Northwest Fishing Reports

I fish for bass on tapps don't get me wrong I'll take a tiger to. So last Friday me and a buddy were out there and he hooked a little tiger maybe 14" or so i grabbed it behind the neck lifted him up took the hooks out and he took a quick pic and released it just wondering the best way to handle them

Well if you land the bigger sized fish, using a rubber coated cradle style net. If handling the fish outside the net the best way is to grab it over the back, behind the gills, making sure to avoid the eyes. Drape a damp towel over its eyes to prevent it from thrashing when you remove the hook.

You can lift a muskie is by its gill plate, but you REALLY need to be careful because the gills themselves are capable of cutting through your fingers. Hold the fish securely by the back with one hand avoiding the eye sockets and then open the gill plate with the other hand and pull it out and away from the gills. Hold the gill plate open and slide your fingertips inside and lift the fish carefully. Don't let your fingers slide into the gills, and make sure to maintain constant pressure on the gill plate to prevent your fingers from getting slashed if the fish starts thrashing. Place your other hand under the fish's belly and hold it horizontally. Grabbing and holding long thin fish vertically can damage their muscles and spine, so don't do it unless you plan the harvest the fish.

Cool thanks