David, there is an excellent article about this subject in the current issue of IN-FISHERMAN magazine. They give permission to use their article by anyone, anytime just to get the word out. I suggest that anyone interested in this subject get the current issue of IN-FISHERMAN.
BOB LUSK: I suggest you reprint this entire article.
"Background information, no matter what you've previously heard:
Hooks left in fish don't quickly rust away, don't quickly get digested...and often last until the fish dies.
The gills of fish are sturdy, tough organs that can be touched or handled. Bloody gills or other organs... fish blood rapidly coagulates in water.
The gullet and stomach linings also are resilient.
Cutting the line should be a last resort, not the first resort that it is tody."
The way they teach to remove the hooks is as described by LRunkle below. That is to go through the opening below the back gill to remove the hook.
For panfish that swallow the hook, they suggest considering using circle hooks as they tend to catch the fish in the mouth. There have been many discussions about the use of circle hooks on this forum.
