Essential Fish Care Kit For Pike
Fish Care Comes First
If there is one rule in pike fishing that should never be broken, it is this: do not go pike fishing without the right fish care equipment. Pike are powerful predators with rows of razor-sharp teeth and incredibly strong jaws. Without the correct unhooking tools, you risk serious injury to yourself and, more importantly, to the fish. Every item in your essential fish care kit for pike exists for a reason — and none of them are optional.
All of the gear featured in this guide is available from Fox Rage, a brand trusted by pike anglers across Europe. Whether you are new to pike fishing or simply want to make sure your kit is up to scratch, this is the gear you need before you even think about casting out.
The Essential Kit
Long Nose Pliers
Long nose pliers are arguably the single most important tool in your pike fishing kit. Pike regularly engulf lures and baits deep into their throats, and without a good pair of long nose pliers, safely removing hooks becomes almost impossible. The extended reach allows you to get right down to the hooks without putting your fingers anywhere near those teeth. Never attempt to hand-unhook a pike — it is dangerous for you and stressful for the fish.
Belt Pliers
Belt pliers are a compact, lightweight pair of pliers that clip directly onto your jacket or belt. They are perfect for quick hook removals when the pike has not taken the bait too deeply. Having them on your person means you are never caught fumbling through a tackle box at the critical moment. Speed matters when a pike is on the mat.
Side Cutters
Side cutters are your safety net. If a hook is in an awkward position and cannot be removed cleanly with pliers, the best thing you can do for the fish is cut the hook. A good pair of side cutters will snip through treble hook shanks with ease, allowing you to remove the hook in pieces rather than causing further damage. Every pike angler should carry a pair — no exceptions.
Unhooking Mat
A large, padded unhooking mat is essential. Pike are heavy, bony fish and they must never be placed on hard or rough ground. Always wet the mat before laying the fish down to protect its slime coat. The mat gives you a safe, cushioned workspace to unhook the fish calmly and return it to the water in the best possible condition. You can see the unhooking mat in action in the kit image above — it is the foundation of good fish care.
Large Landing Net with Rubber Mesh
Pike need a big net. A standard coarse fishing landing net simply is not large enough to cradle a pike safely. Choose a dedicated pike net with a wide, deep frame. Equally important is the mesh material — rubber mesh is far kinder to the fish than traditional knotted nylon. It protects the pike's delicate fins and slime coat, reducing stress and the risk of injury during landing.
Wire Traces
Always use a wire trace when pike fishing. This is non-negotiable. Pike will bite through monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders in an instant, which can leave hooks and lures lodged in the fish with no way to retrieve them. A quality wire trace — such as the Fox Rage titanium traces — prevents bite-offs, protects the fish, and gives you the confidence to fish effectively. If you are interested in browsing more recommended tackle, head over to our gear library.
Pro Tips for Pike Fish Care
Always carry long nose pliers — never attempt to hand-unhook a pike. Their teeth can cause serious lacerations and hand-unhooking risks injuring the fish.
Keep belt pliers clipped to your jacket — speed is everything when a pike is on the mat. Having pliers on your person saves valuable seconds.
Side cutters are your safety net — if a hook is in an awkward position, do not force it. Cut the hook cleanly and remove it in pieces.
Use a large, padded unhooking mat — always wet it before laying the fish down. Never place a pike on hard ground, gravel or concrete.
Choose rubber mesh nets — they are far kinder to the fish's slime coat and fins than traditional knotted nylon mesh.
Always use a wire trace — pike will bite through mono and fluorocarbon. A wire trace protects the fish from being left with hooks inside it.
Have all your unhooking tools ready before you start fishing — do not wait until you have a pike on the bank to start looking for your pliers. Preparation is key.
A Quick Word on Lures
With your essential fish care kit for pike sorted, you can fish with confidence knowing that every pike you catch will be handled safely and returned in top condition. Whether you are fishing with deadbaits or crankbaits and lures, having the right care equipment takes the stress out of the moment and lets you enjoy the fight. For more pike fishing content and tutorials, check out our video library.
Be Prepared, Be Responsible
It is every angler's responsibility to carry the right fish care equipment. Pike are magnificent fish and they deserve to be treated with respect. If you are not prepared to carry the essential tools, you should not be pike fishing. For more information on responsible pike angling, visit the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain.
Be sensible, be prepared — but above all, enjoy your pike fishing. There is nothing quite like the thrill of a pike run, and with the right kit in your bag, you can savour every moment knowing you are doing right by the fish. For more tips and fishing stories, browse the full blog.
