There was a letter from a guy in a recent PB mag issue about how he could get the hooks out without hurting the fish. I read it twice but I still don't really understand the technique.

I've tried a lot of ways but, if it takes me too long and I still don't have success, then I usually just figure that leaving the hook will give the fish a chance whereas keeping it out of the water for too long while I attempt "surgery" is probably worse.

I've gotten to where I'll try setting the hook too soon and miss the fish rather than let them hold it for as long as I used to and take a chance on killing it. That's another reason I like fishing spinnerbaits and big crankbaits when they are working - much less chance of hurting the fish.

I'm still hoping to learn more about the best ways to handle a deep-hooked fish.

If you're too scared to throw that bait where the fish are, why did you tie it on?