Northwest Fishing Reports

I went to Tapps Sat and Sun this weekend. Caught a nice smallie on both days on musky baits that I had to cut the hooks to be able to release the fish alive and healthy. Big musky hooks catch quite a few bass but don't always remove well. There was no way the hooks from either bass this weekend was going to survive unless I cut the hooks which I did quickly. Even if it's not a musky, be prepared to cut your hooks folks. I like bass fishing also. I like to practice C&R on all species of fish.
Put em back. It's the future of fishing for our kids and their kids.

thank you I need to get a pair and have never seen them what do I look for?

I've just got a cheap pair of bolt type cutters from Lowes or Home Depot but they work fine even on the larger musky lure hooks. I think they were about $15. They're about 10" long.
Hooks are a lot cheaper and easier to replace than fish.

I agree thanks :thumleft:

If you can afford them, get compound-pressure cutters, like Knipex. Most of the Muskie stores in the midwest carry them, I have them. They go for about $59 but they are the best out there at doing the job.

Example

The 'bolt type' cutters I'm referring to ARE a compound leverage cutter. There are many brands available for under $20 at hardware stores in the area. The knipex are great but cost way to much.

Wasn't suggesting yours weren't compound, just to make sure whichever KUP got were ;)

With the Knipex I can break a 7/0 hook with one hand, the others I've tried I can't. So it's either work out (not likely) or spend more money for this cowboy. Sometimes two-handed isn't an option and when it isn't, doing it one handed is about the most important thing in the world to you.

[quote="PDXFisher"]Wasn't suggesting yours weren't compound, just to make sure whichever KUP got were ]


I put a lanyard on my cutters just so I can reliably use one hand without worrying about losing them in the lake. Same for my mouth spreaders but I put a float on that lanyard.