Cusk Hooks

[Jack1972]

Anyone have a good recommendation for hooks that can be easily removed from these guys?  Obviously I'd like to let the non-keepers live and it would be great to do so without cutting my hook.

[BrookieSlayer99]

I haven't found that any hooks work better for cusk lines. They end up gut hooking themselves on pretty much anything. Not much can be done besides using bigger baits that the small ones can't eat

[fullerbn]

Use big 2/0 bass hooks, the kind you'd use with soft plastics, I've  been able to release many without harm.

[onehitters21]

I have been using number 6 circle hooks and have done well releasing cusk I don’t keep

[MainelyNH]

I use #1 or 1/0 circle hooks depending on bait size. I mash the barbs too to aid with hook release. I haven't noticed any difference in catch rate despite mashing the barbs since most cusk get hooked either in the gullet or right down in the gut.

[meatandmetal]

Cut the line they will survive you will do more harm trying to dig it out.

[BrookieSlayer99]

Cut the line they will survive you will do more harm trying to dig it out.

I'd love to think that but a 14" cusk thrashing all night with a number 2 hook in it's stomach won't make it in my opinion. Lake trout or seagull food

[meatandmetal]

I'd love to think that but a 14" cusk thrashing all night with a number 2 hook in it's stomach won't make it in my opinion. Lake trout or seagull food

Caught a bow Friday at The Dark Side that had a #4 hook in his stomach and he was doing fine. I bet a cusk would survive before a bow would.

[MainelyNH]

Cut the line they will survive you will do more harm trying to dig it out.

I never go after a gut hook. If it's in the gullet and I know I can slide the hook right out with no fuss I will. Though you are probably right in both situations.