Landing big pike in the canoe is learned - it takes practice.  So many variables and conditions that you have to create for things to go right but it eventually becomes second nature.  I would disagree with MT about bringing to shore as well.  You're just adding an uneccary step and potential for something else to go wrong.  When you have that 46" of pike up near the boat and it's time to gill it - you can't  hesitate.  You need to find the gill, slip your fingers in quick and do it with authority.  Hesitation and a loose grip equals bloody hand.  I would never use a fish gripper on these fish either.

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