How to Safely Remove Hooks from Sharks – Land-Based Release

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Large sharks are powerful animals, even when tired. Quick, controlled hook removal:

• reduces stress on the fish 
• improves release success 
• keeps hands clear of teeth and leader tension 
• reduces the risk of tail strikes 
• supports responsible catch-and-release fishing practices 

In many situations, sharks can be released without dragging them fully onto dry sand.

Working in shallow surf reduces stress on the fish and allows safer positioning during hook removal.

Avoid dragging sharks high onto dry sand unless necessary.

Keeping the line tight helps hold the hook in position and makes it easier to engage with the dehooker.

Slide the dehooker onto the bend of the hook as shown in product images.

This provides the leverage needed for controlled removal.

Use the handle of the dehooker to rotate the hook.

Most circle hooks will roll free cleanly when steady pressure is applied.

Give the shark space to move off safely.

Avoid standing directly in front of the head or tail during release.

 Dragging sharks fully onto dry sand
This increases internal injury risk and stress. Keep the shark in shallow water whenever possible during hook removal.

Not supporting exhausted sharks before release
If a shark is slow to move off, hold it facing into the current so water flows over the gills until it swims away strongly.

Using tackle that’s too light for the species
Long fights increase exhaustion and reduce survival after release. Use appropriately strong rigs to shorten fight time and improve recovery.  Whether you're casting from the beach or deploying baits by drone, matching your rig to the size of the shark you're targeting helps reduce fight time and improves release success. 

Trying to remove deeply embedded hooks instead of cutting the leader
Cutting the leader close to the hook is often safer than forcing removal.

Standing near the tail during hook removal
A sudden tail strike can cause serious injury. Stay beside the mid-section of the shark whenever possible.

Using short pliers instead of long-reach dehookers
Short tools reduce control and increase risk. Long-reach dehookers allow safer hook removal while keeping distance from the mouth.

Leaving barbs intact when catch-and-release is planned
Flattening the barb before fishing makes hook removal faster and reduces handling time during release.

 The safest working position beside a shark is around the middle of the body, away from both the mouth and the tail. This area moves less suddenly than the head or tail and reduces the risk of injury during hook removal.

Never place hands near the mouth.

Keep clear of leader tension under load.

Watch tail movement at all times, as sudden strikes from the tail can cause serious injury.

Avoid kneeling directly beside the head or tail especially during hook removal.

Work with a second person where possible to maintain control and improve safety during release.

Using a long-reach stainless steel dehooker allows safer hook removal by increasing distance from the shark’s mouth while maintaining control during release.

 Standard short dehookers are designed for smaller species and lighter hooks.

Large sharks require:

• increased working distance from the mouth 
• leverage to rotate heavy hooks 
• corrosion-resistant materials for surf conditions 
• reliable control under tension 

Solid stainless steel long-reach dehookers are widely used by experienced shark fishers for these reasons.

 The Wiggle ya Worm solid stainless steel shark dehooker is designed specifically for removing large hooks from powerful fish during land-based and offshore release situations.

Its extended reach allows safer hook removal while keeping distance from teeth and leader tension during release work.

 Careful handling, correct positioning beside the shark, and efficient hook removal all help improve release outcomes for large fish. Working in shallow water where possible and using appropriate long-reach release equipment reduces stress on the shark and improves safety for fishers during the release process.

Responsible catch-and-release practices allow land-based shark fishers to target large species confidently while supporting the long-term health of local shark populations.

Good preparation starts long before the shark reaches the beach. Choosing the right rig, using suitable release equipment and planning your release before deploying your bait all contribute to safer outcomes for both fish and fishos.