"T-BAR" tricks
T-bars are the easiest and quickest way to remove a hook from a fish. In fact, they are so effective the fish doesn't even have to swung into the boat - the bar can be slid down the line, coupled with the hook and a quick downward shake can result in the fish swimming free.
It all sounds very easy, and it is once you know the right technique. Having seen a few new T-bar owners struggling I thought I would try to explain how things work.


Follow my basic four-step operation:
Take hold of the trace about nine inches to a foot from the fish's mouth. If you are tackling a Conger, Tope or something similar wear a padded re-inforced glove, not because the fish will bite you, but to protect your hand from the wet trace that could cut your hand. When you are handling heavy fish like these you need to take a turn of the trace around the hand to control the fish.

Next slide the hook of the T-bar down the shank of the hook until it reaches the bend.

Now comes the clever part, and where many anglers make a mistake. Hold the T-bar in place and pull the trace downwards alongside the body of the fish. This turns the hook in the fish's mouth and transfers the weight to the bar. The only thing now keeping the hook in place is the barb.
Lift both hands up, then drop them quickly, stopping with a sudden jerk.
This should pull the hook out backwards.
If you intend to release fish like a Conger there is no need to bring it on board. Just lean over the side, grab hold on the trace, lift the head clear of the water and whip the hook out.
If the hook is set so deep that you can not turn it there are push pull T-bars that enable the hook to be pushed backwards to dislodge it