How to hold a pike like a pro

by Steve Agius May 25, 2025

How to Hold a Pike Safely and Effectively

So you're fishing for Bass, Walleye, Perch or something other than Pike. You feel and aggressive hit on your line and surprise, it's a Pike. Don't panic, read this blog so you know what to do now and for all of the other pikes you will inevitably catch.

Northern Pike are impressive predatory fish known for their aggressive appearance and razor-sharp teeth. Whether you've caught one intentionally or as a surprise while fishing for other species, knowing how to hold a pike properly is essential for both your safety and the fish's well being. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the proper techniques to handle pike confidently and return them to the water unharmed.

Why Proper Pike Handling Matters

Northern Pike (Esox lucius) might look tough with their formidable teeth and predatory nature, but they're actually quite delicate fish. Improper handling can damage their internal organs, remove their protective slime coating, or cause injuries that lead to infection. For anglers, the risk of getting bitten or cut by their sharp teeth and gill rakers is real but easily avoided with proper technique.

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Learning to hold a pike correctly achieves three important goals: it keeps you safe from their teeth, protects the fish from harm, and allows for proper measurement, photography, and safe release. With pike populations facing pressure in many waters, practicing catch and release with proper handling techniques helps ensure these magnificent predators remain for future generations to enjoy.

Essential Equipment for Handling Pike

Before attempting to handle a pike, make sure you have these important tools ready:

Unhooking mat (at least 1 meter/3.3 ft long for larger pike)
Long-nosed forceps or pliers for hook removal
Landing net with fine mesh and deep basket
Wet hands or pike-specific gloves (optional for beginners)
Camera ready for quick photos if desired
Measuring tape or fish measuring mat

Having these tools ready before you catch a pike will minimize handling time and stress for the fish. Remember that pike should spend as little time as possible out of water, so prepare everything in advance.

5 Key Steps to Hold a Pike Safely

Place the Pike on an Unhooking Mat

Once netted, place the pike on a padded unhooking mat to protect it from rough surfaces. For large pike (over 2kg/4.4lb), use a mat at least 1 meter long to fully support the fish's body. Keep the mat damp to help preserve the pike's protective slime coating.
Locate the Gill Cavity and Position Your Hand

Find the gill flap (operculum) on the side of the pike's head. For right-handed anglers, approach from the left side of the fish (or vice versa for left-handed anglers). Pull back the gill flap slightly and locate the space between the gills and the gill plate. This is where you'll place your fingertips—not your whole hand.
Secure Your Grip on the Pike's Jaw

Insert 3-4 fingertips (up to the second knuckle) into the gill cavity between the gills and gill plate. This area is free of teeth. Bend your fingertips toward your palm to get a firm grip on the jaw. This "chinning" technique gives you control of the pike's head without risking injury to yourself or the fish.
Support the Pike's Body

Once you have a secure grip on the jaw, use your free hand to support the pike's belly. This is crucial for all pike, but especially important for larger specimens over 2.5kg (5.5lb). Supporting the belly helps prevent damage to internal organs and gives you better control if the fish starts to thrash.
Hold the Pike Horizontally for Photos or Measurement

Always hold pike horizontally, never vertically. Vertical holding puts dangerous pressure on their organs. For photos or measurements, maintain your grip on the jaw while supporting the belly with your other hand. Keep the fish over the unhooking mat in case it thrashes. Limit air exposure to 30 seconds or less.

Special Technique for Small Pike

For smaller pike (under 2kg/4.4lb), the gill cavity may be too small for the standard grip. Instead:

1. Place the pike on the unhooking mat as usual.

2. Grip the neck area just behind the head with your dominant hand, wrapping your fingers around it firmly but gently.

3. Support the belly with your free hand to keep the pike horizontal.

4. This "neck grip" provides control without risking damage to the small gill structures.

Remember that even small pike have sharp teeth, so maintain a firm grip and keep your fingers away from the mouth. The neck grip is only suitable for smaller specimens—larger pike should always be held using the gill cavity technique.

3 Common Pike Handling Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistakes

Gripping the actual gills - This damages delicate gill filaments that the fish needs to breathe. Always place your fingers between the gills and gill plate, not on the red gill filaments.
Holding pike vertically - This puts dangerous pressure on internal organs and can cause serious injury. Always hold pike horizontally with belly support.
Dry hands or dry unhooking mat - This removes the protective slime coating that pike need to fight off infections. Always wet your hands and mat before handling pike.

These mistakes are unfortunately common but easily avoided with proper knowledge. Taking the time to learn correct handling techniques shows respect for these magnificent predators and helps ensure they survive to fight another day.

Safely Releasing Pike After Handling

After you've unhooked, photographed, or measured your pike, proper release is crucial for its survival:

Minimize air exposure - Keep total time out of water under 60 seconds if possible
Return to water gently - Lower the pike into the water rather than throwing it
Support until recovered - Hold the pike upright in the water, facing into any current
Wait for signs of recovery - The pike will let you know when it's ready with gill movement and muscle tension
Allow it to swim away on its own - Don't force it to swim before it's ready

A properly released pike has an excellent chance of survival. Be patient during the release process—sometimes a tired pike needs a minute or two of gentle support in the water before it's ready to swim off strongly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holding Pike

Do I need gloves to hold a pike?

Gloves aren't necessary and can actually make it harder to feel if you're gripping correctly. They may also remove more of the pike's protective slime. However, if you're nervous about handling pike, a thin fishing glove on your "jaw hand" can help build confidence. Wet hands are generally better for the fish.

Will a pike bite me if I hold it correctly?

When using proper technique, it's very unlikely a pike will bite you. Their teeth point backward to hold prey, so they can't easily bite your fingers when you're holding them by the gill cavity. Just keep your fingers away from the mouth and inside of the gill cavity where the teeth are located.

How long can I safely keep a pike out of water?

Minimize air exposure to 30-60 seconds maximum. Pike are more sensitive to air exposure than many other species. Have your camera ready before lifting the fish, take quick photos, and return it to the water promptly. In hot weather, reduce handling time even further.

Is it easier to hold small or large pike?

Most anglers find larger pike easier to hold securely using the gill cavity grip, as there's more space for your fingers. Smaller pike require more precision with the grip, and very small specimens (under 1kg/2.2lb) are often better handled with the neck grip technique described earlier.

When is pike season?

To ensure you comply with 2025 fishing regulations follow the link on open/closed seasons for pike and all other species in Ontario.

2025 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary