I can easily imagine what Jax is saying. In my case, I don't pluck but rather press on the rim of the spool to maintain tension since the bail is open and the fish is within easy reach of my other hand. If it's small I grab it and do whatever. For bigger, toothy fish, I'll slide my hand under their belly and lift slightly which will basically immobilize 'em as I set my rod down - with the bail already open ... just in case something highly unusual happens.

From there it's usually a simple matter of deciding whether to grab the pliers the stringer or go in for a closer inspection. If it's hooked deep all bets are off but ideally, fish do not normally get past the rail of my canoe.

If it's a really big, I assume they are embarrassed by that point and really don't want to be measured, weighed and have their picture taken with me anyway. I know that would stress me out so once I can see what I caught, if it's not pan worthy that day, I give them every leisurely opportunity to spit the hook I have time for. Most don't or can't but I do offer the opportunity since my thrill has already been realized by then.