Tackle Review - Release Tools

[Jim]

Wow, that's a great post. It looks like you finally figured out how to post photos! Geez that's like a magazine article.

Question: Do you think your "super spreader" hurts a muskies jaw?

I've got the Knipex and you're right - nothing else even compares. I thought I was being stupid for spending $45 on a cutter. I'm glad i did. I don't have a hook pick but should get one. Your recommendation on the Crescent pliers is interesting. I'll check that one out for shure.

[BBushy]

Hey Paul,
Great post on release tools I'll have to go through my stuff and see if
I need anything and I'll also say that the Knipex is worth the money. I'll
be looking forward too more of these post throughout the winter. Also one more note this is a good idea I wish more guides who have there own websights would post stuff like this.

[Paul Schlagel]

Jim -

I've heard that question from folks that have fished with me. The answer is no, it doesn't seem to hurt the fish. I wouldn't use it on a small juvenile fish, but adult fish, certainly those 40" or bigger, arent' harmed in the least. Heck, on the big fish 50" and bigger, even the super spreader doesn't open their mouth that well. I would argue vigorously that this thing is acutually GOOD for the health of the fish by minimizing the time spent unhooking. Thanks, good question.

[Paul Schlagel]

BBushy,
Thanks man for the feedback. I'll try to keep 'em coming. Hopefully it'll be a help to some of the musky anglers out there and hopefully it will help alleviate the boredom of a long winter without musky fishing. Future posts probably won't be as long or have as many photos. I think loading photos is still a pain in the butt. Thanks again.

[Sam]

I thought the Hook Pick was pretty stupid but I bought one last year anyway because there pretty cheap and hey what the heck I spend a lot of money on musky stuff I don't need. Anyway I only used it once and it was pretty slick. I'll check out that pliers and that jaw spreader is a good idea

[Jim]

Since winter is the best time for tinkering with gear I wasted no time making a super spreader. i'm really surprised that it isn't as strong as I thought it would be. It's stronger than a regular jaw spreader, no doubt, yet it isn't so strong that it'll hurt the fish. That idea is a winner.

[Backlasher]

Is the Hook Pick still sold? I tried the website www.hookpick.com and it looks like the website is gone.