unHOOKum hook remover?

[Jeff Soto]

Has anyone used this cool-looking device for removing hooks?  Looks great. See the video at:

www.breambugs.com/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=80

 

[Jeff Soto]

I'm sorry, here's the correct site address:

www.breambugs.com/index.php?_a=product&product_id=170

[Tony Livingston]

I've got one... I still reach for my hemostat instead.

If the gill' takes the hook deep, there is not much you can do to get it out without causing damage.

For catch and release, I prefer my hemostat and barbless hooks... or at least hooks with the barbs smashed down.

The problem I have with the unhookem' tool, is that I don't have enough hands. You have to hold the fish in one hand, the tool in the other, and pull on the line to hold tension against the hook as you try and remove it. All while trying to see the hook point, so you can tell which way to turn it to guide it out so it doesn't re-hook on the way up.

I haven't had much luck with it.

[Dwayne Denison]

Has not worked out to well for me either.

[Johnny wilkins]

I would say no either - the solution I have in my little store you get two for a dollar and these can be found online between .50 cents and $1.50. I will do a video on hook removal when I return from my big tournament at the end of the month... When you see it in action you will understand. 

 

This works all the time and gets hooks out faster, easier than pliers, tools or any other hook removal device. I have an antique model that was made by Pflueger that has been around since the 1800's. The only $20 hook remover I would purchase would be a guide.  : )

[J. B. Hillard]

I have one but used it once so far. Misplaced the darn thing somewhere in mountains of gear. It's a neat little tool but I had trouble using it for gut hooks. Need to find it and get more practice.

[robert a. melvin]

a number 2 pencil is all you need.

[Dwayne Denison]

Robert could you explain this method please, would love to hear more.Dwayne

[robert a. melvin]

if you are keeping the fish simply put pencil in fishes mouth past the hook,hold the line and spin fish 3 times and hook will catch on pencil you will hear it . pull pencil out .

 

 

[Terry Gauger]

Gentlemen,

My name is Terry Gauger and am the inventor of the unHOOKum tool. I am some what puzzled that the tool is hard to use for some of you. May I ask if the users have watched the videos of the tool on our web site  www.unHOOKum.com? There are clear instructions and actual demonstrations ( not staged ) on the use of the tool. It is VERY EASY to use and only takes a matter of seconds to remove your fly as shown with a timer in the video. I don't believe that any tool can be used to remove a fly in 5 seconds or under and be as easy on the fish. I have several youngsters and ladies that use and love the tool. My wife who is not a great fisherwomen can use the tool effectively. IT DID take several fish before she could get the hang of using it.

  I would be happy to speak with any of you that have a problem with the tool and explain its use. Please e-mail me  ([e-mail])  you phone number or call me at [phone] as would like to discuss the use of the tool with you. I sure don't what you to be dissapointed in the tool. 

thank you -- Terry Gauger

[10.5" RES Sharon]

Terry, thanks for the video. I am always looking for a device that helps the fish out as I don't keep many. My problem is usually I can't see which way the hook bend is or even exactly where it is caught in the little bitty bluegill mouth. Therefore I wouldn't be able to figure out how to slide the unhookum under the hook at the bend, grab it, turn in clockwise, push it in, and pull it out. Also, the unhookum seems to have very sharp points on it for searching around, maybe you could coat it with plastic?

[Tony Livingston]

Terry,

First off let me say how much I appreciate you taking the time to reply to this thread. It is very refreshing to see a company, or individual who cares enough about their product to respond in the manner in which you have. You set the standard by which more companies should be judged.

I've owned one of your tools for a little over a year now. I find that it works fine on shallow hooked fish. By that, I mean hooksets where you can still see the hook.  However, my hemostat works fine on removing these types of hooksets also, albeit perhaps not as quickly as the unhookum tool.

My original reply was based on the assumption of dealing with a "swallowed" hook. A situation where all you can see is your line disappearing down the fish's gullet. No part of the hook is visible, or at least nothing below the hook's eye. I still stand on the statement I made then. In this situation, there's not much you can do to remove the hook and not injure/kill the fish.

My reason for purchasing your tool was to see how it performed under these conditions on a Bluegill. (Swallowed hook).  I can find no fault with the unhookem when used as your videos show. (Non-swallowed hooksets).

I don't know if there is a tool on the market that would retrieve these swallowed hooks, especially since the angler is unable to determine the orientation of the invisible hook, to enable him to guide it back out without re-hooking the fish. If the unhookem can do this then please advise me as to it's proper use, as I would certainly give it another try!

Respectfully,

Tony

[Dwayne Denison]

Tony, could not have said it better myself, same reason I bought tool and same problem I am having. Terry, I commend you on your customer service, a lot of peolpe in business, could learn something from you. I have not given up, It still hangs around my neck everytime I go fishing.

Thanks

Dwayne