Handling Skates

[h00dstar215]

i heard sum people say u can touch a skates tail but i dont know...so i wuz wondeering if any1 could giv me tips on throwin them back in da water

[DarthBaiter]

THe tail has barbs so be careful. I handle em by cuping my hand and putting the skate's back into my palm. Their backs have small barbs that really don't hurt when done this way.

[IrishAyes]

If you run your hand from rear to front the barbs will get you bad. If you go front to rear, not so much. I usually grab their nose with a rag, unhook them and release them.

The tail does not have sharp barbs like a stingray if that is your concern.

You do have to watch their mouth. It can extend out from the body, so to speak and can give you a decent bite.

[Stray Cat]

If you run your hand from rear to front the barbs will get you bad. If you go front to rear, not so much. I usually grab their nose with a rag, unhook them and release them.

The tail does not have sharp barbs like a stingray if that is your concern.

You do have to watch their mouth. It can extend out from the body, so to speak and can give you a decent bite.

Yup, grab them by the nose or if they are big enough you can grab them on the sides just below the nose. Another main concern is unhooking them. Watch their mouth as it opens up and also extends outward. Never been bitten by one but I think they have some strong mouths.

[Bucktail]

   and before that! 

[ped579]

I carry a boga grip with me and hook the mouth unhook and release that way.  Works well.   

[blynch]

Grab the hook with pliers.  Try to turn the hook so the fish will fall off using simply it's gravitational force.  Ohterwise, you need to use a rag or some gloves.  Just watch the spines.

[Capt -Jerry P]

I still just grab them, hands suffer all summer .

But get one of those J hooks. works awesome...

[Last Call]

Hickory stick!  Oops, inside voice.....