Pike

What you need

• Cut-resistant glove
• Long pliers (25-30 cm) or a pike disgorger
• A steel trace or thick fluorocarbon on the rig (otherwise it cuts the line and is left with the lure in its mouth)

Steps

1. 1

   Use a large, rubberised landing net: lure trebles easily catch in knotted mesh.

2. 2

   With the glove, slide your fingers under the lower jaw, along the outside, up to the tip of the jaw, and gently lift the head -- your fingers do NOT go into the gills.

3. 3

   Remove the lure with the long pliers; if the trebles are deeply embedded, cut them with side cutters.

4. 4

   Big pike are held horizontally: one hand under the chin, the other under the belly, behind the pectoral fins.

5. 5

   Hold it in the water, head towards open water, until it flicks its tail -- pike tire quickly, especially in summer.

Tips

• If you use a boga-type grip, use it only to hold the head, with your other hand under the belly; a big pike hung vertically by its jaw can injure its spine.
• During the pike closed season in natural waters, release is mandatory.