Handling Pike & Zander

Pike and Zander fishing needs the correct equipment as well as a bit of experience, although fearsome in their looks, they do not like being mishandled in anyway. these fish frequently swallow hooks deeply, and if your unhooking equipment is not up to the job then these fish are going to suffer often with fatal consequences. Always avoid deep-hooking, there are four main ways of fishing for these fish, livebaiting, spinning, lures and deadbaiting. When landing the fish use a large knotless mesh, landing net which should be 42 inch. With the fish safely on the bank, the hooks have to be removed. Despite the fact that they are well equipped with teeth, it will not bite you, if your unsure, use a soft glove. Cover the head of the fish with a wet cloth which will help keep it calm and stop it flapping. The health and welfare of the fish must always be your first priority. Never use Keepnets for large Pike & Zander.

As far as unhooking mats go, shop bought ones are far too expensive and not really up to the job, being both small and thin. I have one made by the Wife with 2" foam inside a camouflaged material. The dimensions are 42" length x 18" width with strong thick webbing carrying handles.

Have available a selection of strong forceps in lengths 6, 10 & 12 inch together with a long throat disgorger and wire cutters to cater for any occasion to remove the hooks. A good head torch if you're likely to be fishing in low-light conditions or darkness. I use one of those Petzel head torches.

Lay the fish on its back on a good quality unhooking mat, and gently kneel astride it. Slide your first and second fingers of your left hand under the pike's gill covers, making sure that you do not damage the gill rakers.

Slide your fingers under firmly forwards until you feel the jaw bone, and lift firmly. The pike's mouth will open, revealing the hooks.

When boat fishing, always take carpet underlay, foam rubber sheet or an unhooking mat to cover the bottom boards. If you are in any doubt or are unsure, sack the fish safely and seek the assistance of another angler. Always consider the welfare of the fish first, offer assistance to other anglers, especially if they appear to have difficulties or seem to be inexperienced. Use the correct weigh sling or soft net.

Pike and Zander succumb quickly to poor handling, stress and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Particular care is needed in the summer month's as these fish fight all the way to the net and can have difficulty recovering, and always try to strike immediately.