{"id":7819,"date":"2025-02-07T10:06:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T09:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rodmaps.com\/?p=7819"},"modified":"2025-01-21T15:13:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T14:13:52","slug":"how-to-hold-a-pike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rodmaps.com\/en\/how-to-hold-a-pike\/","title":{"rendered":"How to hold a pike correctly: safe techniques for anglers and pikes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n

Knowing how to fish for pike is all well and good. It's also good to know how to hold a pike <\/strong>once it's in the net, it's even better! Pike fishing above all requires precise approaches, techniques and lures. However, it's also important to be able to handle your favourite fish with care. In the course of our many outings on the lakes and rivers of France, we have perfected our methods for holding a pike in complete safety. Here are our tips for handling and holding a pike with respect and efficiency.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our article in brief:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article details the essential techniques to know how to handle a pike in complete safety for you and the fish. Here are the key points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Having the right equipment<\/strong> Rubberised mesh landing net, gloves, long-nosed pliers and landing mat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Precise handling<\/strong> : seized by the gills and body support<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Limit<\/strong> time out of the water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Patience and observation<\/strong> are the watchwords for responsible and effective handling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    What equipment do you recommend for handling pike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Before you even think about holding a pike, you need to prepare properly. Remember that the right equipment is the key to successful handling.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here is a list of essential items for handling a pike, both for your own safety and that of the fish:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • A landing net with knot-free rubberised mesh. <\/strong>Other landing nets can damage fish fins and remove their protective mucus. We have noticed a clear difference in the vitality of the fish released when we use this type of landing net compared with conventional models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Protective gloves. <\/strong>This will prevent accidents if your pike struggles. Protective gloves are not a luxury, especially for large pike. They also give you a better grip. But be careful not to squeeze the fish too tightly!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A damp landing mat. <\/strong>We insist: WET! This will avoid removing the mucus from the fish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Long nose pliers for unhooking<\/strong>. The long-nosed pliers are a life-saving tool for unhooking the lure without risking putting your hand in the pike's mouth. It's an investment that has proved indispensable in the course of our experiments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Safe techniques for gripping and holding a pike correctly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      A pike is a carnivore as powerful as it is fragile out of the water, with over 700 razor-sharp teeth. Never forget these points once your fish is in the net. The first step before grabbing your pike is to get your hands wet<\/strong>. This simple action preserves the pike's protective mucus, essential to its survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Then follow these steps to grab a pike correctly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Wait for your fish to calm down in the net.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Grab it by the gills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Slide four fingers between the operculum and the gill arches, without touching the gills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. With your other hand, support the body of the fish horizontally.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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