Tools like the boga grip are not reccomended for holding large or fiesty salmon and trout because all that weight on the lower jaw puts extreme stress on their throats which we all know are VERY THIN.
(just look at some photos with them being held like this their gills are all flared out and that little tiny bit of skin is holding the fish's whole weight, 1 flop and bad news happens). Studies have been done in the great lakes with holding big lakers and salmon like this and they swim away but then die because their throats have been torn up unknowingly and unintentionally. Also it is not wise to hold good size fish by their tails either because you can injure their spines. If you lift up a big fish by it's tail and listen you can hear it popping. Not a pretty sound.
So what's the best way to do it?
Simple answer is carefully as possible.
Use the boga but also support the rear end of the fish with a wet hand so you don't stress the throat.
I know i have killed fish with my Boga when i lift them out of the net with it and they start frieking out you can hear and feel stuff tearing and they die shortly after. No, i'm not saying that this happens with every fish but it is a fact and does happen.
When i am releasing fish the plan is to get it in the rubber net and into the boat as soon as possible, suspend the net in the air and have small needlenose pliers on hand closely,
YOU ONLY HAVE 4-7 SECONDS WITH A SALMON IN THE NET BEFORE HE STARTS FLOPPING HE WILL NOT FLOP AT FIRST IN 98%OF ALL NETTINGS.
If you can get him in, pop the hook gently with pliers (look first, plan your move, and pop, do not grab and shake) and never touch the fish, then pop him right back in the water all without removing him from the rubber net the process takes 7 seconds max and all is well. This takes some practice but leaves the fish in the best possible condition.
