How to Hold a Pike

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Pike are an impressive breed of fish to look at due to their large size. In order to take a photo or record the measurements of a pike, you will need to hold it securely. If your pike is larger than about 2 kilograms (4.4 lb), use the gill cavity grip to hold it. If your pike is smaller than about 2 kilograms (4.4 lb), grip it around the neck. Regardless of the size of the pike, always put a hand under its belly to support its organs. Enjoy being up close to this majestic fish!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Holding Large Pike

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  1. Step 1 Place the pike on a landing mat.
    This gives you a flat surface to lay the pike on. This is particularly useful if you are on a rocky or muddy surface. For large pike, use a landing mat that is at least 1 metre (3.3 ft) wide and long, as this gives room for the pike to lie flat.[1]
    • If you don’t have a landing mat, place the pike on the flattest nearby surface.
  2. Step 2 Slip your fingertips between the gills and the plates.
    When catching many fish, it is common practice to hold them by the gills. However, it is as important not to use this grip on pike fish, as they have teeth in their gills. Instead, pull the gill flap back and place 3 or 4 fingertips into the cavity between the gills and the gill plate. You will be able to see clearly see the space that is free of teeth! Use your free hand to hold down the fish.[2] |
    • If the pike’s head is pointing toward the left, place your left fingertips between the gills and the plates. Alternatively, if the head pointing toward the right, place your right fingertips between the gills and the plates.
    • The gill flap is located underneath the mouth of the fish.
    • The gill plate is the roof of the gill cavity.
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  3. Step 3 Clench your fingertips toward yourself to control the jaw of the pike.
    Bend the fingertips on your hand that is in the gill flap as close to the palm of your hand as you can. This gives you a firm grip on the jaw of the pike and allows you to carry the bulk of its weight. Use your free hand to stop the fish from moving around too much.[3]
    • Avoid putting your whole fingers into the gill plates, as this can cause them to sit near the teeth. Instead, simply put your fingertips up to your second knuckle into the fish.[4]
  4. Step 4 Support its belly when taking photos or putting it back in the water.
    When picking up a pike that is more than about 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lb), it is especially important to place 1 hand underneath its belly. This helps to support its organs and also gives you a more secure grip on the fish.[5]
    • Avoid holding the fish vertically, as this can put unnecessary pressure on its organs.[6]
    • Use your spare hand to support the belly.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Holding Small Pike

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  1. Step 1 Lay the pike on a landing mat.
    This provides a flat and grippy surface to lay the pike. Place the pike on the middle of the mat to keep it from wriggling back into the water. Purchase a landing mat online or from a fishing store.[7]
    • Small pike are less than 2 kilograms (4.4 lb). As a result, any regular sized landing mat is appropriate for this sized fish.
  2. Step 2 Grip the neck with a firm hold.
    Wrap your dominant hand right around the neck of the pike, just below the mouth. This grip is the best option for small pike, as the traditional gill hold that is used on larger pike shouldn’t be used on these fish due to their small gill cavities.[8]
    • If the fish is particularly wriggly, put on a pair of gloves to give yourself a better grip.
  3. Step 3 Hold the pike in the middle of the belly to support its organs.
    Avoid holding the pike vertically, as this puts a lot of pressure on its organs. Instead, lift up the belly of the fish with your free hand to bring it to a horizontal position. This also helps to stop the pike from moving.[9]
    • This grip is particularly useful for taking a photo with the pike.
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Tips

  • If you want to take a photo with the pike, ask a friend to take the photo for you, as you will require both hands to hold the fish securely.
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  • The grips for holding a pike can feel a little awkward at first, but over time they will feel second-nature.
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Warnings

  • Whilst pike can look a little scary, it is important to treat them with respect. In many countries, cruelty to animals is a criminal offence, so be careful to treat the pike kindly.
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  • Avoid holding pike for longer than necessary to avoid distress. Try to take any photographs and measurements of the fish as quickly as possible, as leaving the pike out of the water for long periods can cause it to get stressed. As soon as you have recorded the details of the fish, place it gently back into the water.[10]
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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fyxj8hpcy9k?t=78
  2. ↑ https://www.anglersmail.co.uk/blogs/big-fish-thursdays/unhooking-pike-45013
  3. ↑ https://globalflyfisher.com/fish-better/pike-landing
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fyxj8hpcy9k?t=39
  5. ↑ https://www.northernontario.travel/northeastern-ontario/how-to-properly-hold-a-fish
  6. ↑ https://www.northernontario.travel/northeastern-ontario/how-to-properly-hold-a-fish
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fyxj8hpcy9k?t=78
  8. ↑ https://globalflyfisher.com/fish-better/pike-landing
  9. ↑ https://globalflyfisher.com/fish-better/pike-landing
  1. ↑ https://www.northernontario.travel/northeastern-ontario/how-to-properly-hold-a-fish

About This Article

Kathy Sparrow, MA
Co-authored by:
Kathy Sparrow, MA
Fishing Instructor
This article was co-authored by Kathy Sparrow, MA. Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American. This article has been viewed 52,843 times.
5 votes - 84%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: March 10, 2025
Views: 52,843
Categories: Fishing
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 52,843 times.

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