Handling and Releasing Fish - NDGNF - Video

[Vollmer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suIElOwA5gY

 

[svnmag]

I guess you're not supposed to stun them with a small stick.

- - - Updated - - -

Seriously, keep sturdy wire cutters to cut the hook if possible instead of just the line. Jaw spreaders are a must for dealing with pike and cranks unless you want some cool scars like mine on the back of your hands.

 

[johnr]

If in the process of hook removal the fish is injured, to the livewell it goes.
seems you can manhandle a pike with little injury

 

[Norske]

Yellowstone Angler has a video plugging expensive fly reels that has a bunch of examples of proper fish handling.