If you're practicing catch and release, try to remove the hook without exciting or harming the fish. The eyelet (small hole) of the hook is the best place to grab the hook. Back the hook out the same way it went in.

There are special tools designed for taking out hooks. But needle-nosed pliers work pretty well. If you need to, use a hook remover or pliers to flatten the barb. Depending on how the fish is hooked, you might be able to cut away a small amount of flesh to get the hook out. Professionals sometimes flatten the barbs on their hooks before they start fishing to cause less harm to the fish they catch. In some areas, you can only fish with barbless hooks.

Step1

Pull the fish close to you near your hands.

Step2

Reach out with one hand and grab the fish. Grab him around the fins that are below the gills, the pectoral fins. Be careful. If the fish jumps free he can can cut you.

Step3

You shouldn’t rip the hook out of the fish’s lip or mouth. Instead, grip the hook and pull it out as closely as you can to the way it hooked into the fish’s mouth. The best way to hold onto the hook is to hold it by the eyelet.

Step4

If the fish has completely swallowed the hook, and you plan to keep the fish, simply cut off the line and remove the hook while you gut and clean it. If you plan to throw the fish back, cut as little flesh as possible to remove the hook. If you can't remove it, throw the fish back in the water, hook and all.