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Fish Teeth & Spines
Fish have teeth, spines, gill plates, and slime — all of which can hurt you. Even small fish can cut you if you grab them wrong.
Ask before you touch
If you don't know a fish, don't grab it. Ask an adult which fish are safe to hold and how to hold them.
Use pliers for hooks
Never put your fingers in a fish's mouth if you don't know it. Use pliers to keep your hands safe from teeth and gill plates.
Wet a towel to grip
A wet towel gives you a soft, safe grip and protects the fish's slime coat if you plan to release it.
🧠 Quick Quiz
Answer all 3 questions, then check your score.
- 1. You catch a fish you don't recognize. What do you do?
- 2. Why should you use a wet towel to hold a fish you'll release?
- 3. What tool keeps your fingers safe from teeth?