I can agree with much of what has been said but in the same breath I have experienced some misgivings with pike. They are unpredictable at best. I have ended up with a big treble in my palm (rapala magnum) trying to release an average northern with a pair of channel locks. Reached down while it was still in the water and tried to remove the hooks while it was floating (mistake #1). Fortunately the fish jumped off and I held onto the channel locks and was able to crimp the barb and slide it back through. This happened some 30 years ago and left quite an "impression".

I am still loathe to lift a pike over 44" in my solo. In a tandem I wouldn't think twice...........A bell northwoods is a very stable platform.

Nice looking fish PJ........I love the markings on pike.
PJ is quite likely right about avoiding lipper tools and learning to slide in from behind the gills. I suspect an orange lipper is a poor way to handle a big northern. When they start spinning and twisting it would be a strong grip indeed that would be able to hang on. I still like my boga because it is free spinning while my wrist still stays in one place. Slick tool. I would suggest becoming familiar with what works on smaller and midsized fish until you become confident and proficient. As pointed out to hesitate and not have confidence is likely to end in a poor result for you and the fish.

Still reluctant? Try using some of the "fish handling" gloves made by Lindy. Basically tooth and hook proof.

Voyageur is on the money. While not in a canoe, I have landed pike in the mid-40 inches by hand. The key is when your index finger under the gill cover (and not touching the gills) and thumb on the outside come together, pinch them together and lift. Keeps fingers away from hooks as well and works with fish large enough that you cannot reach across the shoulders.

I got a pair of the orange grippers for our trip next week. Have always just gone behind the gills, "across the shoulders" in the past. I hope to catch one too large to be able to grab the shoulders on this trip . I will include my .02 regarding the gripper with my report.

J

we used the orange grippers last year and i thought they worked great. better than expected. but none of the pike were over 35".