How to land the BIG lings

Same as above,
I grew up in a large family and my dad taught me that if I wanted to fish, I had to learn how to handle a fish properly.
I rarely use a net or gaff ...... too much room for error.
Most fish can be handled safely by either their lip, gill plate, tail, or collar.
For lings, the gill plate works best after playing him out, also helps to turn him upside down.

I like to grab them by the gill plate too, wear gloves though, if they thrash those gill rackers are sharp with little "teeth"

Grabbing big lings by the gill plate sounds like an excellent way to injure them prior to release...

Keep the pressure on them. Lings have that regurgitation/gill flare trick that is very effective at throwing hooks.

For a release I try not to remove the fish from the water.

If I am keeping a lingcod, I'll use any means to get it on the clip. I used to use fish grippers, but last season i had one actually twist the non-leashed grippers from my hand and swim off with the grippers still on it. Ruined an otherwise good day.
My preferred method is to gaff them in the mouth, then get them on the clip ASAP. BUT, I do also carry a net and have used it effectively when my game clip was occupied. I just picked up a second clip specifically for that (lucky) eventuality.

Grabbing big lings by the gill plate sounds like an excellent way to injure them prior to release...

Gentleness is a virtue when handling all fish in my book. I love to CPR and catch them again another day. If we keep everything then it's dead and you can't catch em again...

A big net will always make the job easier with the large lings. The problem is that they catch wind and lures in addition to being a pain to store. The gill grab is always handy but when they come up over 30" that changes the whole deal for me.

I gaff a lot nowadays because I am fairly confident with it and prefer to avoid the net based tangles. Also a well paced gaff shot seems to stun the fish to a degree making boating it easier. The gaff is nice too because it gives me a little practice for the real challenge of nailing a hali with a clean shot.
   
Bottom line is the big net is the most sure way to do it just a pain to handle on the yak.

Ling cod are not hurting by any means.  There are more than enough of them out there.   I hooked 5 on NYE and all were 26" or bigger.  Not to mention they are a pretty hardy fish.  If Im not keeping it I will usually drag it in my lap or use the plastic grippers.  I normally carry a gaff and a net.

Also just a note.  I have netted 95% of my halibut including the one that was 59.5".  I carry a weathermans gaff too to tire em out if needed.

Grabbing big lings by the gill plate sounds like an excellent way to injure them prior to release...

+1  It's so easy to lip grip them. No need to grab by the gills.

Question, when using a gaf on lings are you guys just lifting them with their jawline or are you actually sticking them?
When I tried I had a bitch of a time doing it correctly and lost some. Switched to a net.


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At the base of the Operculum or Gill Cover forward of the first gill arch there is a spot at the bottom to grab a ling by without hurting the fish or yourself. I have grabbed lingcod by this area before. I also use Eric Stockwells trick with using the jig as a mini gaff already in place.  I made the mistake once with no net or gaff or grips to just grab the gill arches and that was a painful operation right there. The rakers will show you a new meaning of the "sailors language". If you like your hands all cut up then by all means go for it. I think its rather painful and the joints dont bend too well the next day at work from the toxins on the teeth.

 I carry a big net. The wind doesnt affect my travels at all. I've yet to lose a fish while using it. I love using it on big lings I will retain. I know they are going to roll as Rob describes and thats Ok with me. They roll up the net and are stuck right there. Perfect situation for the club or the hammer.

This is a great question and alot of good responses here indeed. Time and experience will let you form your best method for dealing with fish. Good luck in all you do. PM me when June rolls around and lets fish for big lings! Or PM anytime for that matter. Craig

Good information Craig!
Thanks.


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There really no right way, just a wrong.

Pick a method and master it.

What ever you choose pick the right tool for you to get the job done.

Sticky sharp gaff with a long stick at least 3ft, large net even consider getting a large promar net they fold up for the launch and landing.

It's been said but multiple game clips is a big plus. Gaff and Clip. Any nice ling I am keeping gets gaffed, and clipped and rolled in burlap soaked and tossed into the front hatch. 

Shorts get the lipgrip thingy

I don't like having a net unless I am possibly fishing for salmon then will bring it. I like gaffing my fis. Once use to it seems to work out nicely.

Some guys like Eric use a net all the time and live by it.

It's a choice that you have to make. So try them both out.

Remember either way once the head is out of the water the fish goes nuts usually or see's a net they get pissed.

Have a good one

A little slo-mo action:



 

I believe the regulations state that if you are fishing for a species that has a length requirement, "you are required to have a net (non abrasive) in your possession."

A little slo-mo action:



 

LOVE IT!

You are required to carry a net at least 18inch. But it does not have t be used and can be stored in side the yak. I carry one inside and never been asked to even see it. In only god knows how many times checked.

Nice video Eric...