Safe catch-and-release for trophy Northern Pike and Muskie requires keeping the fish supported in the water inside a wide-hoop net, using long-reach pistol-grip pliers for fast hook extraction, and minimizing air exposure to under 30 seconds. Equipping your boat with a Large Carbon Fiber Fishing Net, Stainless Steel Pistol Pliers, and Ultimate Fishing Gloves protects both the fish and your hands.
1. Support Giant Fish in a Heavy-Duty Hoop
Lifting a 105 cm (41-inch) Northern Pike or 125 cm (49-inch) Muskie vertically by the gill plate can injure its spine and internal organs. Instead, scoop the fish into a Large Carbon Fiber Fishing Net (183 × 61 cm / 6' × 24" hoop, rated to 34 kg / 75 lb) and leave the bag submerged beside the boat while you prep your pliers and camera.
2. Fast Hook Removal & Cut-Hook Readiness
Big swimbaits and bucktails often sport multiple heavy treble hooks. Having the right pliers within reach saves critical seconds:
- Deep Unhooking: Stainless Steel Pistol Pliers keep your knuckles clear of 700+ razor-sharp pike teeth while giving you a straight line of sight down the throat.
- Heavy Reach: For thick Muskie hooks, keep 8.5" Stainless Steel Pliers handy for extra leverage.
- Hand Protection: Slipping on Ultimate Fishing Gloves (50% DuPont Kevlar fibre) shields your fingers from sharp gill rakers during jaw holds and lets you tap your phone screen for a quick photo.
3. Quick Weight & Waypoint Logging
If you want a verified weight on a trophy fish without harming it, weigh the fish inside a wet weigh sling—never hang a giant pike or muskie vertically from a lip hook. Clip the sling to your Bubba Pro Series Smart Fish Scale (rated to 27.2 kg / 60 lb with ±0.3% accuracy), zero out the sling weight, and log the catch and GPS waypoint straight to the BUBBA App before reviving the fish boatside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a trophy Pike or Muskie stay out of water for a photo?
Aim for under 30 seconds total out of the water, and keep the fish submerged in your Carbon Fiber Fishing Net until cameras and pliers are completely ready.
Where can Canadian anglers buy BUBBA pike and muskie gear?
ShopBUBBA.ca stocks the Carbon Fiber Fishing Net, pliers, and gloves with 2 to 5 business day shipping across Canada and zero import fees.
Protect Canada's trophy fisheries: Gear up with the Carbon Fiber Fishing Net and Stainless Steel Pistol Pliers on ShopBUBBA.ca.