CTFishTalk.com: Question on taking Trout off of the hook... - Connecticut Trout Fishing ( CT Trout Fishing ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

I can't tell you how many times I've caught Trout and they completely swallow the hook. I've heard many different things about what to do when this happens but after having it happen to me again today and not being able to save the fish, I would like a direct answer so I don't kill the fish trying to take it off. What suggestions do you guys and girls give for situations such as this one? A lot of people have told me to just cut the line and the hook will work it's way out naturally but I have a hard time believing that.
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DirtyDawg10 · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 2238 Location: Granby, CT

You could try using circle hooks. I have had good luck with them. On occasion when I have gut hooked a fish I was able to thread the hook back through and get it out by just clipping the line. Thread - meaning to push it through like a doctor does a stitch. If you can't accomplish that your best option is to clip the line and hope for the best. The hooks can rust out and drop out of the fish. I have actually caught a trout that was in the process of passing a small bait hook. So it does happen. Hope this helps.

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

Totally agree with above statement. Fish hooks are made to rust out quickly so if you cant get it out just clip it limiting as much line as you can.
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Michael · Joined: 28 Jan 2012 Posts: 3823 Location: Bridgeport

I always go by the cut the line trick. If the fish swallowed the hook and you'd rather not go through trying to get it out and aren't going to keep it, just cut the line and the hook will eventually rust. Some fish even digest hooks that go into their stomachs.

Wanna Fish · Joined: 30 Jan 2012 Posts: 662 Location: Earth I Think

When trout fishing I crimp my barbs. Makes it very easy to remove with needle nose pliers.
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Passinthru Outdoors · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 142

Seeing I mainly C&R and since having a bluefish on one end of a bomber and me on the other I ALWAYS fish barbless hooks. When bait fishing I also use Circle hooks which are designed to not end up deep int he fish. When ever a hook does, trim the line and let it go. The less stress of trying to remove it the better.
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Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've never used circle hooks before but I've heard great things about them. I hear the success rate is higher of catching a fish with one. Should I just go with Eagle Claw size 10's for trout?
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Passinthru Outdoors · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 142

The biggest change you will find with using circle hooks is to NOT set the hook. Hard habit to change and will cause you to miss many fish which in turn cause people to complain circle hooks are no good - not true. You don't set a circle hook, you gradually add tension to line which forces the circle hook to slide up and into the corner of the mouth.

as far as sizes go, I use the same size circle hooks as the J hook size I was using. Give it a try and after you set the hook 10 or 12 times and miss the fish, you will start to figure it out. Very Happy

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Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

Thank you for all the help everyone. I'll try some circle once I get around to walmart or Sports Authority.
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Fisherman100 · Joined: 22 Nov 2011 Posts: 140 Location: Meriden, CT

When you see the line start to move when you have it out, let them take it for a few seconds, then slowly pick up the rod, then wait to see if they stil have it, then set the hook, dont let them run with it while you want them to eat it. or just use a bigger size hook. if you use six, use a four. and always bring a skinny set of pliers with you.
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Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

Fisherman100 · Joined: 22 Nov 2011 Posts: 140 Location: Meriden, CT

no, i caught all my trout this year on size 6. i caught 14 trout this year on size 6. all between 12 inch to 16 inch trout
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fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

I prefer an 8 myself. I dont let them take much line at all cause thats most likely to let them swallow it.
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Michael · Joined: 28 Jan 2012 Posts: 3823 Location: Bridgeport

I second on what Fishfinder said about them taking line.

Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

Whenever I try to set the hook without them swallowing, I lose the fish. I'm going to try lifting up gradually next time to see if I have any luck with that method.
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