How to Grab a Pike Properly | Safe Handling Guide 2025

By: Martin McAdam
Updated: August 5, 2025

You've just landed a magnificent northern pike, its powerful body thrashing in your net. With over 700 razor-sharp teeth gleaming in its mouth, your hands hesitate. Should you grab it? How do you avoid those teeth?

Many anglers fear handling pike or worse, handle them incorrectly, risking injury to themselves and the fish. The truth is, the gill plate technique allows you to safely control even the largest pike when executed properly. No more bloody fingers, no more dropped fish, and no more stress.

As someone who's handled thousands of pike over the years and prioritizes conservation, I'll guide you through the exact techniques that keep both you and these magnificent predators safe. We'll cover essential equipment, step-by-step handling methods, common mistakes to avoid, and proper release techniques that ensure pike survival.

Why Proper Pike Handling Matters?

Understanding why proper pike handling is crucial goes beyond avoiding a painful bite. It's about respecting these apex predators while ensuring your safety and their survival for future generations.

Protecting Yourself from Pike Teeth and Gill Rakers

Pike possess an impressive dental arsenal designed for one purpose: holding prey. Their mouths contain rows of backward-pointing teeth on the jaws, roof, and even the tongue. Additionally, sharp gill rakers line the inside of their gill covers.

These teeth don't just pierce—they grip and shred. A careless hand placement can result in deep puncture wounds that are prone to infection. The gill rakers, often overlooked, can slice through skin like razors when a pike thrashes.

By mastering proper handling pike techniques, you eliminate these risks entirely. The gill plate method keeps your fingers away from teeth while maintaining complete control over the fish.

Preserving Pike Health and Survival Rates

Despite their fierce appearance, pike are surprisingly delicate out of water. Improper handling can damage their internal organs, remove their protective slime coating, or cause fatal injuries. Studies show that pike are more sensitive to air exposure than many other freshwater species.

The slime coating serves as their primary defense against parasites and infections. When you grab a pike with dry hands or drop it on a dry surface, you're essentially removing their immune system. This is why experienced anglers who know how to handle northern pike always wet their hands first.

Additionally, vertical holds put dangerous pressure on a pike's organs. Their bodies evolved for horizontal swimming, not vertical suspension. Supporting their weight properly ensures they swim away healthy and strong.

Pike populations face increasing pressure from habitat loss and overfishing. In many regions, large pike take two decades to reach trophy size, making their conservation critical. Some areas have specific regulations about pike handling and release.

Ethical anglers understand that today's released pike becomes tomorrow's trophy catch. By learning how to hold northern pike correctly, you're contributing to sustainable fishing practices that benefit the entire ecosystem.

Conservation isn't just about following laws—it's about setting an example for other anglers. When others see you handling pike professionally, they're more likely to adopt these practices themselves.

Essential Equipment for Handling Pike

Having the right tools ready before you catch a pike makes the difference between a smooth release and a dangerous struggle. Let's explore the gear that makes pike handling safe and efficient.

Must-Have Tools for Safe Pike Handling

Your pike handling kit should include these essential items:

Unhooking Mat Requirements:

  • Minimum 1 meter (3.3 feet) long for pike over 2kg
  • Padded surface to protect the fish
  • Water-resistant material that's easy to clean
  • Raised edges to prevent pike from sliding off

Long-Nosed Pliers vs Forceps:
The debate between pliers and forceps comes down to personal preference and fishing style. Long-nosed pliers offer better leverage for deeply hooked lures, while forceps provide more precision for delicate work.

Tool TypeBest ForProsCons
Long-nosed pliersTreble hooks, large luresStrong grip, better leverageBulkier, less precise
ForcepsSingle hooks, precise workLightweight, surgical precisionLess leverage on stuck hooks

Landing Net Specifications:
Choose a landing net with rubberized, knotless mesh that won't damage fins or remove slime. The net should be deep enough to contain a thrashing pike and wide enough for your target fish size.

Optional Equipment That Makes Handling Easier

While not essential, these tools can significantly improve your pike handling experience:

Gloves for Unhooking Pike: Thin fishing gloves protect against gill rakers and provide confidence for beginners. However, they can reduce your feel for proper grip pressure and may remove more slime than wet bare hands.

Jaw Spreaders: These metal tools safely hold a pike's mouth open for deep hook removal. They're particularly useful when unhooking a pike that has swallowed the lure. Always use them carefully to avoid damaging the fish's jaw.

Additional Helpful Tools:

  • Side cutters for cutting hooks
  • Measuring tape or bump board
  • Camera mount for solo fishing
  • First aid kit for emergencies

DIY Alternatives and Budget Solutions

Not everyone can afford premium pike handling gear immediately. Here are budget-friendly alternatives:

Instead of a commercial unhooking mat, use a wet towel or tarp on grass. For pliers, standard needle-nose pliers from a hardware store work if they're long enough. A large fishing net can substitute for a specialized pike net if it has fine mesh.

The key is ensuring any DIY solution protects both you and the fish. Never compromise on safety to save money—basic proper equipment is worth the investment.

How to Grab a Pike: The Step-by-Step Gill Plate Technique

Now we'll cover the exact technique for safely grabbing a pike. This method works for all pike sizes and keeps your fingers away from those dangerous teeth.

Step 1: Preparing Your Pike on the Unhooking Mat

Once you've netted your pike, resist the urge to grab it immediately. Place the entire net on your wet unhooking mat and let the fish calm down for a few seconds. Thrashing pike are dangerous pike.

Wet your hands thoroughly before touching the fish. This critical step preserves the pike's protective slime coating. Position yourself so you can comfortably reach the pike without stretching or straining.

If the pike is still thrashing, gently place a wet cloth over its eyes. This often calms them instantly, making the next steps much safer.

Step 2: Locating the Gill Cavity and Proper Hand Position

Understanding pike anatomy is crucial for this step. The gill plate (operculum) is the hard, bony flap covering the gills. Behind it lies the gill cavity—your target area for a safe grip.

For a right-pointing pike, use your left hand (and vice versa). Locate the gill flap and gently lift it to reveal the cavity. You'll see a natural space between the gill plate and the actual red gill filaments.

Never touch the red gill filaments—they're delicate organs the pike needs to breathe. Your fingers should slip into the space between these gills and the hard gill plate.

Step 3: Securing Your Grip on the Pike's Jaw

Insert only your fingertips (3-4 fingers) into the gill cavity, stopping at your second knuckle. Going deeper risks contact with teeth or damaging the gills. Curl your fingertips toward your palm to hook under the jaw bone.

This creates the "chin" grip that gives you complete control over the pike's head. When done correctly, you'll feel the solid jaw bone against your curled fingers, not soft tissue or teeth.

Apply firm but gentle pressure—enough to control the fish but not so much that you damage tissue. With practice, you'll develop a feel for the right amount of grip strength.

Step 4: Supporting the Pike's Body Weight

Never lift a pike by its head alone. Use your free hand to support the fish's belly, distributing weight evenly along its body. This prevents internal organ damage and gives you better control.

For pike over 5 pounds, the belly support becomes even more critical. Large pike have significant body weight that can tear internal connections if unsupported. Think of it like carrying a heavy board—you need support at both ends.

Position your supporting hand roughly at the pike's center of balance, usually just behind the pelvic fins. This creates a stable platform for lifting and holding.

Step 5: Lifting and Holding for Photos or Unhooking

With both hands properly positioned, lift the pike smoothly and confidently. Keep it horizontal and close to the unhooking mat in case it thrashes. Never hold a pike high above hard surfaces.

For photos, maintain your grip while keeping the pike horizontal. Have your camera ready beforehand to minimize air exposure. Remember the 30-60 second rule—pike suffer from extended time out of water.

If the pike begins trembling, it's about to thrash. Immediately lower it back to the mat and regain control before attempting to lift again.

Alternative Techniques for Different Pike Sizes

Not all pike are created equal, and different sizes require adjusted handling techniques. Let's explore how to grab a pike based on its size.

How to Handle Northern Pike Under 2kg (Small Pike)?

Small pike, often called "hammer handles," present unique challenges. Their gill cavities are tiny, making the standard grip difficult. Their small size also makes them incredibly slippery and agile.

For these little rockets, try the neck grip method. Place your hand behind the pike's head, wrapping your fingers around the "neck" area. Support the belly with your other hand as usual.

Some anglers find small pike harder to handle than large ones. Don't be discouraged—even experienced anglers sometimes struggle with energetic small pike. The key is maintaining calm confidence.

Handling Medium Pike (2-5kg) Safely

Medium-sized pike are ideal for practicing the standard gill plate technique. They have adequately sized gill cavities for a secure grip while being manageable in weight.

These fish often display the most aggressive behavior, so expect vigorous thrashing. Keep your movements smooth and deliberate. Quick, jerky movements trigger their predatory instincts and increase thrashing.

Medium pike are perfect for honing your technique. They're large enough to handle properly but small enough to manage if you make minor mistakes.

Special Considerations for Trophy Pike Over 5kg

Trophy pike require extra care and respect. These fish are often decades old and irreplaceable in the ecosystem. Their sheer weight demands proper support to prevent injury.

Always use two hands when lifting large pike, with extra attention to belly support. Consider keeping them in the water for photos, lifting just the head and shoulders for the camera. This reduces stress and injury risk.

For true giants over 10kg, some anglers prefer the "pike cradle" technique. This involves supporting the fish with both arms like carrying a baby, distributing weight evenly along its entire length.

Common Pike Handling Mistakes That Cause Injury

Even experienced anglers make handling errors that result in injury. Learning to recognize and avoid these mistakes keeps you safe on the water.

The 5 Most Dangerous Handling Errors

1. Gripping the Actual Gills: This tops the list because it's both common and dangerous. Grabbing the red gill filaments damages the pike's breathing organs and exposes you to razor-sharp gill rakers.

2. Vertical Holds: Instagram might love vertical pike photos, but this position crushes internal organs. Always maintain horizontal positioning when learning how to hold a pike properly.

3. Dry Hands or Equipment: Handling pike with dry hands strips away their protective slime coating. This seemingly minor mistake can lead to fatal infections days after release.

4. Fingers Too Deep: Inserting your entire hand into the gill cavity puts you dangerously close to teeth. Remember: fingertips only, stopping at the second knuckle.

5. Panicked Reactions: When a pike thrashes, the worst response is jerking your hand away. This often results in cuts from teeth or gill rakers. Stay calm and lower the fish to regain control.

Signs You're Gripping Incorrectly

Your grip might need adjustment if you experience these warning signs:

  • Fingers touching soft, squishy tissue (likely gills)
  • Feeling teeth against your fingers
  • Unable to control the pike's head movement
  • Hand cramping from over-gripping
  • Pike able to shake its head violently

If any of these occur, immediately lower the pike and readjust your grip. Never force a bad grip—it endangers both you and the fish.

Despite best practices, accidents happen. Here's how to handle common pike-related injuries:

For Puncture Wounds: Clean immediately with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and use antiseptic. Pike teeth harbor bacteria, so monitor for infection signs.

For Gill Raker Cuts: These slice wounds bleed profusely but are usually shallow. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth until bleeding stops. Keep your first aid kit stocked with bandages specifically for these linear cuts.

Always seek medical attention for deep punctures, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection. Better safe than sorry when dealing with wounds from fish that can affect your health.

Advanced Pike Handling Techniques

Once you've mastered basic pike handling, these advanced techniques help in challenging situations.

How to Handle Deeply Hooked Pike?

Deep hooking presents ethical and practical challenges. When a pike swallows the lure, standard unhooking becomes impossible without causing serious damage.

First, assess the situation. If the hook is visible in the throat, long forceps might reach it. Work slowly and carefully, keeping the pike's mouth open with spreaders if needed.

For hooks beyond reach, cutting the line is often the most humane option. Research shows pike have remarkable ability to shed hooks naturally, often within 24 hours. Use barbless hooks when possible to increase survival rates.

Managing Aggressive or Thrashing Pike

Some pike seem determined to injure themselves and you. These aggressive fish require modified handling approaches and extra patience.

The "towel trick" works wonders for uncontrollable pike. Drape a wet towel over the pike's head, covering its eyes. This usually calms them instantly, allowing safe handling.

For boat handling, consider keeping aggressive pike in the net while unhooking. This contains their thrashing while you work. Just ensure the net stays wet throughout the process.

Boat vs Shore Handling Differences

Boat handling presents unique challenges with limited space and hard surfaces. Always have your unhooking mat ready before bringing pike aboard. Designate a specific area for pike handling.

Shore anglers have more options but face different challenges. Grass provides cushioning, but sand and rocks can damage pike. When learning how to lay a pike on shore, choose grass over hard surfaces.

In both situations, minimize the distance between water and handling area. The shorter the journey, the less stress on the fish.

Handling Pike in Extreme Weather Conditions

Weather significantly impacts pike handling safety. Cold weather makes fish sluggish but also numbs your hands, reducing grip sensitivity. Wear thin gloves in winter for protection while maintaining feel.

Hot weather presents greater risks to pike survival. Their metabolism increases, demanding more oxygen while receiving less from warm water. Reduce handling time to absolute minimum—30 seconds maximum in hot conditions.

During rain, everything becomes slippery. Take extra care with your footing and grip. Wet conditions actually benefit pike by keeping them moist, but increase your injury risk.

How to Unhook a Pike Safely?

Removing hooks from pike requires technique, patience, and the right tools. Let's explore safe unhooking methods for different situations.

Single Hook Removal Techniques

Single hooks are the easiest to remove and cause less damage. Grasp the hook shank with pliers, not the point or barb. Reverse the hook's entry path—don't try to pull it through.

For lip-hooked pike, you can often unhook without using the gill grip. Simply control the pike's head with one hand while working the hook free. This minimizes handling time and stress.

Barbless single hooks practically fall out on their own. Consider switching to barbless for easier unhooking and improved pike survival rates.

Dealing with Treble Hooks in Pike

Treble hooks complicate unhooking significantly. Multiple points mean multiple potential snag points, and pike often get several points embedded during the fight.

Start by identifying which points are embedded. Use long-nosed pliers to work on one point at a time. Sometimes rotating the entire hook helps free stubborn points.

For severely tangled trebles, cutting one or two points with side cutters simplifies removal. This is faster and safer than prolonged unhooking attempts. Your lure is replaceable—the pike isn't.

When to Cut the Line Instead

Sometimes the most responsible choice is cutting the line. Deep hooks in the throat or gills often cause fatal damage if removed. Pike survival rates are actually higher when deep hooks are left in.

Make the cut as close to the hook as possible, leaving minimal line. Use heavier line (15-20 lb minimum) that won't wrap around the pike's teeth during the fight.

If you must leave a hook, document it if possible. Some regions track hooked pike survival rates, and your data helps conservation efforts.

Proper Pike Release and Recovery

The final moments of handling determine whether a pike swims away strong or struggles to survive. Master these release techniques to ensure pike survival.

The 30-60 Second Rule for Air Exposure

Science confirms what experienced anglers know: extended air exposure kills pike. Limit total handling time to 60 seconds maximum, with 30 seconds being ideal.

Think of it like holding your breath underwater. That burning sensation you feel after 30 seconds? That's what pike experience out of water. Every second counts.

Pre-plan your handling sequence. Have tools ready, camera prepared, and know exactly what you'll do. Efficiency saves pike lives.

Recovery Techniques in Still vs Moving Water

Recovery methods vary by water type. In rivers or streams, hold the pike facing upstream into current. The flowing water passes over their gills, providing oxygen for recovery.

In lakes or still water, move the pike forward slowly in a figure-8 pattern. This creates water flow over the gills. Never move them backwards—this forces water the wrong direction and can damage gills.

Watch for steady gill movement and increasing muscle tension. These signs indicate recovery. A recovered pike will actively try to swim away when ready.

Signs a Pike is Ready for Release

Don't release a pike until it shows clear recovery signs:

Positive Signs:

  • Strong, rhythmic gill movement
  • Muscle tension returning
  • Attempting to swim from your grip
  • Upright body position
  • Clear, focused eyes

Warning Signs Requiring More Recovery Time:

  • Listing to one side
  • Weak or no gill movement
  • Limp body
  • No response to gentle movement
  • Cloudy or unfocused eyes

Patient recovery ensures pike survival. Those extra minutes supporting a tired pike make the difference between life and death. For tips on recognizing fish stress, check out this guide on fish health indicators.

Troubleshooting Pike Handling Problems

Even with proper technique, challenging situations arise. Here's how to handle common pike handling problems.

What to Do When You Can't Get a Good Grip?

Sometimes pike positioning or mouth damage prevents a standard gill grip. Don't force it—this leads to mistakes and injuries.

Try approaching from the opposite side. Sometimes switching hands provides better angle access. If the gill cavity is damaged, use the modified neck grip for temporary control.

For pike with mangled mouths from previous catches, extra care is crucial. These fish are survivors and deserve gentle handling despite their injuries.

Handling Pike That Won't Stop Thrashing

Hyperactive pike test your patience and technique. The key is outlasting their energy while maintaining control. Never try to overpower a thrashing pike.

Keep them in the net longer before attempting to handle. Use the wet towel eye-covering technique. Some anglers find humming or talking softly calms fish—sounds silly but often works.

If thrashing continues, return them to water in the net for a few minutes. Sometimes a brief recovery period calms them enough for proper handling.

Dealing with Bleeding or Injured Pike

Bleeding pike require quick decisions. Minor bleeding from hook wounds often stops quickly and heals well. Profuse bleeding from gills or deep tissue suggests poor survival odds.

For minor injuries, minimize handling and release quickly. The water's cooling effect helps slow bleeding. Don't attempt field surgery—you'll likely cause more harm.

Severely injured pike that won't survive should be harvested if legal. Check local regulations about keeping injured fish. It's more ethical than releasing a dying fish.

Managing Multiple Pike in the Net

Double-headers create chaos. Two thrashing pike with 1,400 teeth between them demand respect and careful planning.

Never attempt to handle both simultaneously. Secure one pike in the net's corner while handling the other. Use net dividers if available, or have a partner ready with a second net.

Some anglers transfer one pike to a holding pen or second net. This prevents injuries from pike attacking each other and simplifies individual handling.

Pro Tips from Expert Pike Anglers

Years of pike handling experience reveals techniques that textbooks miss. Here are insider tips from seasoned pike anglers:

Top 10 Expert Pike Handling Tips:

  1. Practice on smaller pike first - Build confidence with manageable fish before tackling trophies
  2. Keep fingernails trimmed - Long nails catch on gill rakers and increase injury risk
  3. Watch the tail - A powerful tail slap can knock tools from your hands
  4. Use polarized glasses - Better visibility helps accurate hand placement
  5. Mark your pliers - Bright tape helps find dropped tools quickly
  6. Dawn and dusk require extra care - Low light increases mistake likelihood
  7. Cradle big pike like a baby - Distributes weight perfectly on true giants
  8. Count to three before lifting - Ensures proper grip before committing
  9. Learn pike body language - Tensing muscles signal incoming thrash
  10. Wet everything twice - Mat, hands, and tools benefit from extra moisture

Water Temperature Handling Guide:

Water TempMax Air ExposureSpecial Considerations
<50°F (10°C)60 secondsPike sluggish, handle gently
50-65°F (10-18°C)45 secondsIdeal conditions
65-75°F (18-24°C)30 secondsReduce handling time
>75°F (24°C)Avoid if possibleConsider not fishing for pike

For more tips on handling aquatic species safely, explore our guide on proper crab handling techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Pike Bite Me If I Hold It Properly?

When using correct gill plate technique, pike bites are extremely unlikely. Their teeth point backward to hold prey, making it difficult to bite fingers positioned correctly in the gill cavity.

The bigger risk comes from panic movements. If you jerk your hand away when a pike moves, you might drag it across teeth. Stay calm and deliberate with movements.

Are Gloves Necessary for Handling Pike?

Gloves for unhooking pike aren't mandatory but can boost confidence for beginners. Thin fishing gloves protect against gill rakers while maintaining grip feel. However, they may remove more slime than wet bare hands.

Experienced anglers often prefer bare, wet hands for better fish protection. If using gloves, ensure they're wet and designed for fish handling, not thick work gloves.

How Long Can I Safely Keep a Pike Out of Water?

Follow the 30-60 second rule religiously. In ideal conditions (cool weather, calm fish), 60 seconds is maximum. Hot weather or stressed fish require 30 seconds or less.

Think of air exposure like holding your breath—every second matters. Pre-planning reduces handling time and improves survival rates.

What's Easier to Handle - Small or Large Pike?

Surprisingly, many anglers find large pike easier to handle. Bigger pike have larger gill cavities for secure grips and move more slowly. Small pike are lightning-fast and slippery.

Don't underestimate small pike difficulty. Their energy and tiny gill cavities challenge even experienced anglers. Practice patience with these little rockets.

Can I Lip a Pike Like a Bass?

Never attempt to lip a pike like a bass. Those 700+ teeth will shred your thumb instantly. Pike aren't designed for lipping—their mouth structure and teeth arrangement make it dangerous and impossible.

Stick to the gill plate technique exclusively. It's the only safe method for controlling pike. Leave lipping to species with fewer teeth. Learn more about species-specific handling in resources from the Minnesota DNR.

Conclusion

Mastering how to grab a pike properly transforms your fishing experience from fearful to confident. The gill plate technique, when executed correctly, provides complete control while protecting both you and these magnificent predators.

Remember the key points: wet your hands, use only fingertips in the gill cavity, support the body horizontally, and limit air exposure to 60 seconds maximum. With proper equipment and technique, those 700 teeth become a non-issue.

Conservation starts with individual anglers making responsible choices. Every pike you handle correctly swims away to grow larger and create more fishing opportunities. Share these techniques with fellow anglers—together, we can ensure healthy pike populations for generations to come. Now get out there and put these skills into practice!

Disclaimer

AquaMarinePower.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their aquatic friends. However, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. For more information, please read our disclaimer.

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