I do a "quick" hook set to try an avoid deep hooks. I don't mind missing
some fish that way. But when I do get a deep hook,I try and remove the
hook with as lttle damage as pssible. One way I have found to be
effective, is to work through the gill plate on larger fish... I take
the line and push it out through the gill plate (the very back), then I
can usually take my fingers and work the hook lose and pull it out
backwards through the gill plate so it doesn't re-hook.

This may sound confusing...but it works.

My kid taught me that method, he always wants live fish in the "well".


John K