If you are in any doubt or are unsure, sack the fish safely and seek the assistance of another angler. Four hands are often better than two. Always consider the welfare of the fish first. Be prepared to offer assistance to other anglers, especially if they appear to have difficulties or seem to be inexperienced. If in doubt yourself, do not be afraid to seek assistance.
Treble hooks can tangle and knot in the landing net mesh.
If this happens it is best to use wire cutters to cut out each hook of the treble at the bend in order to extract from the net. The use of special large mesh landing nets will help eliminate this problem. Weighing should be carried out by using a weigh sling or soft net, not with the balance hook under the chin of the fish. Pike and zander may look tough, but in reality they succumb quickly to poor handling, stress and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Bear this in mind, especially after they have spawned, and in the summer when they fight hard but can have difficulty recovering.