Constructing a simple dehooker within minutes with a couple of parts.
It would be quite an accomplishment if the species we are targeting results as the primary catch on the day. To the dismay of many anglers however, blending the day with undesirable species comes with the territory. Many times species such as skates, dogfish (sand shark), toadfish and sea robins may overcome a day’s catch of summer flounder, sea trout, striped bass and several species of groundfish. Unfortunately many anglers consider the undesirables as “trash fish” and quite often leave them on the deck to die before discarding them back overboard. I agree they can be a nuisance but trash, never.
You see the good Lord has filled the oceans of the world with countless amounts of sea life all which fortunately have duties to keep the marine ecosystem balanced. Therefore with that said, I crafted a simple and inexpensive gadget that allows a hand free clean and safe release without the concern of getting stabbed with the spines of the dogfish, toadfish and sea robin or handling the prickly flesh of a skate. In addition, the long-handle disgorger makes catch and release a breeze whether release an undersized or trophy fish.
Start by finding an old, wooden handle broom or mop and cut off the head leaving behind approximately 4 feet of the handle. A one inch diameter of dowel wood of 4 foot in length will also suffice should a handle not be available. Simply screw in a 2-9/16-inch ceiling hook screw into the cut end of the handle. You may have a few stashed in your handy box or you can purchase a few at your local hardware store or Home Depot. While you should be able to screw the hook in by hand, you can also use a 1/8-inch drill bit on a hand drill and drill down about a 1/4 inch or just enough to get the screw started for an easy hold down.
On the opposite side of the handle run grip tape from the tip and down about a foot of the handle. Grip tape can be purchased at any hardware store or if you have any around, grip tape for sport sticks just as baseball bats, hockey and lacrosse sticks is just as good.
Once ready to use, simply run the disgorger down the line and to the hook, and a simple twist of the handle will remove the hook without physical contact of the fish and an easy release. By days end your hands will thank you the lack of soreness often accompanied by a day of handling the spiny or prickly species.
