Able Man wrote:
6 one way, 1/2 dozen the other. Personally, I don't get my gear wet, if I'm NOT intending to KILL and eat (&/or sell) {&/or donate} some fish.
It sounds like, if the fish is undersized to legally keep; maybe cutting the line as close to the hook as possible, would be the "humane way" to go.
I strongly suggest that you ✓/ a LEO about all that, as well.
I use a stick bobber to remove a swallowed hook what you do is put the pointed end in the fishes mouth hold the leader against bobber and twirl the fish around he fish will usually fall off and is ok work good on bluegill.