop and swore it was as good as anything.

Barbless hooks still need some help, esp if swallowed, and forceps have there limitations when you want to keep handling to the minimum.

I agree 100%. Put mine on a tether since I am prone to dropping things... With small fish I don't even use the net, just slide the tool down the line an off the little fish goes...

Get a PLASTIC marrow spoon. File a small "V" notch in the business end and Bob's your uncle. Simply slide it down the line till it reaches the fly, a small push and the fish is off. At a push you can use a PLASTIC knife again with a "V" notch filed in it.

for total control, clamp closed and open with a squeeze, they are also snips and magnetic to pick out flies, a delight to use.

Exactly what a lot of us PNW folks use; get the largest size so you have plenty of 'grip' and leverage. Clamp and twist and the hook is out .... barbed or not. To carry around/keep them handy many of us just clamp them onto the front of our shirt/coats. To release all you have do do is squeeze the handle and they pop right open and ready for use.

fae

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