loosing plastic baits

I watched a video yesterday and mention was made, something I have been saying for years, is plastic baits are not worn out by a fish biting, but when the hook is removed by the fisherman, that is when the bait suffers damage.
I just watched a 15 minuet video of a guy shooting docks and he put 4 new plastic baits on because of the same reason. He was complaining the Bobby Garland baits dont stand up. Not true. He was the one damaging the bait when he removed the bait from the fish.
This little gem will fix all of that. I found it on amazon for $4 and have used it for several years. Lots of guys say it takes to much time to get it and use it. Consider how much time it takes to go get another bait and put it on. And how much money your spending on torn up baits. Its like anything else, if you wrap your head around using it you will do it without thinking and get real fast. I also think it is better on the fish to use it rather than sticking your figure down its throat and hearing crack crumple yuck. We've all done it.
Anyway end of my rant. Please use this item or a similar one. I have no affiliation with any of them. I think it will save you baits and be more comfortable to the fish. Attachment 447431

Those toothpicks are very nice. The other thing you can do is pinch your barb down, then hooks will come out easily for you. I started bending down the barbs when i casted plastics for white bass, went from getting new plastics every other fish to using the same bait for 2 dozen fish

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A fish pick. I made one from an old toothbrush. Wally Marshall has a good one too.

We use those ice fishing; the ones I have have a pin-mounted lanyard on them. Just pin them on your shirt or vest and they're always within reach. I think they're made by Cold Snap.

I tend to always use hemostats, I keep them clipped to my shirt or around my neck on a lanyard


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When shooting docks most of the bait damage I get is from hanging up on the structure and having to bend the hook out to free it.

so the question is this , when you encounter species that are not crappie and have a really bad attitude about being ketched,how does unhooking it carefully make any difference once they have thoroughly chewed said bait into multiple pcs. ? :dono

Try an old "Bic" pen tube with a notch cut with a hacksaw blade . works great . Got them in every box on the boat and cost almost nothing .

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

A fish pick. I made one from an old toothbrush. Wally Marshall has a good one too.

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Great idea thanks. dentist is always giving you toothbrushes and I use a electric anyway. Will improvise.

I use something similar, I bought it at Wal mart in the sewing section. I think it was called a stitch ripper or something like that. Bought it after my buddy RichieRich showed me a tool very similat to the one you have here that one of our fishing buddies gave him. They work GREAT and don't bend your jig hooks like pliers will!