This needs to be done with great care. The gaff should be used only in the area outside the halfway point of the leading edge of the wing and no more than 4 from the leading edge. This gives a secure hold and poses no danger to internal organs. If the fish is deep hooked, DO NOT attempt to remove the bronzed hook. Simply cut the hook link as near to the hook as possible and release the fish.
Deep hooking can and does cause fatal injuries to skate.
Return all deep hooked skate to the water quickly. Give it a chance of survival. Measure the wingspan and the length, check the sex and then obtain the weight from charts available from Glasgow Museums. If the skate has to be brought onboard, for whatever reason, have everything to hand before doing so in order to release the fish back into the water as quickly as possible. Return to Links Index.