I did that a half-dozen times last week in Ontario, and every fish was
released without any evidence of distress, bleeding, or damage. you have to
work pretty quick, though, to get the fish back in the water as soon as
possible.

Joe


"John B" wrote in message
...
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