I feel kinda stupid asking this question...

[Rootz]

Alright as the topic says I feel stupid asking this question... but you learn by asking 'eh.... I'm new to fishing and last weekend I discovered fishing for perch (kinda lame I know but start small go big).... I soon discovered that the little buggers have fins that cut... what is the best way of grabbing those suckers without getting stung or cut by the fins.... and what is the best way to get a barbed hook out I kept getting the hook stuck in there...

Thanx

[scuro]

Not a stupid question at all.

Many fishermen grab the fish by the mouth. Do not do this with "toothy critters"!!! If you have a hook that is stuck, I like to grab a hold of the fish along the main part of it's body to get leverage. I just run my hand down the length of the fish starting at the head and flatten the fins as I go along the body.

[Bobber]

Hey Rootz,

There are no silly questions really. Just the other day I had someone ask me the very same one and I'm glad to see you getting into fishing. Perch now......Musky tomorrow.

I've always found holding them at the belly, sliding my hand down from it's head with a gentle squeeze works.

Later,

[x-Toban]

First of all, welcome to the borad.

This is a common question for many new anglers. If you are unsure how to handle the fish, try using gloves (wet them first so not to damage the protective slim on the fish's scales) untill you become more familliar with wich ones you can mouth and the one you hold behind the head!!!

Also, I wouldn't be so quick to dissmiss pan fishing (perch, crappie, etc...) these are alot of fun especially when you are going for quantity and not so much quality (i.e. big size, big fight). You can spend an afternoon hauling in several dozens of perch on super light gear... and they do make quite a nice meal.

[Pints]

Welcome to the board Rootz. The info for handling perch also applies to bluegills, and pumpkinseeds. Good luck and once again welcome to the board.

[CNs]

Rootz, Welcome to the board.

For removing the hook, you should press down the barb (use pliers) before fishing with it, making the hiook barbless. I do not believ that you will miss any hook ups using a barbless hook.

[R.U. Ketchinenny]

Wet the hand that you're going to handle the fish with.
Remember, the slime on the fish is what stands between it and disease, so leave it on the fish!

Slide your (wet) hand gently from the head of the fish, (thumb near the belly, pinky on the "forehead"), down the fish, holding the dorsal fin down, as you go.
Hold firmly, but gently at the midsection of the fish.

Use small pliers to remove hooks with barbs, using a slight twisting motion.

And, um, don't try this on a large fish!

Take care not to injure the fish and you'll get the hang of it in no time!

PS. The back of the gill plate (the bony portion that opens and closes)can slice you open too, if you're not careful!

[Rideaufish]

Welcome and remember there are no stupid questions just stupid people who dont ask questions. I try to pinch the barb and like all have said go from the head down to the tail to hold (wet hand is best) and use small pliers or hemo stats. Keep at it and keep asking questions (keep us all on our toes)

[wolfe]

Hiya and welcome Rootz. I don't think your question is dumb, either.

I think it's the outer edges of the perch gills that are getting you, not the actual dorsal (top) fin, right? The gill plates are sharp. Good advice to firmly but gently slide your hand from the head back on the fish, to lay the gills down as well as the fins. Be prepared for a wiggle or two, and it won't catch you by surprise.

When trying to remove the hook (and I assume we're talking from the fish's mouth and NOT your hand!?) -- try to take a second to see how the hook is positioned in the mouth, most especially from what direction it entered the mouth. Then "retrace" the path as best you can while pushing the hook back.

W.

[wolfe]

P.S.

No matter how careful I am, and no matter how many bazillion I have caught over the years, those humungo slab sunfish stick me every time! YOW! And the spot gets hot and stays sore for a couple of days.

W.

[fishhit]

The condition described here was identified many years ago by me as I watched a friend of mine try to land a fish. He was sooo nervous about picking up a fish. I told him, "You've got fishfinaphobia." Over the years I've seen many cases of this somewhat common affliction. Grown men crying ,"Oh crap!", or "Jesus Christ!" and dropping perfectly good fish back into the water.If you are a sufferer of this condition there's good news.Meetings are held throughout the country at many locations. The program is known as 'fishfinaphobiacs anonymous'. In church basements and community centers throughout the community, fisherpersons gather to discuss thier inadeqacies about hand landing and handling of fish. After several hundred meetings you can begin to overcome the feelings of guilt associated with your problem. Some day you will be able to enter an aluminum boat and proudly declare to your fishing buddy as you reel a fish to boatside,"Can you get that, I don't land fish, I'm a fishfinaphobiac". Don't be ashamed. You are not alone. If you need help please call 1-800-IMA-FRAD. Councillors are standing by to help you.

[Mr.J.]

Rootz

You probably don't remember this far back but did you know that you couldn't ride a 2 wheeler until someone showed you how?

I handle my fish by the gill plate but no one ever showed me how and I am not convinced I am doing this correctly and the first chance I get to be shown the absolute correct way I will be very grateful.

There is no humble pie.

P.S. I don't like handling the little critters myself either.

[Rootz]

When trying to remove the hook (and I assume we're talking from the fish's mouth and NOT your hand!?)

haha no wolfe, not the hand..... yet!

[wolfe]

Rootz,

Might as well get it over with, as you're not a true fisherman until you've pierced your own flesh. It's a right of passage.

W.

[Bassmaster]

I try and handle the fish as little as possible

As mentioned above I grip them by the mouth or with a wet glove, in the case of a really big fish I have Packrat or Ollie hold it while I make like a dentist with the pliers lol

I should mention something about catfish, they are a bit tricky... I keep a pair of silver "lip grabbers" in my vest. Solves the problem of getting jabbed by the stiff pectoral (?) fin.

Sorry to say I never did grasp the art of holding a fish with my bare hands except for smallmouth. LOL

Whatever works I say!