2 hours ago, Jonas Staggs said:

I have the long thin needle nose plier style hook remover, and also carry standard pliers for larger fish. Sometimes I think it might be better to just leave the hook in, if I cannot get the hook out "CLEANLY". Theres been times where I have gotten the hook out, but I think it ended up doing more damage than good.  

 

Can a fish survive with a hook in it like that? Will it eventually fall out or work it's way out? Not sure if it's true but I heard with saltwater the hook will rust out.

 

I've caught some skinny, sickly looking fish with hooks in the soft portion of their throats that had very little sign of rust. I doubt it's very possibly for them to work loose a hook in their throats and fresh water does not quickly break down a hook like saltwater does.

Hey I gut Hooked a fish today and successfully extracted the hook. There was blood but there sometimes is and I thought nothing of it. I went to release the fish and although gills and nervous system were working the fish just floated upside down. I am experienced and tried to “recicitate” it even though it had been out of water for a mere 2 minutes... fish still died I’m confused?? Help ~_~.

On 9/25/2020 at 5:02 PM, BassBen24 said:

Hey I gut Hooked a fish today and successfully extracted the hook. There was blood but there sometimes is and I thought nothing of it. I went to release the fish and although gills and nervous system were working the fish just floated upside down. I am experienced and tried to “recicitate” it even though it had been out of water for a mere 2 minutes... fish still died I’m confused?? Help ~_~.

Try to hold your breath for 2 minutes after strenuous physical activity...

 

Also, some of them aren't going to make it no matter what you do. If it's a keeper and you like to eat them, keep it, or find someone who does.