Best way to release shark

[reel determined]

I bought a dehooker thinking it would save me time and money and be better for the shark. Needless to say the dehooker did not work very well or I just was not using it right. If I just cut the wire above the hook how long does that hook take to rust out and what kind of damage does it do to the shark? I am going to give the dehooker another shot, hopefully this weekend, but I am trying to release these sharks and give them the best chance for survival. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[27 sailfish]

Sharks are often hooked very well and tough to get off the hook. If lip hooked - you can use a 3 inch gaff to hook the bend of the hook. A hard pull while holding the leader will often free the hook.

Sometimes you just have to cut them loose - the plated hooks will erode after time. It is dangerous to try and twist the hook out with pliers. Some guys use bolt cutters but these will rust BADLY after one trip.

Capt. Mark Sampson wrote a good book - Modern shark fishing.
He goes into detail about using barbless circle hooks - this looks to be the ticket for C/R shark fishing. He uses an ARC dehooker - plan to try it.

[shoot-straight]

Sharks are often hooked very well and tough to get off the hook. If lip hooked - you can use a 3 inch gaff to hook the bend of the hook. A hard pull while holding the leader will often free the hook.

Sometimes you just have to cut them loose - the plated hooks will erode after time. It is dangerous to try and twist the hook out with pliers. Some guys use bolt cutters but these will rust BADLY after one trip.

Capt. Mark Sampson wrote a good book - Modern shark fishing.
He goes into detail about using barbless circle hooks - this looks to be the ticket for C/R shark fishing. He uses an ARC dehooker - plan to try it.

ARC dehookers are the best tool i have ever found for removing hooks!

[Russ D]

If you notice in all my shark pics this season you'll see a de-hooker. I can't say we have success with most of them but we do give it a good try. Some pop loose and some we cut as close as we can. Either way never use Satinless hooks for sharking as they won't rust out as fast as the normal hooks. I've already burned through about 30 shark rigs and hooks this season so If I can get back even 20% I'm happy.

[reel determined]

Thanks for the advice. I will give the dehooker another try. They make it look so easy on the shark tournament in keys on espn. Russ , are you using single or doulble hook rigs? I know the double hooks work well but they are a pain to get out.